TikTok has introduced a major feature to its platform,
called Photo Mode, which means that users will now be able to share still
images in the app, in addition to videos.
The layout of the feature resembles Instagram’s photo
feature, including the carousel display, which makes it seem like TikTok has “stolen”
Instagram’s unique functionality in return for the rival app copying its
short-form video functionality.
One element, however, that makes TikTok’s Photo Mode distinct is the option of adding music to the images. There’s also a set of creative tools that users can use to enhance their photos before posting them.
The new addition will definitely give rise to new trends on TikTok
and also likely open up new opportunities for creators on the app, along with
redefining the overall purpose of the app’s usage, since it has been mainly
known for being a short-form video platform.
Another important announcement for TikTok creators is that they
can now add longer captions, containing up to 2,200 characters, to their video
clips. This is a huge leap from the ability of adding 300 characters that was
previously allowed for captions. This update, too, will likely have a
significant impact on the way people create and engage with videos on TikTok.