TikTok Tests 15-Minute Video Uploads with Select User Group

TikTok is extending the duration of its videos. There are tests underway to enable users to upload 15-minute videos, as reported by Tech Crunch. This new upload limit is presently in the trial phase, restricted to specific regions and a select group of users. This test increases the video upload cap on the app from 10 to 15 minutes.

The alteration was initially observed by social media expert Matt Navarra on Threads. He shared a screenshot of the message shown to users with access to this new feature. According to the screenshot, users can now share lengthier videos on TikTok, both through the TikTok app and the desktop platform.

https://www.threads.net/@mattnavarra/post/CytE3KiIx_U

The social media platform became a go-to for short-form videos and content, but it has gradually been embracing long-form content. In February 2022, the company raised its maximum video length from three minutes to ten minutes. Prior to that, the limit was a mere 60 seconds, having initially started at 15 seconds.

This shift places TikTok in direct competition with YouTube, suggesting its intention to attract creators of longer-form videos, who typically publish content on YouTube. Traditionally, TikTok was known for short-form content, while YouTube was the preferred platform for longer videos. In recent years, these boundaries have blurred as TikTok welcomes longer videos, and YouTube incorporates shorter ones through Shorts. It's worth mentioning that TikTok is also testing a horizontal full-screen mode in select regions, further encroaching on YouTube's territory.

Interestingly, not everyone welcomes the extended video duration. TikTok's reputation is built on short, entertaining videos, which is what many users visit the platform for, rather than longer content. TikTok seems to acknowledge this, as it recently introduced a feature that allows users to fast-forward videos by pressing and holding the right side of a video.

In response to Navarra's post, several users shared their opinions on the tested feature. One person expressed, "i already never finish a video because now everyone rambles [for] ten minutes. it’s like watching podcasts. Exhausting." Another supporter of TikTok content creators argued, "If they want longer videos they need to pay more to creators. TikTok’s AdSense is ridiculous." Additionally, someone pointed out how the social media platform appears to be losing its unique identity, stating, "Tangentially related to this, I was surprised to see TikTok available on my Fire Stick. Very odd to watch it on our big TV. It probably doesn’t even count as a 'take' to say they’re gunning for YouTube."

Threads, the Twitter alternative created by Meta, has been officially released and gained ten million sign-ups within its first seven hours, as confirmed by CEO Mark Zuckerberg. The platform has already garnered significant support from various celebrities.

If you take a peek at Threads, you'll notice that it shamelessly resembles Twitter. It's no secret that Meta is aiming to lure users away from Elon Musk's struggling platform. The site made its grand debut, poised to give Twitter a run for its money in a way that previous alternatives like Mastodon and Bluesky couldn't quite achieve.

Created by the Instagram team, this fresh app offers a platform for sharing text updates and participating in public conversations. With this app, you have the freedom to create posts up to 500 characters in length, incorporating links, photos, and videos that can be up to 5 minutes long.

Since Musk assumed control of Twitter late last year, numerous Twitter users have expressed their desire for an alternative platform. Technical glitches and frequent policy changes have prompted some prominent Twitter users to seek greener pastures elsewhere.

Meta has a distinct advantage in terms of its existing user base. With over 2 billion active Instagram users worldwide, Meta aims to attract a significant portion of them to its new app. In contrast, Twitter's active user base stands at approximately 250 million.

"It’ll take some time, but I think there should be a public conversations app with 1 billion+ people on it," Zuckerberg said in a Threads post. "Twitter has had the opportunity do this but hasn’t nailed it. Hopefully we will."

The roster of celebrity names jumping on board continues to grow. Shakira, Oprah Winfrey, Kim Kardashian, and Kourtney Kardashian, have started accounts. So has Will Smith, and Jennifer Lopez, who have all hopped on the Threads and already have tens of thousands of followers.

Thanks to the carryover of usernames and verification from Instagram, Threads can effortlessly assemble an impressive lineup of famous faces and brands. And it's not just Hollywood stars joining the party. Jack Harlow, Zayn Malik, Gordon Ramsay, Karlie Kloss, Liam Payne, Ellie Goulding, and even the Dalai Lama have been spotted logging on to the app.

Take a look at celebrity posts extending a warm welcome to the new app.

Gordon Ramsay, the culinary genius, is not just a master in the kitchen but also a pro at sarcasm. With his razor-sharp wit and quick comebacks, he knows how to dish out sarcastic remarks. Even on the new app saying "Is this where I find the lamb sauce ??"

It's interesting to see the Dalai Lama embracing the wild world of social media. It's like watching your wise old grandparent try to navigate a roller coaster ride.

Zooey Deschanel, the talented actress known for her unique charm, brings her wit not only to the big screen but also to the realm of social media. With her quick and clever sense of humor, she effortlessly drew in a laugh with her Threads post. "Falling for Threads like I'm falling off this hammock," she said.

Ellen DeGeneres enthusiastically joined in on the Threads fun, radiating happiness and embracing the inclusive spirit of the platform. "Welcome to Gay Twitter!" she wrote.

Steve Aoki is not just known for his music but also for his signature cake throwing antics. Now, on the new app, he's taking his talent for throwing jokes. His post to the app about social media manager rates going up is quite fitting.

Shaquille O'Neal, the larger-than-life basketball legend, is not only known for his impressive skills on the court but also for his playful and mischievous nature off the court. He's a true jokester who loves to bring laughter to any situation including his first post on the new app, "THE DIESEL IS HERE."