TikTok has confirmed that it is testing the ability for users to upload 15-minute videos. The social media company mentioned that this new upload limit is under testing in certain regions with a select group of users but didn’t provide further details. This update extends the video upload limit on the app from 10 minutes to 15 minutes.
The discovery was made by social media consultant Matt Navarra, who shared a screenshot of a message presented to users with access to this new feature. According to the screenshot, users can now upload longer videos on the platform using both the TikTok app and desktop.
TikTok is Experimenting With 15 Minute Uploads for Specific Users
TikTok first rose to fame as the most popular short-form video platform but has gradually embraced longer content. In February 2022, the company extended its maximum video duration from three minutes to 10 minutes. Prior to that, the limit was just 60 seconds, originally expanding from a mere 15 seconds.
This increased video length offers creators more time and flexibility for sharing various content, such as cooking recipes, beauty tutorials, educational materials, and comedy sketches. Currently, when a video exceeds 10 minutes, creators guide viewers to a “Part 2” video. With this extended time limit, creators may no longer need to create an entire series when sharing their content.
Changing Dynamics in the Video Platform Landscape: TikTok’s Evolution and Competition with YouTube
This shift intensifies TikTok’s rivalry with YouTube, signifying its aim to lure creators known for longer-form video content typically found on YouTube. Historically, TikTok was recognized for short-form content, while YouTube was the go-to place for long-form videos. In recent years, both platforms have been blurring these distinctions, with TikTok embracing longer videos and YouTube incorporating shorter content through Shorts.
Additionally, TikTok is testing a horizontal full-screen mode in certain regions, marking another move into YouTube’s territory.
The introduction of the new video time limit may not be embraced by everyone. TikTok is famous for its short and amusing videos, which is likely what draws people to the platform – not necessarily longer videos. Not everyone is interested in lengthy videos, and TikTok appears to acknowledge this, as evidenced by its recent feature launch that allows users to fast-forward videos by holding down the right side of a video.
