As TikTok and its vast creative base try to prevent a potential ban/selloff in the United States, the ByteDance-owned social media platform continues to fight with YouTube by testing the possibility for users to upload hour-long videos.

According to the firm, the functionality, which extends the platform’s maximum video upload length by 30 minutes, is presently available to a limited number of customers in select areas. TikTok currently has no intentions to make the feature publicly available.

According to the firm, the functionality, which extends the platform’s maximum video upload length by 30 minutes, is presently available to a limited number of customers in select areas. TikTok currently has no intentions to make the feature publicly available.

TikTok’s short-form video-sharing ecosystem, which is curated by a strong algorithm, has grown in popularity globally. Originally, the app allowed users to create 15-second films, prompting every competitor social platform to implement its short-form video features.

But over the last few years, the company has been extending the upload time limit; in March 2022, it will go from three minutes to five minutes. This move is an attempt to increase ad revenue and bring in a wider variety of videos, including full TV show episodes, cooking demos, beauty tutorials, instructional lesson plans, and humorous sketches.

TikTok decided to join YouTube’s domain with the addition of a 15-minute upload option in October 2023. After a few months, 30-minute uploads were added. 

Uploading films lasting an hour could encourage creators who usually upload content to YouTube to try their hand at reaching TikTok’s 1.5 billion worldwide audience. Additionally, it could present a chance for TV networks to offer free premieres of new shows on TikTok rather than YouTube.