Mixed emotions have come in the wake of the recent 12-hour US TikTok ban. While many feel relief now that the app is back up and running, others are feeling trepidation and worry. If anything, the TikTok ban has shown us how easily a beloved and important platform can disappear. This leads many to consider transferring to, or at least cross-posting their content to other platforms. Looking for TikTok alternatives can be tricky, as it feels impossible to match the fast-paced cadence and widespread popularity of TikTok. We’re here to help. Here are our top TikTok alternatives.
1. Instagram Reels
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If you’re a Reels-user amongst your friends, you may have heard the joke that Reels users will get the TikTok trends about 2-3 business weeks after TikTok users. While this may be true, Reels boasts a unique algorithm of its own. The Instagram algorithm ensures that its users see the most unique and engaging posts first. The algorithm also takes into account what creators and accounts you are interacting with and following.
Reels are analyzed – audio video length, caption details, and hashtags are all considered by the algorithm. It uses this information, alongside your past behavior of interacting with certain posts, to determine which Reels to put on your page.
For creators making Reels, the ideal Reel length lies between 30-60 seconds. The algorithm rewards creators when their audience watches the complete video. The algorithm rewards high-quality and engaging videos.
2. Rednote
Before and during the US TikTok ban, users migrated to Rednote. Rednote, also known as Xiaohongshu, is a Chinese social media app seen as China’s localized adaptation of Instagram. In China, its popularity cannot be understated as it is the go-to app for beauty, fashion, travel, and food. As of 2023, the app has 300 million monthly active users.
The interface and most of the content are in Mandarin. However, you do not need to be bilingual to use the app – in the settings feature, the app’s language can be changed from Mandarin to English. Given the influx of English-speaking users, the company seems to be looking for ways to build and improve English-Chinese translation tools.
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3. YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts offers a viable TikTok alternative. The main difference between YouTube Shorts and other apps is that Shorts is a built-in feature on the regular YouTube website or app. It is also not the main feature of the YouTube domain, but rather an additional feature. YouTube Shorts is perfect for creators who prefer longer-form YouTube content but still want the opportunity to connect their short-form content on the same platform.
YouTube Shorts boasts an impressive list of features, including:
- Edit After Publishing: on many platforms, if you catch a mistake after publishing a post, you cannot go back and change it. YouTube Shorts offers its creators options to go back and trim, cut, and even add text.
- Scheduling Tool: just like regular YouTube videos, Shorts can be scheduled to post at a certain date and time. This ensures creators can publish during peak hours, despite any conflicts throughout the day that might normally cause them to miss prime publishing windows.
- Music Functionality: TikTok is not the only platform promoting music functionality. YouTube Shorts boasts over 250 music labels and publishers, more than most short-form TikTok alternatives. Users are free to leverage this vast library of music to create high-quality content.
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4. Lemon8
Image Via Lemon8
Also owned by TikTok’s parent company ByteDance, Lemon8 is a TikTok alternative. Seen by many as a cross between TikTok, Instagram, and Pinterest, Lemon8 offers a unique interface and user experience.
Lemon8 focuses largely on lifestyle niches. Users and creators can share photo carousels, product recommendations,s and more. Unlike TikTok, it is not solely focused on video content. Instead, its algorithm rewards curated, pleasing-to-the-eye content. Trends may crop up, but they do not die as quickly as they do on TikTok. For this reason, Lemon8 offers a more relaxed longevity. For users who prefer Pinterest vibes and a relaxed layout, Lemon 8 is a perfect media platform.
5. Facebook Reels
Image via Dawid Sokolowski on Unsplash
Although an older form of social media, Facebook is not to be underestimated. Owned by Meta, the parent company of Instagram, Facebook offers the chance to reach a unique audience.
Facebook Reels can be easily cross-posted to Instagram Reels, and vice versa. This feature is perfect for those trying to reach a broad audience.
6. Snapchat Spotlight
Image via Souvik Banjerjee on Unsplash
Embedded within the Snapchat app, Snapchat Spotlight offers another TikTok alternative. Users can upload short posts using trending audio. The interface itself employs similar scrolling features used by Reels and TikTok. In classic Snapchat fashion, Snapchat Spotlight boasts augmented reality filters, doing everything from adding sparkles to the frame or full-on animal transformation.
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7. Triller
Much like the old Musical.ly app, Triller is a music-based TikTok alternative that endeavors to provide its users with trending, up-and-coming sounds and songs. Unfortunately, Triller does not have the same licensing capabilities as its competitors, leading to it boast a smaller music library than the other TikTok alternatives.
8. Fanbase
Fanbase is a subscription-based TikTok alternative. Much like Patreon, on Fanbase users can pay to see content from their favorite creators. Fanbase promises creators opportunities to generate revenue by sharing posts, short and long-form videos, and stories. They can also build their communities in the app’s Audio Rooms and live video streaming features.
9. MuStar
Image via MuStar
Another Musical.ly lookalike, MuStar promotes lip-syncs, dance battles, and all things music! MuStar’s audience tends to skew younger, as the app tends to prompt music challenges. It offers unique editing tools and audience interaction features.
10. Likee
Likee is a TikTok alternative that embraces augmented reality features. Much like Snapchat, creators can utilize filters and other fun features for their short videos. In terms of monetization features, users can send paid SuperLikes to their favorite creators.