TikTok Just Announced Four New Commenting Features.
TikTok is known for its addictive algorithm. And while videos are certainly the app’s main draw, I get the most enjoyment from the comments. Commenters on TikTok can be incredibly funny , especially considering they can use both text and photos to deliver their jokes. Comments on social media are often vile, and while TikTok isn’t immune to trolls and the like, its comments are typically quite different. Now, comments are changing. On Thursday , TikTok announced four new features that will make comments more visual, interactive, and, well, loud. Not all of these features are available yet, but by next month, you might not recognize TikTok’s comments section.
TikTok will soon support voice comments.
Text and photo comments aren’t going anywhere, but you might notice the comments section is about to get a little louder. Starting next month, TikTok will support voice comments up to 60 seconds long, introducing a whole new type of comment. According to TikTok’s press release, you’ll still be able to add text comments to your voice comments, similar to how photo comments work.
While friends can leave voice comments on each other’s videos, just like in group chats, I suspect commenters will generally use this feature in ways that aren’t quite what TikTok intended. In fact, it could spawn a new type of meme, with users spamming videos with annoying sound effects and reaction sounds. Imagine sounds added to memes based on viral videos, but as comments. It would be chaotic and probably very funny.
You can now vote in polls in TikTok comments.
Starting this week, TikTok video comments may feature a new interactive feature: polls. TikTok announces that creators can add polls to the comments of their videos, with up to five voting options per poll. Instead of asking for opinions in the comments, creators can use a poll. Creators can choose the duration of the poll and see the results in real time. It’s a small change, but it could be useful for both large and small creators seeking feedback from their viewers.
You can post live photos in the comments.
You’re no longer limited to posting static images in TikTok comments. TikTok now supports uploading Live Photos to comments, which should also be interesting. I understand why some users think they’re posting a regular image but accidentally upload Live Photos. However, since users can already add GIFs to comments, I’m not sure how many will want to upload Live Photos. Perhaps this feature is more suitable for commenting on friends’ videos, but we’ll have to see how users react to find out for sure.
Post photo carousels as separate comments.
The latest update is perhaps a bit more useful than Live Photo comments. TikTok says it’s working on allowing users to upload up to nine photos in a single comment, meaning the comments section could be literally flooded with images after the general launch. Like standard carousels, users will be able to swipe through your uploaded photos, including in full-screen mode. This update will roll out throughout this month.