It seems like TikTok is once again following in the footsteps of Instagram by introducing a new “Collaboration” feature. This move may not come as a surprise to many, considering the trend of social media platforms borrowing ideas from one another. A screenshot shared by app researcher Radu Oncescu shows that TikTok is working on a feature that will allow users to tag collaborators on a post, linking their profiles to the post details.
Upon further investigation by The SpAndroid team, it was revealed that creators will have the ability to invite up to 5 other creators to collaborate on a post. Users will be required to approve collaborator listings and can decline invitations from those they do not wish to collaborate with. Additionally, users will have the option to remove themselves as collaborators after the fact. Collaborator posts will be visible on both the creator’s and collaborator’s profiles, although only the creator will have the ability to edit the post. Users can invite others to collaborate on a post up to four times per month.
A Familiar Concept with Some Limitations
The collaborative feature on TikTok seems to bear a striking resemblance to the collaborative posts on Instagram, with a few key differences. While Instagram allows for up to six collaborators per post and does not impose a limit on the number of collaborative posts per month, TikTok’s version has some restrictions in place. Despite its lack of originality, the new feature could prove to be a valuable addition for users looking to engage with specific audiences and expand their reach on the app. It may also serve as a useful tool for conducting affiliate campaigns and promoting brands through partner accounts.
Although the collaboration feature has not been officially released yet, it appears to be in the final stages of testing and could be rolled out soon. As TikTok continues to evolve and introduce new features, it will be interesting to see how users utilize this collaborative tool and whether it will help them enhance their presence on the platform. While some may view TikTok’s move as unoriginal, others may see it as a strategic decision to stay competitive in the ever-changing landscape of social media.