TikTok is causing a stir! An hour-long video uploads are being tested by them, which is a MASSIVE departure from their typically quite brief structure. This might significantly alter the video industry and increase their level of direct competition with YouTube.
But before you start picturing hour-long dancing challenges, remember that this is currently just a test for a limited number of users. TikTok is unsure if they will even make it available to all users. It appears as though they are only taking a tentative swim in the long-form video pool to gauge the temperature.
Since YouTube has long been the leader in long-form videos, this move may pose a serious challenge to the platform. Imagine being able to view instructional videos on cuisine, humorous skits, or even in-depth educational content, all within the well-known TikTok interface. With this added flexibility, creators might take to the platform in droves.
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In relation to creators, TikTok hopes that this will free them up to express themselves more freely. On TikTok, you may get comprehensive cosmetics tips, behind-the-scenes vlogs, and even movie and TV program trailers! Additionally, you can find yourself captivated to your phone even longer as you browse through a greater range of stuff without ever leaving the app.
However, if TikTok determines these hour-long movies aren’t a good fit, there’s a risk you won’t even see them. If you prefer short and sweet videos, their intelligent algorithm may not even inform you that long-form videos exist.
It’s also important to note that TikTok’s future in the US is now somewhat dubious. The software may be blocked in the future! Therefore, the whole long-form video thing may just be a great side project that never gets to be implemented.
TikTok is definitely keeping things fresh! If hour-long videos become the new standard, that will have to be seen, but it’s certainly something to watch out for.