TikTok is currently experimenting with a feature allowing users to upload videos up to 60 minutes in length, as confirmed by the company to TechCrunch. This feature is limited to a select group of users in specific markets, with no immediate plans for a broader rollout.
First identified by social media consultant Matt Navarra, this development signifies a notable departure from TikTok’s original format, which initially supported 15-second videos. Over the past few years, TikTok has incrementally increased this limit. Although the platform gained fame for its short-form video content, it has gradually been incorporating long-form content to compete more directly with YouTube.
According to TikTok, creators often express the need for extended time to produce comprehensive content such as cooking demonstrations, beauty tutorials, educational lessons, and comedic sketches. The extended time limit aims to provide creators with greater flexibility to experiment with different or expanded content types, further positioning TikTok in direct competition with YouTube. This new capability could attract creators who typically publish lengthy videos on YouTube to consider posting their content on TikTok as well.
Moreover, the extended time limit opens the door for networks to upload full episodes of TV shows on TikTok. For instance, Peacock previously uploaded the first episode of “Killing It” on TikTok in five parts. With the 60-minute upload feature, networks could post complete episodes without segmenting them. Many networks already use YouTube to share the first episode of a TV series to engage new audiences; they could employ the same strategy on TikTok with this new feature, thereby leveraging TikTok’s platform to reach a broader audience.
Though not all users may be inclined to watch longer videos on TikTok, the company has been improving the viewing experience for long-form content. Enhancements include testing a horizontal full-screen mode and video-scrubbing thumbnails. Additionally, TikTok introduced a feature last year allowing users to fast-forward videos by pressing down on the right side of the screen.
As with any test feature, the timeline for the potential widespread launch of the 60-minute video upload option remains uncertain.
