TikTok has announced a new feature that enables and prompts
users to take and share a photo or video captured by their device’s front and
back camera simultaneously. The feature is called ‘TikTok Now’, and it seems like
a replica of the app BeReal.
As per TikTok, “You’ll receive a daily prompt to capture a 10-second video or a static photo to easily share what you’re up to.” Previously, other popular platforms including Instagram and Snapchat also released their versions of the same functionality, after BeReal started gaining popularity with the original idea.
Replication of elements from rival apps is a common strategy
that most social platforms adopt, and it proves worthy since it encourages
users to enjoy the functionality without having to download a different app. For
instance, many Instagram users prefer scrolling through Reels clips, that use
the same format as TikTok videos, instead of downloading TikTok.
TikTok also plans to add a separate tab for TikTok Now, and in some regions, might even launch the feature separately as an app. Considering how TikTok is widely known as an entertainment app mainly, the dual camera option could become a successful engagement tool on the platform.
