TikTok to allow longer-form content with up to 10-minute videos, challenging YouTube

TikTok is no longer an ultra-short video-sharing platform. The viral social media platform is now allowing videos that are as long as 10 minutes. By allowing longer-form content, TikTok seems to be taking on YouTube.

Several popular social media platforms have been steadily adopting TikTok’s methodologies, which primarily involve offering ultra-short videos to keep users entertained and hooked. While the giants developed Reels, Shorts, and Spotlight, TikTok seems to be going the opposite route. The platform that rose to fame on the back of short videos and clips, is now gradually increasing the maximum video length allowed on the platform.

Speaking about the new development, a company spokesperson offered a statement to The Verge:

We’re always thinking about new ways to bring value to our community and enrich the TikTok experience. Last year, we introduced longer videos, giving our community more time to create and be entertained on TikTok. Today, we’re excited to start rolling out the ability to upload videos that are up to 10 minutes, which we hope would unleash even more creative possibilities for our creators around the world.

TikTok is gradually allowing its content creators the ability to record and upload longer-length videos. Some of the users who received the notification have shared the same on Twitter:

YouTube is seriously investing in its TikTok-rival “Shorts”. Traditionally, YouTube has skewed heavily towards lengthy content. Long-length videos mean more engagement time on the platform. Using the strategy, YouTube has also captured the older audience. Additionally, YouTube can insert a greater number of ads in longer videos.

Aside from challenging YouTube, it is not clear exactly why TikTok is interested in longer-form content. After all, it has fine-tuned its algorithms, as well as the app, for ultra-short videos. And creators, as well as the viewers, have not only accepted the vertical feed with shorter stuff, but they have routinely rewarded the platform with ever-increasing engagement metrics.

Source: The Verge