Long videos on TikTok: A new direction for the platform

TikTok, the Chinese video-sharing platform, is well known for its short, engaging clips that have captured the attention of millions of users around the world.

Recently, however, rumours have been circulating around a new feature that could be a game-changer for TikTok: long videos. According to information shared by Matt Navarra, a social media expert, TikTok is considering increasing the maximum length of videos from 10 to 15 minutes, moving away from its micro-video essence.

A gradual shift towards longer videos

The move to longer videos is not a sudden change for TikTok. In 2022, the platform had already increased the maximum length of videos from three to ten minutes, allowing creators to offer longer videos without having to fragment their content into shorter sequences. TikTok took this initiative to allow greater creative flexibility and provide a platform where creators can share more elaborate stories and educational content that require more time.

The benefits of this feature are numerous. It could help local businesses gain visibility and engagement on the platform, particularly at a time when online interactions are taking precedence over physical ones. It would also make it easier for users to find places of interest, restaurants, shops and more, helping to create an enriched user experience.

Competing with other platforms

TikTok's decision to explore longer video formats appears to be in response to the growing competition in the social media space. YouTube, for example, recently launched its "shorts"In return, TikTok, by adding the long video format, seems to be aiming to rival YouTube on its own turf. In return, TikTok, by adding the format of long videos, seems to want to compete with YouTube on its own ground.

Implications for the TikTok Community

This potential change raises questions about how the TikTok community, which is used to videos lasting a few dozen seconds, will react to this new feature. The introduction of 15-minute videos could open up new possibilities for content creators, but it remains to be seen whether the community will welcome the change or stick with the short format that made TikTok popular in the first place.

Long videos on TikTok represent an important step in the evolution of the platform, offering more opportunities and flexibility for creators while seeking to remain competitive in the ever-changing world of social media. Only time will tell how these changes will be received by the TikTok community and what impact they will have on the dynamics of the platform.