Welcome to yet another weekly roundup
where we discuss everything happening in the ever-evolving app world.
This week we’re
seeing
TikTok make massive strides towards diversifying themselves into new
markets and its latest growth into the most used platform in the world, a
review of Strava, and Snapchat’s latest launch of
Story Studio for those that
are looking for a more refined video editing experience.
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TikTok: Going where no short-video platform has gone
before
There is no denying that TikTok’s popularity amongst the younger
generations has exploded over the course of the pandemic.
However, what if we
told you that TikTok is now officially more used than Google?
That’s right — as
of December 25, TikTok was officially ranked above Google in terms of
engagement and times used per day per person around the world — making TikTok
the most used platform in the world.
However, this
shouldn’t come as a surprise considering numerous articles around the web have
discussed in detail just how manipulative TikTok’s algorithm really is, as it
uses timed dopamine hits through alternating between videos that are most
relevant to you and those that are less relevant.
However, TikTok
seems to have realized that no application rules forever and after the
overtaking of Google they announced that they are now going into the food and
beverage industry.
TikTok now serving trends
You heard that right — TikTok has launched a delivery-only service that
seeks to prepare meals that are inspired by trends on the app.
The concept is
being handled by Virtual Dining Concepts, a company that has recently assisted
several
YouTubers in launching their food concepts all across the West.
Interestingly enough, a portion of the revenues generated by the sales of these
food items will be redirected back to the TikTok influencers that created the
trend to begin with, giving an additional income-making opportunity for
up-and-coming macro-influencers.
However, TikTok has
stated that this isn’t a long-term arrangement. In a press release TikTok has
mentioned that this campaign seeks to further accelerate the growth of the
platform around the West.
While it’s entirely
plausible, it seems a bit odd that there were also confirmations of an
expansion plan for the restaurant lineup, increasing from 300 outlets to 1,000
by late 2022.
Speaking of
long-term plans, however…
TikTok officially launched a Twitch competitor
Streaming has become the bread and butter to those that are looking to
engage with content in real-time. Whether it be YouTube, Twitch, or dozens of
the other alternatives available all around the web, it is evident that this
isn’t just a fad but in fact, a phenomena that is here to stay, and will
develop even further.
Twitch has been a
long-time running streaming platform that specializes in video games.
Gamers from all around the world are given a world stage to perform on, attracting
onlookers and giving streamers the opportunity to make a sizeable living
through subscriptions, donations, and general viewership.
Twitch is so big in
fact that it generated $96.8 million over the second quarter of 2021.
TikTok has taken
notice of this and has decided to launch their own little streaming platform.
As of the writing of this article, TikTok’s game streaming app is being tested
with a selected audience and will enable streamers to stream their games
directly unto the TikTok platform.
“TikTok Live
Studio” as it’s currently known, is able to record, stream, and retain videos
of past recordings on the platform akin to its Twitch rival. Additionally, it
will supports smartphone recording.
So, for those that
have been finding success in streaming for the ever-growing mobile game market,
TikTok looks like the next big place to be.
While the current
iteration seems to be rudimentary, with minimal video editing and setup options
available, given TikTok’s rampant growth across the globe, the launch of the
streaming service isn’t a question of if but more a question of when.
Snapchat ‘Story Studio’
Let’s step away from TikTok for a moment and take a look a long-time
favorite messenger for many, Snapchat.
Video editing
software has grown in popularity and platforms that enable you to launch
bite-sized content have increased with many rising and falling over the course
of the last couple of years.
Seeing the
opportunity to establish itself as the leader in the space, Snapchat has
released its own video editing software called Story Studio, and it’s currently
available as a standalone app on the
iOS store.
Unlike traditional video editing software, Story
Studio allows for significantly enhanced modifications of videos. Not only does
Story Studio feature a hefty number of tools, is also gives users the ability
to create their own
augmented reality (AR) filters — a trend that has seen an
uprising on platforms such as TikTok. It’s important to note however that AR
filters created on Story Studio will not be applicable to TikTok.
Snapchat isn’t done
quite yet; the current iteration available on iOS is only a baseline version.
The Snapchat spokespeople confirmed that the platform will be continuously
worked on throughout 2022, bringing in more options and tools for its users. It
appears that Snapchat has acknowledged the rise in vertical video use
proliferating throughout its various competitor’s platforms and seeks to
establish itself as one of the leaders in the space.
Unfortunately for
Android users, no word has been given about the Android version as of yet.
However, it is highly likely that we are see one as early as mid-2022.
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