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11 TikTok alternatives to check out in 2023
TikTok wasn't the first of its kind, and it won't be the last. Check out these alternatives.
Despite its popularity, TikTok isn't the only short-form video platform out there.
Since its launch in 2017, TikTok has grown exponentially. The popular video-sharing application blew up in part because of its viral recommendation algorithm and vertical video style. As of this writing, there are 150 million active users in the U.S. alone and more than 1 billion worldwide, according to TikTok.
TikTok has also been in the news, facing a potential ban due to data security concerns and abuse allegations. However, TikTok is not the first social media company to be accused of mishandling users and their data. After Elon Musk acquired Twitter, users scrambled to find Twitter alternatives.
Many people rely on TikTok to make a living and connect with other creators. Larger businesses and multinational corporations have TikTok accounts as well.
Other media platforms have taken note of TikTok's success, developing similar applications or adding vertical video features to existing apps.
11 TikTok alternatives
For those in search of a TikTok alternative with similar functionality, there are plenty of apps like TikTok to choose from. Some are also commonly used in conjunction with TikTok for video editing or other unique features. Below are some of the best TikTok alternatives on the market right now.
1. Funimate
Funimate is a short-form video creation and editing app. It has a video editor with filters and effects such as transitions, overlays and key frames. It also has several built-in video templates to choose from and a music library. Funimate has free and paid options. The free version of the application carries a watermark on videos. Users can share their videos on the Funimate community or on other apps such as Instagram or TikTok.
2. Huddles
Huddles was originally called Byte and later called Clash. It was created by Vine co-founder Dom Hofmann. It has a similar interface to TikTok and lets users record sequences of short videos. There are no editing or filtering capabilities once a clip is recorded, but users can add text and music to their videos. Some reviews at the time of this writing have noted a bug in the app that fills a device's cache within 30 minutes of using the app. Huddle is free to download with optional in-app purchases.
3. Instagram Reels
Instagram has a feature called Reels that lets users record and edit videos or video montages up to 60 seconds long. The feature has augmented reality effects and a library of soundtrack options. Users can edit videos in the app and add sounds. Like many TikTok alternatives, Reels can be used to repost TikTok videos. Instagram has a huge user base of more than 1 billion users, which appeals to creators looking to attract a large following. Instagram is free to download and use.
4. Likee
Likee -- similar to TikTok -- is a popular global short video creation and sharing platform. It has video shooting and editing tools with visual effects, music, animations and filters. Some notable features include the following:
- Countdown timer to record hands-free.
- Soft-focus and beauty-enhancing filters.
- Extensive music library.
Users can create longer-form video using the livestream feature. The app is available for free on both iOS and Android devices.
5. Lemon8
Lemon8 is often portrayed as an alternative to Instagram, but since both have short video features, it can be compared to TikTok as well. Lemon8 has a feature that lets users share short videos that focus on wellness, travel and beauty. The app has editing capabilities with many templates, filters, fonts and stickers. The app also has templates that relate to trending topics. Lemon8 is from TikTok's parent company, ByteDance, and it is comparable to Pinterest. The app is free to download.
6. Lomotif
Lomotif is an alternative short video creation platform with a strong music library. Although the app doesn't let users trim a particular part of a song, there is a large music selection on Lomotif with access to thousands of artists and music from Universal Music Group's catalog. Lomotif is free to use, but has a charge for removing watermarks. Many creators use Lomotif to create content that they post on other platforms such as Instagram and Facebook. Some of the features included in Lomotif are time lapse, Boomerang-style edits and filters. Lomotif is free with optional in-app purchases.
7. Snapchat
Snapchat has three main pages:
- Friends.
- Camera.
- Discover.
On the Friends and Camera pages, users can communicate with each other by sharing timed videos or images that disappear after viewing. On the Discover page, brands post strings of short videos. The user interface of the Discover page resembles TikTok's Discover page. Snapchat also has a relatively large user base, with 100 million daily users in North America. Snapchat's basic functions are free to use, but users can pay for Snapchat Plus, which gives them additional customization options.
8. Triller
Triller features a lot of celebrity content and has distributed several pay-per-view boxing events featuring big names such as Mike Tyson and Jake Paul. The application distinguishes between music and social videos. It has some filters, but not as many editing effects as other apps. It also has a large music library. Triller was launched before TikTok in 2015. Triller is available for free download.
9. YouTube Shorts
YouTube has a short-form video feature called Shorts inside the YouTube app. The recommendation algorithm for Shorts is connected to the YouTube app, so browsing behavior on the app influences Shorts as it would traditional videos. TikTok users often repost their videos to YouTube Shorts to get more views and followers. YouTube has a large user base, attracting more than 100 million users per day. Users can record and edit videos in the app. YouTube is free and has a paid option that removes ads from videos.
10. Zigazoo
Zigazoo is a short-form video sharing app for younger users. Some critics of TikTok claim that the application is too addictive and shows content that is harmful to children. Zigazoo has two versions: one for those born between 2010 and 2024 called Zigazoo Kids, and one that targets Gen Z users born between 1996 and 2010. On the app, only emojis with a positive connotation are allowed. Comment boxes aren't included -- users respond to each other with short-form videos instead. Zigazoo is free with optional in-app purchases.
11. Zoomerang
Zoomerang is a TikTok video editing app. TikTok has in-app video editing features, but for users who want more effects, filters and music, Zoomerang is a good option. Some of Zoomerang's features include posting templates, background removal and AI effects. Zoomerang is free with optional in-app purchases.
