TikTok Stories: Who, What, How?

Does the world need another stories feature?

TikTok Stories are here. Well, kind of. 

TikTok Stories being introduced as a feature seems like a strange move from the short-form video platform, but what does it look like, who is it for, and does it work? Those are all questions that we’re here to answer today. 

Ever since Snapchat introduced stories to the world, and Instagram and Facebook copied them, it has become a feature that seems to be popping up on every social media platform under the sun, and TikTok is the most recent platform to jump on the bandwagon.  

We’ve recently seen Twitter completely abandon Fleets. Will the feature survive on TikTok, or will it meet the same fate as Fleets? Only time will tell. 

Let’s have a quick look at what TikTok Stories are, who they’re for, and how they work. 

Who are TikTok Stories for? 

So, who exactly is this “new” feature for? 

It’s an interesting question. While the feature is available to all users, it just feels somewhat out of place on the platform. 

The most likely use case we can see for stories on the platform is for users who aren’t necessarily regular uploads. Stories looks like it could be a great way for new users to familiarise themselves with TikTok’s features and functionality without the permanency that a regular video upload offers. 

It could also be a fun way for creators to interact with fans in a more casual manner. For now, however, we’ll just have to sit back and see how the feature performs on the platform. 

What do TikTok Stories look like? 

We’d love to sit here and tell you that TikTok’s foray into the world of stories has completely revolutionised the feature across the board. However, that’s simply not the case.

Yes, as no surprise to anyone, it’s all pretty much just like all the other variations of the feature on any other platform. All that’s really changed here is the paint job. 

How do TikTok Stories work? 

If you’re familiar with Instagram or Facebook, TikTok Stories will feel super comfortable to you. Why? Well, they’re practically identical.

Like every other platform with this feature, TikTok Stories are only visible for 24 hours after being posted. 

TikTok stories

To create a story on TikTok, simply tap a camera button from the new navigation bar on the left side of your screen. From there, you can use familiar tools to add text, stickers, sound, and effects. Just like on Instagram, you have the choice to record a video or upload an existing video from your camera roll. 

Have you tried out TikTok Stories yet? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below! 

Love TikTok? The SMPerth blog is filled with tonnes of handy TikTok guides and tips! We have you covered!