Text Posts: The Latest TikTok Feature - Expanding Creative Boundaries on the Video App
We can’t say we’re surprised it happened, but the app that is known for short form video has officially entered the world of Text Posts. It’s a great new option for brands looking to diversify their content and engage with their audience in new and innovative ways.
What are Text Posts?
Text Posts on TikTok are a new addition to the platform, visually resembling Instagram Stories. Users can now create posts with customizable text, background colors, and the option to include music and stickers. With a generous limit of 1,000 characters, brands can express themselves in a more detailed and creative manner. And the best part? Other users can interact with these text posts by stitching, dueting, and leaving comments, fostering a sense of community and interaction.
Where did Text Posts come from?
TikTok was originally known for short-form videos, later incorporating images onto its platform. Now, recognizing the growing demand for text-based content, the platform has introduced Text Posts as yet another way for users to express themselves and share their thoughts.
Text Posts complement TikTok’s existing formats, and this expansion allows the platform to cater to a broader range of content creators and audience preferences.
Why is it important for brands?
The introduction of Text Posts on TikTok marks a significant move by the platform to compete with other social media giants. Following Elon Musk's announcement to rebrand Twitter as 'X', and Meta’s launch of Threads, TikTok has jumped into the text game as well.
For marketers, this new feature opens up exciting possibilities. Brands can now diversify their content by combining text-based posts with videos and images. From telling compelling stories and sharing valuable information to posting recipes and poetry, brands can experiment with various formats to resonate with their target audience.
Furthermore, Text Posts enable brands to explore different writing styles and language, allowing them to convey their personality and messages effectively. By fostering engagement through interactive text-based content, brands can deepen their connection with their audience and enhance their brand presence on TikTok.
How is it different from other text-based apps?
TikTok's Text Posts have unique features that set them apart from other text-based apps like Instagram Stories, Snapchat, Threads, and Twitter:
Instagram Stories:
Character limit of 125 characters.
TikTok's text feature posts show up directly in the feed, unlike IG Stories, which are displayed as a separate section at the top of the feed.
Snapchat:
Character limit of 55 characters.
TikTok's text feature stays on the feed, while Snapchat Stories disappear after 24 hours.
TikTok's text feature offers background color options, which Snapchat lacks.
Snapchat allows users to create custom/preset stickers and provides various filters.
Threads:
Character limit of 500 characters.
Threads focuses primarily on copywriting with optional image or video attachments and lacks editing features like stickers and filters.
Twitter (X):
Character limit of 10,000 characters.
Similar to Threads, the focus is primarily on copywriting with optional image or video attachments, without the addition of stickers or filters.
How can users utilize this feature in TikTok?
To leverage Text Posts on TikTok, follow these steps:
Camera Page: Upon entering the Camera page, you'll find three choices: photo, video, or text.
Text Creation Page: If you opt for "text," you'll be redirected to the text creation page, where you can compose your post's content.
Personalization: On the Post page, familiar tools await to personalize your text posts. You can add sound, tag a location, enable comments, and allow duets, among other options. These features ensure that your text posts become just as dynamic and interactive as any video or photo post.
Final Thoughts
TikTok's Text Posts feature is a versatile tool that empowers brands and consumers to express themselves creatively, engage with their audience, and create unique and compelling content. By combining the power of text with the interactive nature of TikTok, brands can stand out and elevate their social media presence to new heights. So, embrace the opportunity and start exploring the world of Text Posts on TikTok today!
