TikTok Now: What It Is And How To Use It To Grow Your Fanbase
Have you heard of BeReal? If so, you might already know what TikTok Now is all about. If not, here’s a brief introduction: BeReal is a French social media app where users share a photo once a day. The app sends a daily prompt to users, and they have 2 minutes to take and share a picture.
In a short time, the format has taken the world by storm and created a new way for people to connect.
So what does this have to do with TikTok, and how does TikTok Now fit into the equation? Let’s find out—and learn how to use TikTok’s newest feature.
What is TikTok Now?
Here’s the gist: TikTok Now prompts users to capture and share what they’re doing at the moment. They have the option of taking a static photo or a 10-second video just like you can on BeReal.
Now, the unique part of TikTok Now starts with the 3-minute window in which users can take a daily photo OR record a video with their devices’ front and back cameras. This window occurs randomly each day, but it’s the same time for every user—regardless of local time.
How Do You Use TikTok Now?
TikTok Now was only available for US users initially, but the company is rolling out support for other regions. Keep an eye out if you can’t use TikTok Now in your region. Regardless, here’s a general rundown of how TikTok Now works.
TikTok App
As of now, you can access TikTok Now with the “Now” button found on the bottom navigation bar in the TikTok app. The button icon looks like a lightning bolt and should be the second option from the left in the navigation bar.
Once you tap the icon, you'll see an Explore Feed full of TikTok Now posts. This feed contains trending Nows and those posted by your mutual followers. If you can view this feed, that should mean you’ve activated the TikTok Now feature and can post your own Nows.
From there, you can tap the daily prompt in the Now feed to record a video or take a static photo. Even if it’s past the 3-minute window, you can post your Now for the current 24-hour period.
Then, you should receive daily TikTok Now notifications to post your own TikTok Now posts. Remember that you’ll only have 3 minutes to record whatever you'd like to post. Otherwise, your Now post gets marked as “late.” And don’t forget: TikTok Now will use your front and back cameras on your device.
TikTok Now App
For those who want the functionality of TikTok Now but don’t care about TikTok’s other features, there’s a standalone app. Again, this may not be available in all regions, but most users should have access to TikTok Now through one app or the other.
To get started with the TikTok Now app on your Apple iOS or Android device, check the Apple App Store or Google Play. If you can download the app, you can create an account or use an existing TikTok account.
Once you open the app and log in, go to the Friends feed. You should receive a daily prompt if the 3-minute window already passed that day. Otherwise, you’ll have to wait for the prompt.
Whenever you receive it, tap the prompt and repeat the same process we covered for the TikTok app. In either app, you’ll have the chance to review, delete, and retake your picture or video.
After that, your Now will appear in the Friends feed in the TikTok Now App. If you’re using the TikTok app, your Now will appear in the Now feed (the one with the lightning bolt icon).
All users can use TikTok Now (where it’s available), but users under 18 years of age aren’t able to share their Nows to the Explore Feed. Instead, only mutual friends will see their posts. Users can also adjust their privacy features to decide who can access their TikTok Now posts.
For more information about using TikTok Now, check out this page.
The Future of TikTok Now
Now that you have a general idea of TikTok Now and how it works, what do you think? Is TikTok Now just a BeReal Clone? Will it detract from what made TikTok so popular in the first place, or has TikTok found a new niche?
Only time will tell, but TikTok Now has become increasingly popular in certain markets. If Instagram Reels (a feature that was, at the very least, inspired by TikTok) indicates anything, we might hear about TikTok Now far into the future.
Whatever happens, one thing is for sure: social media platforms will keep growing and rolling out new features. Whether you run a business, have a presence as an influencer, or just want to connect with friends, these trends are worth a second look.
