Is TikTok All About Video? Not Necessarily

Think TikTok, and what comes into your mind? Short, catchy videos, right? Dance trends, funny skits, lip-syncing challenges – these are mostly the things TikTok is famous for. But what if we tell you there’s more to this platform?

While videos are what TikTok is mostly famous for,  the app offers a surprising amount of variety in the content you can create. So, let’s see what other features you get to enjoy on this social media platform.

Beyond the Videos – Exploring TikTok’s Other Features

Short-form videos are what make TikTok fun and engaging. But sometimes, you just want to express yourself differently. Here’s where TikTok’s hidden features come in:

TikTok Stories: 

Inspired by Instagram Stories, TikTok also allows you to share photos and videos but these disappear after 24 hours. It is also a great way to give your followers a sneak peek into your day-to-day life or share behind-the-scenes snippets. Plus, you can add text, stickers, and even polls to your stories, making them interactive and fun.

Here’s how you can add story on TikTok:

• Open the TikTok app on your mobile device.
• Log in to your TikTok account by entering your username and password. 

• Tap on the “+” icon at the bottom center of the screen.

• Select “Story” from the options given. 

• You can either record a new video by pressing and holding the record button, or you can select an existing video from your phone’s gallery by tapping on the “Upload” button.
• Once you have recorded or selected your video, you can use TikTok’s editing tools to add effects, filters, text, stickers, and music.
• You can choose a cover image for your story by tapping on the “Cover” button and selecting a frame from your video.
• Write a caption for your story and add relevant hashtags.
• Tap on the “Post” button to upload it to TikTok. Your story will be available for viewing by your selected audience.

Uploading Picture

Last year, TikTok also introduced a feature where one can upload pictures on TikTok. You can edit the pictures just like you do on Instagram: add text, filters, stickers etc to make it look good. You can add around 35 photos in a single post. Here’s how you upload pictures on TikTok: 

• Open the app on TikTok. 
• Tap the “+” sign at the bottom of the screen.

• Tap on “Upload”

• Now tap on “Select Multiple” and select all the photos you want to upload. 

• And you are done.

Live Streaming: 

TikTok’s live streaming feature lets you connect with your audience in real time. This is a great way to grow your audience and engage with them. Host Q&A sessions, perform live tutorials, or just chat and have fun. The more engaging your livestream, the more viewers you’ll attract.

Here’s how you can go live on your TikTok account:

• Open the TikTok app on your mobile device.
• Tap on the “+” on the center bottom of your screen. 
• Swipe left on the bottom panel until you see the “LIVE” option. Tap on it to select it.

• You can choose a cover image for your live stream by tapping on the “Cover” button and selecting a frame from your camera.

• Once you’re ready, tap on the “Go Live” button to start your live stream. You’ll see a countdown before your live stream begins.

Duets and Stitches: 

Have you ever wanted to collaborate with another creator or add your own twist to an existing video? Then duets and stitches are for you! Duets allow you to record your video alongside another user’s, creating a side-by-side display. Stitches let you trim a section of another video and add your own content before or after it. These features are perfect if you want to react to challenges, participate in trends, or just have some casual creative conversations.

Text-Based Content: 

Obviously videos dominate TikTok, but text-based content is also slowly making its way onto the platform. You can use the text-to-speech feature to create voice overs for your videos or simply write captions to add context. Hashtags are also a great way to categorize your content and reach a wider audience.

Why Go Beyond Videos? 

So, is there any specific reason why you should break away from the video format? Here are some reasons to explore the other features TikTok offers:

Showcase Different Skills: 

Not everyone is a videographer extraordinaire. Maybe you are a brilliant writer or you love photography. TikTok’s text-based content and stories allow you to showcase your talents in different ways.

Cater to Different Learning Styles: 

Not everyone learns best through videos. Using text, live streams, or interactive features like polls can make your content more accessible or maybe even more relatable to a wider audience.

Keep Things Fresh: 

Even the most creative minds can get stuck in a rut. Experimenting with different content formats can help you stay inspired and keep your audience engaged.

Stand Out from the Crowd: 

On a platform where you mostly find video content, text-based posts or creative story use can make you stand out. It shows you are willing to explore and offer something unique.

FAQs:

Conclusion: 

If you are wondering, is TikTok all video? Not necessarily. TikTok is more than just a video-sharing platform. It is a platform for you to show your creativity. You have access to a variety of features on TikTok. You can create a unique voice and connect with a wider audience. So, the next time you open TikTok, remember that you can also try experimenting with the other features this platform has to offer.