TikTok is moving past just short-form video by rolling out support for text-only posts. The new creative format allows users to share stories, poems, lyrics, and other text content. But will this feature help continue momentum amid forecasts of slowing growth?
TikTok’s Text Posts Add New Expressive Medium
The text post option mirrors the text-only stories on Instagram and provides an alternative to tweeting. Users can customize their posts with backgrounds, stickers, location tags, comments, sounds, and more.
This builds on TikTok’s prior addition of static images last year, as it continues taking inspiration from competitor features. The text tool aims to empower new forms of creativity on a platform known for short video.
Doubling Down on Creativity Amid Slowing Growth
TikTok saw over 6% US user growth in 2022. But forecasts predict this slowing to just 3.4% by 2026 as the app matures. The text feature may help attract new demographics to fuel expansion.
TikTok creators have already commonly integrated text into videos. But dedicated text posts allow them to fully embrace written formats. This could inspire new stylistic innovations, as users expect creative flair on TikTok.
However, the scope for text alone to resonate is uncertain. And TikTok already provides diverse content options – including ecommerce as we covered previously regarding TikTok Shop.
The Key to Success? Analyzing Top Performing Content
According to Brandwatch data, TikTok’s top-performing category is “Everyday Life” videos at 23% of top posts. Comedy, dance, food, and pets follow as leading genres.
This indicates the bar for any new format is high, as TikTok audiences clearly connect with fun, relatable content. Text will need to drive similar engagement to gain traction.
Hashtags usage offers more insights. Top hashtags focus on trends like #learnontiktok, personalities like #tiktokdogs, and music like #dancelife. Text posts will need hooks and communities to tap into.
TikTok’s future likely involves expanding feature diversity while maintaining its creative, community-driven ethos. As with Shop and images, text success depends on resonating with user values. Analyzing current usage patterns is key to identifying what works versus just chasing trends.