Although Twitter’s Fleets Stories feature has been disabled, the Stories format will continue to spread across other social media platforms. TikTok announced today that it will be testing a new product called TikTok Stories, which will allow the company to look into new methods for its users to express themselves creatively.
The new product, according to the firm, will be an addition to its existing storytelling tools, such as films, Duets, Stitch, and LIVE, rather than a replacement.
TikTok did not specify the duration of the pilot test or whether it would lead to a public debut. We understand, however, that the test has been operating for a few days, not weeks or months. For the time being, it’s only available in a few non-U.S. markets, with the goal of gaining insight and feedback from TikTok users. We should advise that the present set of features may or may not make it into the public product.
More screenshots of TikTok Stories pic.twitter.com/1PVfgJ9YWT
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) August 4, 2021
Matt Navarra, a social media consultant who is frequently among the first to discover new capabilities in social apps, noticed the feature. In this case, he claims that numerous tipsters sent him screenshots of TikTok Stories, although it was unclear if they were real or fake at first.
From the pictures and videos of TikTok Stories in action, we can see a product that, for the most part, looks similar to users of other platforms’ Stories.
Introducing TikTok Stories ✨🔥
Plot twist!
h/t @amanfirdaus pic.twitter.com/gvQMzixYtS
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) August 4, 2021
Users may make their first Story by tapping a camera button from the new navigation bar on the left side of the screen, then using conventional tools to add text or stickers, insert music, and even utilise effects on their footage. Users can record videos or post images, just like on other platforms, with the latter allowing TikTok to take advantage of users’ larger camera rolls rather than relying solely on video.
TikTok did not specify which markets will be able to try out TikTok Stories. Screenshots, on the other hand, demonstrate the feature mentioned in English and on Android phones.
There’s no information on how long it’ll be in testing or when it’ll be released. It’ll be interesting to see how TikTok adapts the Stories functionality to its own needs. The potential for engagement and ad space is enormous, but if executed incorrectly, it may wind up like Fleets.
TikTok said last month that it was extending the maximum duration of films that may be shared in a single post from 60 seconds to three minutes. This is intended to provide producers with an additional tool for their films while also encouraging consumers to spend more time in the app.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration formally reversed Donald Trump’s executive orders banning TikTok due to stated national security concerns in June. President Biden also directed the Commerce Department to look into apps with ties to foreign adversaries that could jeopardise data privacy or national security in the United States.
