Google’s New Tangi Service Can Help You Master DIY Skills
Google’s newest service, Tangi, is a short video platform that can help you learn and share new creative skills . Currently, it is available in the form of a website and app for iOS – no , he is not yet ready for Android, which is strange, considering that this is a Google service, but it is ready.
Tangi’s interface looks like a hybrid of Pinterest and Instagram. You start by scrolling through the videos by topic, or you can search for specific tasks you want to know about. The videos themselves are less than 60 seconds long, and there are commentary sections that you can scroll through for additional tips (or rewards). If you would like to keep any specific videos, you can add them to your Try It Out collection.
While anyone can watch the videos and create an account, there is a waiting list for uploader rights, which makes sense as Google probably wants to vet the creators to ensure the platform is seeded with honest and tangible lessons at launch.
I’ve seen some confusion and cynicism about the app on the web – especially since YouTube and Pinterest already exist and can serve the same function as Tangi – but I really like seeing Google’s app with a narrower focus. I spend most of my free time making things; I have several creative hobbies, cook all the time and always look for new ideas to try, so I spend a lot of time watching tutorial videos or browsing social media for inspiration and helpful tips.
The idea of a platform solely for teaching people how to do their day to day, try new projects, or improve in their craft makes sense. Plus, since all Tangi videos are less than 60 seconds long, this means you no longer need to browse completed YouTube videos or browse Twitter threads to find the information you’re looking for. In all fairness, Tanga’s short clips limit the volume and depth you can grasp, but at least they can give you motivation to try a new recipe or new artistic medium.