TikTok Stories Is Another New Feature We Don't Need

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TikTok has begun testing TikTok Stories, a new ephemeral content format for the platform, that disappears after 24 hours.

And no, the world did not need another Stories feature.

Snapchat created them, and now almost every social media platform has them. Only days after Twitter officially gave up on Fleets, Stories are now appearing on TikTok. Like on every other platform, TikTok Stories disappear after 24 hours. TikTok confirmed the feature is currently being tested in some markets, outside of the US:

“We’re always thinking about new ways to bring value to our community and enrich the TikTok experience. Currently, we’re experimenting with ways to give creators additional formats to bring their creative ideas to life for the TikTok community.”

Matt Navarra, a social media consultant based in the UK, shared screenshots of what TikTok Stories look like on the app:

More screenshots of TikTok Stories pic.twitter.com/1PVfgJ9YWT
— Matt Navarra (@MattNavarra) August 4, 2021

TikTok users who are part of the test can create a Story by tapping on the camera button to open a new navigation bar. Stories can be made of photos or videos and the feature offers a few editing tools such as effects, sounds, stickers, and text.

Stories from other users can be accessed via a new sidebar. TikTok provides information on how many people viewed a Story. It will also show whether or not you are already following those users and, if not, it will enable you to follow them directly from there with one tap.

I like the fact that TikTok focused on doing one thing. It was refreshing, and now I’m confused: why do all platforms want to do everything?