TikTok begins experimenting support for paid subscriptions
TikTok begins experimenting support for paid subscriptions
TikTok is currently testing subscription support, according to a company representative who spoke with TechCrunch on Thursday. According to The Information, the popular short-form video app is looking into the possibility of charging content creators for their work, as previously reported. This feature is currently only available as part of a limited test and is not widely available at this time. It was not possible to obtain additional information from TikTok about the feature or comment on it further.
A TikTok spokesperson said that the company is constantly brainstorming new ways to add value to its community and improve the TikTok experience.
It is currently unclear how the paid subscription model for the app will be implemented. This is in contrast to TikTok's popular algorithmic "For You" page, which surfaces videos from creators who are not currently being followed by other users. Videos from creators who charge for their content are less likely to appear on users' For You pages if they choose to charge for their content. However, rather than applying to the entirety of a creator's account, the subscription may instead apply to additional content that is only accessible to paid users rather than the entire account.
The test comes just one day after Instagram announced the availability of subscriptions in the United States of America. It is currently being tested with a small group of creators who will be able to charge for exclusive Instagram Live videos and Stories in the future. Those who create exclusive content have the option of charging whatever they want for access to that content. Paid subscribers will be distinguished from unpaid users by a distinctive badge, which will allow them to be distinguished from one another in a sea of comments.
Monetization
Following the company's recent confirmation that it is testing an in-app tipping feature on its platform, which will enable creators to accept money from fans outside of TikTok LIVE streams, which already support gifting, the paid subscriptions test comes as a surprise. In order to be considered for the limited test period, creators must have a minimum of 100,000 followers and be in good standing with the platform. After being approved, those who have their profiles updated will have a Tips button that they can use to receive direct payments from their followers.
The company's latest experiment is part of a larger effort to monetize its platform and assist creators in earning a living through their work. Last year, the company established a $200 million fund to assist creators in the United States in supplementing their earnings and living expenses. It also assists creators in obtaining brand partnerships and sponsorships, as well as monetizing livestreams on the platform. As a result of TikTok's emphasis on monetization, it should come as no surprise that the company is experimenting with a system that allows content creators to charge for access to their work.
Following Twitter's September 2021 launch of "Super Follows," a paid subscription service, the tests conducted by TikTok and Instagram are significant. The subscription service allows users to pay a monthly fee in exchange for access to exclusive content by subscribing to accounts they like. Super Follow subscriptions can be charged at a rate of $2.99, $4.99, or $9.99 per month for accounts that qualify for the service. Subscribers are distinguished from unpaid followers, in a manner similar to Instagram's model, by the presence of a special Super Follower badge.
In Conclusion
TiltTok, Instagram, and Twitter have all introduced paid subscription plans as part of their efforts to court the creator communities. Furthermore, the offerings serve as a source of competition for both the companies and other digital platforms such as YouTube, which generates lucrative revenue streams for content creators.
