TikTok has begun testing landscape video support for selected users worldwide as the Chinese social media giant aims to compete with YouTube.
The platform has recently extended its maximum video length to 10 minutes, up from 3 minutes, and a global rollout of horizontal video support could put it in direct competition with YouTube’s vertical-format “YouTube Shorts.”
According to technology expert Paul Triolo, the move is likely intended to appeal to a more mature audience that uses YouTube for informational and learning videos.
TikTok has already gained massive popularity among young people, having been downloaded almost four billion times. However, the platform has faced scrutiny over concerns about data privacy in the EU and US.
TikTok is targeting YouTube with its latest update to videos on the platform by testing the ability to play videos on the FYP (For You Page) in full screen mode, offering users a better viewing experience for certain videos.
As the app continues to be successful, it appears that users may soon be required to hold their phones horizontally to use it
