TikTok has introduced text-only posts, allowing users to create content with up to 1,000 words, in an effort to expand the possibilities of content creation on the platform. This move is seen as TikTok’s attempt to attract users who may be seeking an alternative to Twitter.
The new feature allows users to express their creativity through written content, with options to add colored backgrounds and stickers to the posts. Unlike traditional TikTok videos, these text-based posts will encourage commenting rather than fostering a video-based conversation. This format is reminiscent of Instagram, where posts are often interacted with through comments.
The speculation is that this new feature could be aimed at competing with both Twitter (which has just been rebranded as “X” ) and Meta’s new Threads.
X (Twitter) has been facing a number of financial challenges, with a significant drop in ad revenue leading other tech companies to vie for its user base by launching rival platforms.
Instagram’s Threads, a text-based app targeting Instagram users, was launched to much fanfare but has since experienced a decline in active daily users. TikTok, on the other hand, boasts over a billion users, with a younger audience compared to Instagram.
However, TikTok continues to face criticism due to its links to China, leading several governments, including Canada, the US, UK, and Australia, to impose restrictions on the app’s usage on government-owned devices.
Why does this matter?
Despite these challenges, TikTok remains a significant player in the social media landscape and is continually exploring new features and tools to engage its user base and attract new audiences. The addition of text-only posts is seen as another step towards diversifying content on the platform and catering to a wider range of creators and users.
featured image courtesy of TikTok
Author spike.digital