TikTok Green Screen Duet & New Topics Feeds - Latest Updates

TikTok Enhances Features to Maintain Competitive Edge

As competition intensifies from major technology companies, TikTok is introducing a range of new functionalities designed to solidify its position in the short-form video market. The platform recently unveiled a new Green Screen Duet feature, merging two of its most utilized editing capabilities. This allows content creators to incorporate existing TikTok videos as the backdrop for their own original content.

Introducing "Topics" for Enhanced Video Discovery

Alongside this, TikTok has confirmed testing a novel method for video discovery. Designated as “Topics,” these are curated, interest-specific feeds showcasing the most popular and trending videos within each category.

Expanding Duet Capabilities

The Green Screen Duet feature complements the existing suite of Duet tools, which enable creators to display two videos concurrently. Current Duet layouts include options like “Left & Right,” “React,” and “Top & Bottom.”

Creators frequently utilize Duets to collaborate – singing, dancing, or performing alongside other users’ videos. They also employ Duets to provide reactions to content or to amplify the visibility of smaller creators and their work.

The Power of Editing Tools in Social Networking

Duet and Stitch functionalities are fundamental to TikTok’s unique identity. They transform the app from a purely passive video consumption platform into a dynamic, video-centric social network.

The popularity of these tools has led to their adoption by competitors, such as Instagram Reels (known as Remix) and Snapchat, which is also developing a similar feature.

Utilizing the New Green Screen Duet Feature

The new Green Screen Duet option will be readily available alongside the existing layout choices, providing users with a streamlined method for integrating another video as a background while recording their own overlaid footage.

Previously, creators achieved similar effects through screen recordings or image captures, then utilizing editing tools to simulate a green screen effect. Alternatively, they could use the Stitch feature. The integrated Green Screen Duet simply offers an additional, more direct recording option.

When activated, the Duetted video is displayed in the background during the recording of the new video. TikTok anticipates this launch will inspire innovative formats for creative expression.

Interface Improvements and New Content Discovery

TikTok has been actively refining its interface to enhance both the recording experience and the discovery of new video content. This comes as Facebook, YouTube, and Snapchat strive to replicate TikTok’s feature set within their own applications.

Recently, TikTok introduced interactive music features to further differentiate itself from competitors.

Exploring Dedicated "Topics" Feeds

TikTok is also testing a revamped Discover page. Instead of solely highlighting current trends, it now organizes videos into distinct categories.

These categories encompass a wide range of interests, including gaming, beauty, dance, TV & movies, sports, family, and education. Selecting a category directs users to a feed featuring the community’s most popular and trending content. These feeds are influenced by factors such as relevance, timeliness, and user interest, aiding in the discovery of new content and creators beyond the personalized For You page.

The test rollout of this feature has been underway in the U.S. for several weeks.

Expanding into E-commerce

TikTok is also experimenting with e-commerce functionalities. Certain brands, such as Hype and Walmart, have been granted a new “Shopping” tab on their TikTok profiles. This allows users to browse items, add them to a cart, and complete purchases without leaving the app. Walmart initially enabled this tab during a livestream event in December and has maintained it since.

However, this integration is less refined than Instagram’s Shops, lacking a native, universal cart or integrated payment system. Users are currently redirected to the retailer’s website to finalize their purchases.

TikTok’s Growing User Base

These advancements are contributing to TikTok’s success in attracting a substantial Gen Z audience.

According to eMarketer, TikTok now boasts more Gen Z users in the U.S. than Instagram, with 37.3 million monthly active users compared to Instagram’s 33.3 million. Projections indicate that TikTok will surpass Snapchat in total U.S. users by 2023.

Challenges and Future Considerations

Despite its growth, TikTok’s global ambitions are affected by its ban in India and the potential for creators to seek greater monetization opportunities on established platforms.

YouTube, for example, recently announced a $100 million fund for top YouTube Shorts creators and plans to introduce ads on Shorts. This could enable creators to generate revenue from short-form content and attract viewers to their channels for further monetization. Snapchat and Instagram are also actively incentivizing creators with financial support, and ultimately, creator migration will depend on where they can maximize their earnings.