TikTok is experimenting with a bunch of new features and
options. The major one includes creating avatars from personal selfie photos. The
avatars’ facial expressions will resemble the users’ face in their selfie photo.
The new avatar feature was spotted by social media expert
Matt Navara who shared what the feature looks like. A face template is
displayed that can be edited in-app and the avatar’s expressions can be
customized. Once a user creates their personal avatar, they can then use it to
respond to messages in the app.
The way TikTok has designed this feature is similar to Apple’s
Memoji feature. Memojis can be used on iOS to engage with others, which is what
TikTok is also offering through its avatar feature. If TikTok officially launches
the feature, it could become part of the metaverse shift by facilitating
character depictions that align with the way users want to represent themselves
in the digital world.
Another option that TikTok is currently working on is related to group chats, where options like screen-sharing within live-streams and creator subscriptions will be offered to users. It is reported that TikTok is also creating paid subscription tools.
Additionally, the platform is improving user safety with new
options like keyword filters that enable censoring of specific terms. The censored
content will remain hidden from a user if it appears in a video’s description
or stickers.
Moreover, TikTok is testing audio-only live-streams, which resembles
Clubhouse’s audio chats. Considering that audio chats are still popular and can
increase user engagement, audio streaming can be a valuable tool on the
platform for creators.
All of TikTok’s newly designed features and tools are currently
being tested by the company and haven’t rolled out.
