We know how it goes: TikTok comes out with a new and obnoxious feature that rakes in billions of dollars, and the competition (Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat) bring their own versions to the market. It’s sad but true. However, the opposite happened, as TikTok just introduced its Photo Mode (via Engadget).
What is TikTok Photo Mode?
As you can imagine, this was inspired by Instagram. You can also imagine the colorful language being shared between Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri about this. Using this feature, users are able to upload several images to their profile. They can also add a caption of up to 2,200 characters.
The images will appear on people’s For You page for you to view. Not only will you be able to show off images of the amazing meal you cooked or your engagement ring, but you can also add music to your photos (what’s a TikTok post without gratuitous music?).
When you add multiple images, they will be displayed on a carousel that you can swipe through. This feature is already out, so if you don’t have it yet, make sure that your app is fully updated.
This is rather funny when you think about it. Mark Zuckerberg and Adam Mosseri are pulling out their hair over TikTok’s reign over the short-form video market. Because of this, Instagram has been distancing itself from its roots as a photo-sharing platform and going all in on video.
So, it’s funny that TikTok is pulling a 180 and dipping into the photo-sharing market while Instagram put so much effort into video. We’re not sure how many people would actually use the Photo Mode on TikTok, as it’s primarily a video-sharing platform. Also, people are able to share Stories on TikTik which can serve a similar purpose.
Regardless, Instagram still has a hold over the photo-sharing market, so we know that it’s going to fight to stay relevant in it. Just don’t be surprised if Instagram announces the ability to add music to photo posts.
Discussion about this post