TikTok is now testing a feature that will allow users to publish films that are 15 minutes long, which is an increase from the previous limit of 10 minutes. On the popular video-sharing platform, the study appears to indicate a shift toward long-form material, despite the fact that the geographic locations and user groups involved are not released.
Matt Navarra, an expert on social media, shared a screenshot of a notice on Threads that indicated the lengthier video option that TikTok offers. As a result of the larger video length, content providers on TikTok are able to include comedy routines, beauty tutorials, food recipes, and educational information. For the time being, when a creator’s effort is longer than ten minutes, they direct viewers to a “Part 2” video. It is possible that authors will no longer require multipart series for longer content now that the potential to submit videos has expanded.
Aiming to Rival YouTube’s Dominance: TikTok
TikTok’s ability to upload videos that are 15 minutes long places it in direct competition with YouTube, which is indicative of the platform’s ambition to attract long-form talent. A report from TechCrunch indicates that TikTok has gradually begun to accept longer content, which is comparable to the way that YouTube has begun to accept shorter videos.
In light of the fact that TikTok has established itself as a platform that primarily focuses on short and amusing material, the possibility of the company transitioning towards longer videos may evoke a range of responses. It appears that TikTok is continually exploring features that are typically associated with YouTube, as evidenced by the recent testing of a horizontal full-screen option in certain countries. TikTok has also included an option that allows users to browse between videos by tapping down on the right side of the screen. This feature acknowledges the fact that users have a variety of preferences about the platform.
For the time being, TikTok does not provide any precise information regarding the 15-minute video upload option, nor does it specify when or when it will be made available to all users simultaneously. TikTok extended the time limit for uploading videos from sixty seconds to ten minutes in February of 2022 on the platform.
Read More: 5 of The Best AI Video Makers Tool
Job Cuts Implemented
According to NPR, TikTok announced in a separate update that it has terminated around sixty people, the most of whom were employed in the sales and advertising sector. The company cited ordinary reorganization as the reason for the decision. In addition to offices located in Los Angeles, New York, and Austin, the affected positions also include those in foreign offices. Taking this action is a component of the company’s efforts to reduce expenses.
Although there are 150 million active users of TikTok, the labor reductions that have occurred at ByteDance, the parent firm of TikTok, highlight the challenges that the information technology industry is currently facing. The private Chinese company, which has a market value of $225 billion and employs more than 150,000 people, is among the most valuable organisations in the world. CNBC reports that TikTok has approximately 7,000 workers working in the United States.
According to projections, there will be more than 10,000 layoffs in 2024, which is a significant increase from the 260,000 layoffs that occurred in the previous year. The scenario is being driven by worker surpluses brought on by the pandemic, the desire of shareholder profitability, and the realignment of the technology industry towards artificial intelligence, according to specialists in the industry.
TikTok’s growth is slowing down in comparison to that of its competitors. Previously, TechTimes reported that Sensor Tower, a company that provides market data, indicated that the quarterly growth rate of monthly active users on TikTok decreased from 12% yearly in 2022 to 3% in 2023. This reduction occurred in the first quarter of 2023.
Read More: X Adds Audio and Video Calls Feature to Android Users