TikTok keeps on introducing new features for its users to give tough competition to its rivals, especially YouTube. TikTok is again coming for YouTube as the company is reportedly testing the ability for users to upload 60-minute videos. It indicates a significant move away from the short-form video format that made TikTok popular. As per the latest reports, the feature is available only to particular users, with no immediate plans to expand widely.
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If we dig into the history, TikTok gradually bumped the length of videos. In January, it gave some creators access to 30-minute clips. Before that, users can upload content as long as 10 minutes long. Content creators selling subscriptions also have access to 20-minute-long uploads. Now, the platform is testing 60-minute video uploads leaning towards longer, more YouTube-like material.
TikTok’s launch kicked off an era of short-form vertical video content. However, the platform has been adopting long-form content just like YouTube for the past few years. Earlier this year, some TikTok creators received notifications that their content would get a “boost” if they shared horizontal clips instead of vertical. TikTok’s monetization program now requires creators to share videos longer than a minute to qualify.
The volatile popularity of TikTok caused numerous other companies — from Meta and YouTube to even LinkedIn — to add short-form video feeds to their platforms. Everyone else is trying to recreate the appeal of the For You page. However, TikTok is doubling down on long-form content and live streaming formats deeply associated with YouTube or Twitch. TikTok regularly hosts live-streamed events, for instance, a music competition last year, as it moves beyond bite-sized content.
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The new limit will give creators more time and flexibility while sharing content like cooking recipes, beauty tutorials, educational content, and art sketches. The best part is that it will allow them to upload full episodes of TV shows. The new 60-minute limit will not require networks to break up an episode into multiple parts. On the contrary, they can post entire episodes in one video. However, if you prefer to go to the platform for quick, short videos, it would not be a welcome addition for you.