As TikTok faces mounting pressure and its future in the U.S. remains uncertain, other platforms are seizing the chance to attract users. Rivals like Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter), Instagram, and up-and-coming platforms such as Lemon8 and RedNote are rolling out features similar to TikTok’s signature short-form video style. This competition is reshaping the social media scene and bringing new privacy concerns. Let’s explain what’s happening with these platforms and why it matters.
What’s Happening & Why This Matters
Bluesky and X Jump into Vertical Video
With TikTok under increasing scrutiny, platforms like Bluesky and X are embracing vertical video formats to capture some of TikTok’s audience.
Bluesky, a decentralized platform founded by former Twitter CEO Jack Dorsey, launched its vertical video feed on January 19. It’s part of Bluesky’s Search tab, which now includes a Trending Videos section. The video feed allows users to swipe up for the following video, with options to like, share, comment, or mute threads. Bluesky is also working on expanding customization options to let users personalize their video experience.
Similarly, X, under Elon Musk’s leadership, launched a vertical video feed just an hour before Bluesky. This feature, available to U.S. users, has its own dedicated video tab, offering a TikTok-like experience. While Bluesky focuses on a decentralized, open model, X offers a more curated, immersive feed. This feature aims to keep users engaged by allowing them to minimize videos or cast them while multitasking.
Both platforms want to meet the demand for short-form videos as TikTok faces increasing regulatory hurdles. These new features are designed to fill the gap TikTok could leave behind, providing similar tools for creators and viewers.
Instagram’s Changes: Tall Grids and New Editing Tools
Instagram is also jumping on the vertical video bandwagon, making it easier for users to post and view tall videos. The app has introduced a new “tall grid” for profiles, which replaces the classic square thumbnails with a vertical format, making it more conducive to displaying videos. This change has garnered mixed reactions, with some users preferring the old layout. However, Instagram is working on offering better customization options for those who don’t like the new design.
Instagram is also rolling out a new video-editing app called Edits, which offers extensive creative tools. The app allows users to create and refine videos directly on their devices, with various features that make video creation more accessible to everyone. This is crucial as Instagram competes with other platforms vying for TikTok’s audience.
Emerging Platforms: Lemon8 and RedNote Raise Privacy Questions
As users explore new platforms, privacy concerns are growing. Apps like Lemon8 and RedNote are gaining attention for resembling TikTok’s model. However, their data collection practices have raised alarms.
Lemon8, owned by ByteDance (TikTok’s parent company), collects extensive data similar to TikTok, including browsing habits, location, and even keystroke patterns. RedNote, also known as Xiaohongshu, has drawn attention for claiming it does not collect any user data in its Google Play report, but its privacy policy suggests otherwise. This has left users wondering about the actual extent of data collection on these platforms.
As users flock to alternatives to TikTok, it’s essential to consider how much personal information they share. The rush to find new platforms may lead to more exposure to personal data collection, highlighting the need for better privacy practices across the board.
Reddit Blocks X Links: A Growing Divide
Reddit has also joined the conversation, with some subreddits now blocking links to X in protest of Elon Musk’s leadership. This movement started in communities like r/formula1 and r/NBA, where moderators are preventing posts containing links to X as a form of protest. This move reflects the growing divide in the social media world, with users seeking alternatives that feel less influenced by controversial figures.
Bluesky has benefitted from the fight. The platform is seen as a decentralized, open alternative to X, offering a similar experience without the baggage of Musk’s controversial leadership. As more users turn to Bluesky, it’s clear that the competition between platforms is intensifying.
TF Summary: What’s Next
TikTok’s uncertainty has opened the door for other platforms to take advantage. Bluesky, X, and Instagram are all embracing vertical video features to capture the audience TikTok might lose. New platforms like Lemon8 and RedNote are also rising, though privacy concerns remain shaky. While these platforms offer new features and possibilities, users must consider the privacy implications as they explore these alternatives. The competition is only heating up, and we can expect further changes in the social media landscape as these platforms try to win over TikTok’s audience.
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