TikTok is conducting test on whether or not it will allow users to upload 60-minute videos the feature is currently accessible to a select group of users in specific markets, and the company has no immediate plans to make it broadly available
The functionality, initially identified by social media consultant Matt Navarra, represents a deviation from the initial design of TikTok. At inception, the app permitted users to upload 15-second videos; however, TikTok has extended that duration over recent years.
Although the organization initially gained recognition for its short-form video format, it has progressively adopted long-form content to compete with YouTube, one of its most formidable rivals.
TikTok states that although creators can connect multi-part stories by directing viewers to part two or further, the platform frequently receives requests from creators desiring additional time for comedic sketches, culinary demonstrations, beauty tutorials, and educational lesson plans, among other things.
According to the organization, the increased time limit is intended to provide creators with greater flexibility to experiment with new or expanded content categories. This increases the direct competition between TikTok and YouTube. The provision of 60-minute video upload capabilities on TikTok is presumed to encourage content creators publishing their material on YouTube to transition to its platform.
The extended time limit may also enable posting complete episodes of television shows, a new form of content, on TikTok.
The premiere episode of “Killing It” was uploaded to TikTok for free last year; however, it was divided into five segments. Implementing the 60-minute upload limit on videos by TikTok would prevent the need for networks to segment episodes into multiple sections.
Numerous networks already employ the extended time limit on TikTok to entice new viewers by uploading the premiere episode of a television program. Already, networks utilize TikTok to connect with their audiences; the increased upload time limit may encourage them to publish more content on the platform.
Although the platform acknowledges that not all users may find lengthy content engaging, TikTok has been working towards improving the viewing experience for those who do. As an illustration, the organization has conducted trials on a horizontal full-screen mode and thumbnails for videos that scrub.
Additionally, a feature that allows users to fast-forward videos by holding down the right edge of the video was introduced last year.
As with any test feature, the timing and feasibility of TikTok’s general release of the 60-minute video upload option still need to be determined.
