Richard Perez The news just in: TikTok Stories are expanding, giving users a brand new way to interact with one another.
Users can now upload content that will disappear after 24 hours, much like on other platforms, with one key difference.
Here, we’ll explain what TikTok Stories is, why you should try it out, and what we think so far.
TikTok Stories: What Are They?
TikTok Stories isn’t a novel idea if you’ve ever used social media.
In the years since Snapchat first introduced its Stories feature in 2013, numerous other services have implemented their own takes on the format (RIP).
TikTok Stories, like the aforementioned, are temporary multimedia presentations that can only be viewed for a day.
What sets TikTok Stories apart from the competition?
The primary distinction is that, unlike with regular TikTok content, users can openly discuss Stories.
TikTok Stories will display comments directly on the story itself, as opposed to a private list of views and replies.
For brands and creators on the app, this is a huge deal because it allows for more interaction and dialogue.
Where can I find TikTok Videos?
When the feature pilot is fully rolled out, TikTok has said, more accounts will have access to stories.
Possibilities are high that they’ll be made accessible to your account very soon.
Instructions for Making a TikTok Video
Follow these easy steps to spread your favourite TikTok Stories:
- Simply create a TikTok by tapping the camera icon, as you would with any other app. You have the option of making a video right then and there, or selecting one from your gallery.
- Use TikTok’s sound effects, text, and stickers to make your videos unique.
- To add a caption, select the “Post to Story” option rather than the red “Next” button. Voila!
What to Do When You Find a Good TikTok Video
When a user has uploaded a story to TikTok, their profile picture will be surrounded by a blue ring. If you click on their profile picture, you can read more about them.
TikTok Stories, much like regular TikToks, will appear on the For You Page and be accompanied by a tiny blue “Story” button in the upper left corner.
Preliminary Thoughts on TikTok Videos
Considering that the company just upped the maximum length of feed videos to 10 minutes, TikTok’s foray into stories is certainly intriguing.
It’s clear that TikTok, in an effort to compete with both Instagram and YouTube, is releasing these two features at once.
However, there is always a learning curve when a new feature is introduced.
TikTok Stories offer a new experience for viewers and users alike. When viewing a TikTok video, the user typically scrolls up and down, but with a Story, they must scroll left to right.
Whether this new feature will cause a ripple effect like Instagram Stories or fizzle out like Twitter Fleets remains to be seen.
Still, it’s something to play around with.
TikTok Stories have no strict guidelines, so you can experiment with different types of content than you normally would on your feed.
They can engage with each other in the comments and you can have a more personal conversation with your community thanks to the conversational tone.
TikTok Stories also have an air of exclusivity thanks to their 24-hour shelf life; if users miss them, they’ve missed them forever.
By being an early adopter, you can find out what functions best, create a solid strategy, and take your content to the next level.
Tutorial on Using TikTok for Video Sharing
Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, we can talk about how to actually use the feature. For those interested, here’s a primer on how to get started with TikTok Stories. Read on for instructions on creating your first TikTok Story!
Step1
To access the Creator Window, select the “+” icon from the main TikTok screen.
Step2
Use a swiping motion to move across the bottom bar and pick the “Stories” option. If it isn’t there, check that you’re using the most recent version of the TikTok app. TikTok Stories may not yet be available in your region, so you may not see this option.
Step3
Select the Timer tab from the right panel and tap its icon. You can limit the length of your video in this way. Recording lengths of 3, 6, or 10 seconds are available by default. Alternately, you can manually adjust the time limit anywhere from 1 second up to 15 seconds by dragging the bar below.
Step4
TikTok’s in-app recording feature makes it unnecessary to prepare video content in advance, allowing users to focus on telling stories. The new video recording process can be initiated by tapping the Quick camera button. It’s still possible to add a previously recorded video to your Instagram Story if you so choose. Select a video from your device’s camera roll, then tap the “Upload” button on the right.
Step5
When the video is complete, it can be uploaded directly to a Story. In addition, you have the option of using the same filters, stickers, effects, voiceovers, and transitions that you would with any other feed post for some added creative flair.
Step6
Use the “Post to Story” button to instantly share your story with the world. Or, if you’d like to make some additional adjustments, click the “Next” button.
Here you can modify your account’s visibility to the public, add hashtags and links, write captions, tag people and locations, mention other accounts, and more. The Story’s cover can even be a photo of your choosing. When you’re satisfied that everything is just so, click the “Post” button to release your first TikTok Story to the world.