If you’ve been paying attention to the news, you’d know TikTok has been getting much attention this week.
From Protonmail's announcement of TikTok’s extreme data collection and censoring content to President Trump’s executive order banning US companies from doing business with ByteDance, TikTok’s parent company, the social media network has been the subject of controversy in the media.
However, TikTok fans will be happy to know it’s not all bad news. The social media platform recently partnered with Amazon to release its new app, “More on TikTok”.
What’s “More On TikTok”?
“More on TikTok” has the content TikTok fans crave, including compilations, playlists, and interviews with the stars of the site. Viewers will get more videos of TikTok icons with the new categories “In the Studio” and “This is TikTok”.
The new app is one of Amazon Fire devices' latest offerings. Because it is a TV app, no logins or uploads are involved. You simply sit back, relax, and watch entertaining, viral videos.
The launch hopes to take advantage of the increase in the popularity of digital content. With everyone stuck inside due to COVID-19, more people have been turning to Amazon Fire apps for more accessible entertainment. TikTok also hopes the app will be a new way for viewers to engage with the platform. “More on TikTok” is now available for use.
But There Might Be Competition…
Despite efforts to connect more with its audience, TikTok is becoming more competitive. Instagram released its new video feature, Reels, allowing users to take short videos with music audio similar to TikTok. Instagram is hoping to lure TikTok influencers to change platforms.
After the start of the TikTok ban debate, some influencers who have made their mark on TikTok are looking for other options to preserve their following. Reels might be their solution.
Microsoft is another company looking to capitalize on the situation. It is talking to ByteDance, TikTok’s China-based parent company, about buying its US operations. TikTok users are rooting for Microsoft, the current frontrunner for the purchase, to save the app.
Why The Ban?
Recent news has revealed that downloading the TikTok app gives ByteDance excessive access to user data, such as their IP address and browser history. The concern is that the data will be shared with the Chinese government, breaching national security.
ByteDance has also been accused of censoring content not favorable to the Chinese government, like videos about Tiananmen Square.
The concerns arise as the administration worries that social media sites will be used to spread propaganda before the upcoming election.
What Will Happen?
ByteDance has decided to take legal action. The company is suing the Trump administration, claiming the executive order is unconstitutional.
The hashtag “#savetiktok” was trending, as users showed solidarity with the app.
The fate of the app is uncertain. With all of the TikTok drama, “More on TikTok” may be another way the media network tries to survive. One thing is clear: the network and its users are not going without a fight.