TikTok is currently testing a new feature that allows users to upload 15-minute videos, a significant increase from the previous maximum video length on the platform. The Chinese-owned tech firm has confirmed this change and is currently testing it with a small group of users in select areas.
This move by TikTok is part of its evolution towards embracing long-form videos. In February 2022, the platform increased the maximum video duration from three to 10 minutes, providing content creators with more options to distribute various types of content such as food recipes, beauty tips, instructional resources, and comedy routines.
Previously, when a video exceeded the 10-minute mark, creators would often have to link viewers to a separate “Part 2” video. With the introduction of the 15-minute upload restriction, this segmentation may no longer be necessary, as stated by Business News.
TikTok’s video length has progressively grown over time. It started with 15-second videos and expanded to 60 seconds, three minutes, five minutes, and eventually 10 minutes in 2022. This development allowed TikTok to offer a wider range of content on its platform.
Longer videos provide users with the opportunity to share more detailed and interesting information, enhancing user engagement and potentially opening doors for mid-roll advertisements.
With this change, TikTok is directly competing with YouTube, a platform widely recognized for its long-form content. As TikTok ventures into longer videos, the boundaries between the two platforms have become increasingly blurred in recent years.
While TikTok is making strides towards supporting longer videos, it is important to note that not all users may welcome this shift. Some users might prefer the shorter, amusing clips for which TikTok is known.
In addition to this development, TikTok and Meta, the parent company of Facebook, are currently facing scrutiny by the European Union (EU) regarding their strategies for combating the spread of “illegal content and disinformation” during the Israel-Hamas war. The EU has launched an official probe to investigate this matter, marking the first under its new digital content regulation. A similar investigation into X (formerly Twitter) has also been conducted under the supervision of Elon Musk.
It should be noted that X has recently made changes to its platform, including the removal of headlines from news items posted by users and the presentation of links as mere pictures. Experts have expressed concerns that these actions could result in reduced traffic for news websites.
In conclusion, TikTok’s testing of 15-minute video uploads demonstrates its commitment to evolving and competing with platforms like YouTube. By allowing longer videos, TikTok aims to provide users with more content options and increase user engagement. However, it remains to be seen how users will respond to this change. Additionally, the scrutiny faced by TikTok and Meta from the EU highlights the growing demand for accountability in the regulation of digital content.
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