In a bid to increase user engagement and encourage prolonged usage, TikTok is currently experimenting with a streaks feature reminiscent of Snapchat.
TikTok has confirmed the trial of this new feature but has refrained from issuing a detailed statement. The company disclosed that it is conducting limited market tests with select users to gauge the feature’s effectiveness.
The mechanics of the streaks are straightforward: users must direct message someone for more than three consecutive days. Success in maintaining this interaction rewards users with a streak badge and a count of the streak days, prominently displayed within the chat. Recently, numerous TikTok users have shared their experiences and sightings of the streaks feature on various social media platforms.
A streak will terminate if neither party sends a message within 24 hours after the last interaction. TikTok proactively reminds users when their streak is in jeopardy to encourage continued communication.
Users have the option to disable these notifications by navigating to Settings > Privacy > Notifications > Streak settings. This menu also allows users to turn off in-app notifications related to streaks.
Snapchat streaks have historically served as a status symbol among friends, indicating close bonds and frequent interactions. TikTok aims to evoke a similar sense of connection and commitment with its version of the streak feature.
Last year, Snap capitalized on the popularity of streaks by introducing a paid feature that allowed users to pause a streak. Additionally, the company implemented a feature for restoring streaks, underscoring the importance placed on these digital interactions.
