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.
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.