TikTok is testing hour-long videos, a major progression from its original 15-second format. Over the years, the video length limit has increased several times. Going from 15 seconds to 60 seconds, then to three minutes in 2021, and 10 minutes in 2022. Now, they are testing 60-minute videos in select markets.
Competing with YouTube
This move puts TikTok in direct competition with YouTube. By allowing longer videos, the platform hopes to attract more content creators who need more time for detailed tutorials, lessons, demonstrations and other in-depth content. This could help it become a hub for longer videos, much like YouTube.
New Opportunities for TV Shows and Concert Films
With longer videos, TV networks could upload full episodes on TikTok. This avoids splitting them into shorter segments. This change could also see TikTok becoming a place for concert films. Recent successes of concert films, like those of Taylor Swift and Beyoncé, show that this is a lucrative market.
[Featured Image Credit: New York Times]Boosting Advertising Revenue
Longer videos mean more space for ads, which could bring in more revenue. This is important as TikTok competes with YouTube’s ad revenue. More content also means more opportunities for advertisers.
Improving the User Experience
TikTok is making it easier to watch longer videos. They are testing features like horizontal full-screen mode, video-scrubbing thumbnails, and fast-forwarding. These features help users enjoy long-form content more comfortably.
Conclusion
TikTok’s test of 60-minute videos marks a big step in its growth from a short video platform to a possible competitor in long-form content. By giving creators more flexibility and expanding its content, TikTok is challenging YouTube and other video platforms. This test could lead to major changes in how we create and watch videos online.
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