TikTok Stories Pilot Test: What You Need to Know

TikTok Explores New “Stories” Feature – TikTok Stories

Despite Twitter discontinuing its Fleets feature – their version of Stories – the short-form, ephemeral content format is continuing its expansion across social media. TikTok has now confirmed it is currently testing a new feature called TikTok Stories, designed to provide its user base with additional avenues for creative expression.

Expanding Storytelling Options

The company emphasizes that this new functionality will serve as a supplementary option alongside existing tools such as videos, Duets, Stitch, and LIVE. It is not intended to replace these established features, but rather to complement them.

The duration of this pilot program remains unspecified, and a public launch is not guaranteed. However, initial testing has been underway for several days, focusing on a limited number of markets outside of the United States. The primary objective is to gather user feedback and insights.

Discovery and Initial Observations

Social media analyst Matt Navarra first identified the feature through user submissions. While initial reports were met with some skepticism, the feature’s existence has been verified.

The timing of this test is notable, occurring shortly after Twitter’s decision to discontinue Fleets. This highlights the challenges of successfully implementing Stories on platforms where it isn’t a core component, despite its popularity on platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest.

Familiar Functionality

Early observations suggest that TikTok Stories closely resembles the Stories format found on other platforms. Users can access the feature via a camera button in the new left-side navigation bar.

The toolset includes familiar options for adding text, stickers, sounds, and effects to content. Users can create Stories using either recorded videos or uploaded photos, expanding the range of content possibilities.

Unique Interactive Elements

A key differentiator for TikTok’s version is the ability for users to publicly comment on Stories. These comments are visible to mutual friends, fostering a social interaction layer.

A dedicated tab displays the number of viewers for each Story, along with an indication of whether the viewer is following the creator. A follow button is also provided for easy connection.

As with other Stories formats, content disappears after 24 hours, adhering to the ephemeral nature of the feature.

Accessing and Viewing Stories

Users can view Stories by scrolling through the new sidebar and tapping on creator avatars. The design bears a resemblance to Twitter’s former Fleets bar, featuring colored rings around profile pictures.

An alternative test variation integrates Stories directly into users’ For You feeds.

Encouraging Engagement and Potential Monetization

The introduction of Stories aims to encourage engagement from users who may not regularly post content. It provides a more approachable and familiar format for participation.

For creators, Stories offer a casual way to connect with fans between more polished video posts.

Furthermore, the feature presents TikTok with a potential new surface for advertising, contingent upon effective moderation of content and adherence to community guidelines.

Competitive Landscape

This move also positions TikTok as a direct competitor to Instagram, which previously attempted to replicate TikTok’s success with Reels.

TikTok has not disclosed the specific markets included in the test, but screenshots indicate English language support and Android compatibility.

A Commitment to Creative Tools

While Stories may not have succeeded on Twitter, TikTok believes in providing its users with a diverse range of creative tools. The platform remains committed to exploring any format that facilitates self-expression, including video, livestreaming, interaction, and now, ephemeral content.

Update – January 18, 2022

Matt Navarra reported on a test version that integrates Stories into users’ For You feeds. However, TikTok clarified that this test has been running concurrently with the initial pilot program. The feature remains unavailable to the public and U.S. users, with no confirmed timeline for wider release.