TikTok 'Repost' Button: Testing a Retweet Feature

TikTok Experiments with a “Repost” Feature

TikTok is currently evaluating a new functionality mirroring Twitter’s retweet. A new Repost button has been added, enabling users to broaden the reach of videos by sharing them with their follower network.

This Repost button is integrated within the “Share” menu. It offers an alternative to directly sending videos to contacts via messages or other social platforms.

How the Repost Function Differs from a Retweet

Unlike a traditional Twitter retweet, a TikTok repost doesn’t appear on the user’s own profile. Instead, the video is distributed solely to the For You feeds of the user’s connections.

Currently, the feature isn’t universally available across the TikTok platform.

Limited Availability of the Repost Button

The Repost button is not visible on videos discovered through the Discover page or received via direct shares from friends. It only appears on content encountered while browsing the personalized For You feed.

This design choice aims to amplify videos already recommended by TikTok’s algorithm, offering a simple way to increase visibility without requiring users to create new content like stitches or duets.

Echoes of the Past: Vine’s “Revine” Feature

This new feature evokes memories of Vine, a predecessor to TikTok, which was acquired and subsequently shut down by Twitter.

Vine previously featured a similar “revine” button, allowing users to repost videos for increased exposure.

Addressing Potential Algorithm Gaming

Vine’s “revine” feature was sometimes misused, with users engaging in reciprocal promotion schemes. Instagram has also faced similar challenges with coordinated liking and commenting.

TikTok is proactively addressing this potential issue by restricting repost visibility to mutual friends. This means a user will only see a repost if they also follow the person who shared it.

By limiting recommendations to mutual connections, TikTok aims to prevent manipulation of the algorithm through coordinated reposting efforts, though it may also limit the potential reach of reposted content.

Current Testing Phase and User Reaction

TikTok confirms that the Repost button is currently being tested with a limited number of users on the public version of the app.

The feature has already generated considerable buzz on Twitter, with users sharing screenshots of its functionality. Some mistakenly believe it’s available to everyone, but this is not yet the case.

TikTok’s Statement on the Experiment

A TikTok spokesperson stated to TechCrunch, “We’re always thinking about new ways to bring value to our community and enrich the TikTok experience. Currently, we’re experimenting with a new way for people to share TikTok videos they enjoy.”

Using the Repost Feature

If you have access to the Repost button, it can be used while browsing your For You feed. Tapping the button will share the video with your friends.

TikTok will prompt you to add a brief explanation for your repost. This message appears directly on the video, above the creator’s name and description, and allows friends to view your comments.

Users can also remove a repost via the Share menu, deleting both the repost and any accompanying message.

“Repost” or “Recommend”?

In some instances, users are seeing the button labeled as “Recommend,” as TikTok is still finalizing the preferred terminology.

Regardless of the label, the button functions similarly, prompting users to explain their reason for sharing the video.

Potential Impact on Content Discovery

A wider rollout of the Repost button could offer creators a new avenue for content discovery on TikTok, shifting the focus from algorithmic recommendations to personal suggestions.

TikTok has likely recognized the prevalence of video sharing through its messaging system and is seeking to integrate this behavior more effectively into the For You feed.