Short-form video app TikTok is reported to be working on some features that seem to be inspired by Instagram. A report has surfaced online that claims that TikTok will be getting some Instagram-style features including a Discover page, a grid-style layout and an Account Switcher among other features. It is worth noticing that these features were discovered by renowned reverse-engineering specialist Jane Manchun Wong, who took to her Twitter account to share the screenshots of these features.
Speaking about these changes, a spokesperson from the company told TechCrunch, “We’re always experimenting with new ways to improve the app experience for our community.”
TikTok is testing to SHOW like counts on each video on Sound and Hashtag page
It's like the opposite of Instagram lol pic.twitter.com/6LWrEXgj2y
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) July 18, 2019
We should mention that the most prominent change that has come to light is the ‘For You’ page that has been generated algorithmically on the app. While today users have to flip through each video on this page and all the videos are available in a vertical feed. Going forward, the section of the app will get a grid-style layout that looks like it has been inspired by Instagram’s Explore page. With this, users will not be forced to watch the content that they don’t want to.
TikTok is testing to show number of Downloads on videos 👀 pic.twitter.com/hPkBo09pNy
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) July 18, 2019
Another key feature that is being added is the ‘Discover’ tab. The dedicated button for the tab will be replacing the ‘Search’ tab on the app that lets users enter various keywords to look for the content that they are interested in. The ‘Discover’ feature, on the other hand, comes with a people icon on it and this could mean that it helps users look for other people to follow on the app.
TikTok is testing "Send to" section on Share UI, allowing sharing videos to individual WhatsApp friends pic.twitter.com/lBWRH6trcP
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) July 18, 2019
TikTok is testing Account Switcher pic.twitter.com/8F7YIeKCr7
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) July 18, 2019
The app could also be adding another related feature called ‘Suggested Users’, that is supposed to showcase the top talent on TikTok. Usually, being in the ‘Suggested’ list of an app helps in becoming one among the top creators of the platform.
TikTok is testing "Liked by creator" comment badge pic.twitter.com/u76L8btLXw
— Jane Manchun Wong (@wongmjane) July 18, 2019
But then, two features that haven’t been picked from Instagram have also been uncovered by Wong. One shows the ‘Like’ counts on videos in the Sounds and Hashtags page, and the other one shows the number of Downloads on videos.
Other than this, some features were also found that are aimed at improving connections with other social media apps. TikTok will also be getting better integration with WhatsApp and the ability to link their account to Google and Facebook.
Besides this, an Account switcher, a ‘Liked by Creator’ comment badge and a downgrade to the TikCode (QR code) is also being tested.
For the latest gadget and tech news, and gadget reviews, follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. For newest tech & gadget videos subscribe to our YouTube Channel. You can also stay up to date using the Gadget Bridge Android App.
