Is TikTok All Video? Not Necessarily

Is TikTok All Video? Not Necessarily

Share This Post


Is TikTok All Video? Not Necessarily
October 29, 2024

TikTok is mainly focused on short videos, initially starting with 15-second clips featuring dancing, lip-syncing, and various effects. Today, users can record videos up to three minutes long or upload content up to 10 minutes. This expanded timeframe has allowed for a wider range of content, including storytime videos, tutorials, and advice-giving clips.

Despite this, many TikTok users are unaware of the platform’s capability to upload different types of media. This article details the various features of TikTok beyond video uploads.

What Else You Can Do on TikTok?

Similar to other social media platforms, TikTok is constantly seeking ways to stay ahead of competitors like Instagram, Facebook, and even YouTube. Initially, TikTok introduced live streams and longer videos to differentiate itself. In early 2022, the platform launched TikTok Stories, rivaling Instagram’s short clips. Later in the same year, Photo Mode was introduced, offering features similar to Instagram’s carousel posts.

Moreover, TikTok allows users to communicate with each other through direct messaging. Thus, the platform serves as more than just a content-sharing app—it is also a space for interpersonal communication.

These newly added features have propelled TikTok to become one of the most popular apps in recent years. Many creators leverage the platform to expand their online presence and connect with a broader audience. It has also become a vital space for marketing initiatives, as brands frequently create profiles to showcase their products/services or collaborate with influencers and content creators.

To navigate all these functionalities successfully, users must familiarize themselves with how to use TikTok.

How to Share Pictures on TikTok

Uploading pictures on TikTok is a relatively similar process to uploading videos. Users can share a single image with added text, stickers, effects, and filters, or choose a more straightforward approach. For those looking to create carousel posts akin to Instagram, TikTok allows up to 35 photos to be uploaded simultaneously, displaying them one by one without the need for swiping.

It is important to note that TikTok’s photo posts must include music. Users desiring silent posts can mute the audio entirely.

Below are the steps to add multiple photos and create a carousel post on TikTok:

  1. Open the TikTok app on your phone.
    ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
  2. Click on the plus sign located at the center bottom of the app interface.
    ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
  3. Press the “Upload” button.
    ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
  4. ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
  5. Tap on “Select multiple.”
    ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
  6. By tapping the small circle on the top right corner, choose the pictures you wish to upload. Keep in mind that the circle turns pink and shows a number when selected, indicating the picture order, before advancing.
    ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
  7. Choose to let TikTok create a post by clicking “AutoCut” or take charge of editing by selecting “Next.”
    ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
  8. Click on “Next.”
    ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
  9. Add captions, hashtags, tags, control visibility, and adjust other settings for the post.
    ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
  10. Click on “Post” to share the photos.
    1. ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==

    When uploading a photo on TikTok, you can only upload one photo at a time. To do this, skip the “Select multiple” step. Keep in mind that making a single-photo post on TikTok limits the editing options available. For example, transitions and effects available for videos and video-mode carousel posts won’t be accessible.

    How to Upload Stories on TikTok

    Stories on TikTok resemble Stories on Instagram. They are short, easily digestible posts that are visible for 24 hours before disappearing forever.

    The main contrast is in their presentation; TikTok Stories do not appear at the top of your newsfeed like Instagram but are instead integrated into your “For You” page. Similar to Instagram, you will see them as a colored circle around a user’s profile picture when visiting their profile. Liking and commenting on TikTok Stories is possible, and unlike Instagram Stories, these interactions are visible to others.

    TikTok Stories can be videos or photos, with the exception that multiple pictures can only be posted in video mode. Below are the steps to create a TikTok Story:

    1. Open TikTok.
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
    2. Press the “+” button.
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
    3. Record new content or upload an existing photo or video from your Gallery.
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
    4. Press “Next.”

    5. The post can be edited as desired and privacy settings can be adjusted if needed.
    6. To change privacy settings if necessary, edit the post.
    7. Select “Your Story” to access the post.
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==

    Immediately after posting, your story will be visible to others. Remember to check and adjust privacy settings, as well as disable comments if necessary.

    Start a Live Stream on TikTok

    TikTok, like other platforms such as Instagram, Facebook, Youtube, Discord, and Twitch, offers the option to host live streams for users looking to engage more with their audience.

    To host a live stream on TikTok, users must be at least 16 years old and have more than 1,000 followers. While there are ways to circumvent these requirements, it’s advisable to focus on organic follower growth.

    For eligible users, the steps to starting a live stream on TikTok are as follows:

    1. Launch the TikTok app on your mobile device.
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
    2. Select the icon labeled with a “+”.
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
    3. Swipe left until you find the “LIVE” option.
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
    4. Before hosting your live, pick a cover photo and caption.
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
    5. Proceed by hitting “GO LIVE.”
      ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==ywAAAAAAQABAAACAUwAOw==
    6. The live will commence in three seconds, and you should patiently wait for it to start. Once live, you can enjoy various engaging features to enhance the experience for both you and your audience.

      FAQs

      Is it possible to save TikTok Stories akin to Instagram?

      Unlike Instagram’s ability to archive Stories into Highlight Reels, TikTok does not offer the option to save Stories for public viewing. Your Stories are stored in your private archive, accessible only by you for viewing their statistics.

      Can you rewatch TikTok Live streams?

      After your TikTok Live stream concludes, you can choose to rewatch, delete, or download it from the LIVE Center. Unfortunately, there is no feature to share this stream with your followers.

      Discover the Versatility of TikTok

      TikTok, evolving from short video-sharing to a multifaceted platform, allows users to post videos of varying lengths, images, and host live broadcasts. Moreover, communication within the app facilitates collaborations, contributing to its diversified utility.

      Have you explored avenues beyond video content on TikTok? Share your primary use for TikTok by leaving a comment below.