Here's a sneak peek at TikTok's newest update: Now, or TikTok Now. It's been a while since TikTok, a widely used social media network, released a significant update that could influence users' habits and preferences.
A popular software called Be-Real has claimed that TikTok Now is a ripoff (a French social media app). The upgrade allows users to use both the front and rear cameras simultaneously and provides them with limited time. The software gives you only three minutes to do this. TikTok users have an extra minute to get their uploads ready compared to Be-Real app users. So far, it's what's been reported to be the main distinction between the two, except for the apparent fact that they're two whole separate apps and social media sites. As explained by TikTok:
“Making possible deeper connection and entertainment in a fun format, TikTok Now invites you and your friends to capture what you’re doing at the moment using your device’s front and back camera. You’ll receive a daily prompt to capture a 10-second video or a static photo to easily share what you’re up to.”
Sound Familiar?
Instagram and Snapchat have features nearly identical to BeReal, a rival app whose popularity has skyrocketed in recent months. And now, TikTok is participating in the trend by devoting a new section of the app to the functionality and, in some countries outside the United States, a whole new app to the function altogether.
TikTok Now takes two very distinct approaches, and it will be fascinating to see which one becomes popular. In the case of TikTok, this is especially important because, in contrast to other social networks, it emphasizes showcasing the best content from across the platform rather than letting users curate their experience via friend and interest segments.
It appears that TikTok is now taking the opposite tack and promoting one-on-one communication amongst friends. Even though this feature has always been included in the app, it's worth contrasting it with Meta, which actively works to broaden users' feed experiences beyond their social networks.
So, Do You Think It Will Be Effective? If Bereal Were Integrated Into Tiktok, How Would Users React?
That's the hook: while social media platforms are always borrowing features from one another, this attempt to blur distinctions between them is designed to make switching to a new app less appealing. You probably know some Instagram Reel viewers who refuse to download TikTok. As opposed to eliminating competition, this strategy aims to keep customers in their apps for longer. While copying BeReal's primary features may only deter a small percentage of TikTok, Instagram, and Snap's audiences from downloading it, it may prevent several million people from switching to another app.
Therefore, it is not as vital that it be as good, and the platforms do not care if people make fun of their blatant plagiarism. Some users may be dissuaded from installing other programs since it works. In other circumstances, like Instagram Stories, the imitators can overtake the originals and become the market leaders. They'll keep employing it whether we like it or not because it's an effective tactic in the war to sustain their relevance and viewership.
However, the more pressing issue is whether or not TikTok plans to add features geared toward social interaction among friends. TikTok appears to be successful because it takes the opposite tack, giving it access to a more extensive library of videos to select the best ones to feature in its ‘For You feed. Perhaps now, with the next level of social platform dominance in sight, TikTok is aiming to bolster its competitive offering in more ways.