TikTok is testing a new horizontal mode that plays videos as we know it from YouTube and old-fashioned television. Does the social network betray its roots or is this the only logical step?
Is TikTok a step ahead of the competition?
TikTok is currently testing a new horizontal full-screen mode with a number of users. That’s what the app told TechCrunch. An interesting choice, given that competitors YouTube and Instagram have imitated TikTok’s vertical stream of videos in the past year with Shorts and Reels respectively.
The people who test this horizontal display of videos on TikTok see a button with which they can activate the function. We are curious!
TikTok with horizontal videos the place for videos?
So this time it’s TikTok getting into YouTube territory, rather than the other way around. It is obvious that TikTok wants to become even more the video platform. Earlier this year, TikTok introduced the ability for users to upload videos of up to 10 minutes.
At the moment, the TikTok makers still have to be creative with the space on the phone. They then say before the video that you have to rotate your iPhone to enjoy the video. TikTok is now going to implement this in the app.
Rollout of new TikTok feature unknown
It’s unknown when or if TikTok plans to launch full-screen mode in a big way for all users at all. We wonder if horizontal videos benefit TikTok. The appeal of the Chinese app lies precisely in the vertical videos that fit perfectly on an iPhone screen.
On the other hand, YouTube continues to compete in TikTok’s market as well. Last September, YouTube announced that creators can earn ad revenue from Shorts. TikTok also offers this option, but with a much lower amount.
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