Have you ever wanted to keep listening to a TikTok Live stream in a situation where you can’t really jump into the action? Well, now you can! TikTok recently added a new ‘Background Player’ option within TikTok Live, which, unless you weren’t able to immediately tell, allows you to keep the audio stream running even if you exit the app.
TikTok in The Back
As seen in screenshots posted by user Jonah Manzano (subsequently shared by app researcher Ales- Matt Navarra), the new option enables you to either keep playing a video in a floating window or to just keep the audio rolling so you can continue listening even without having to watch the video.
That could help broaden the usage option for TikTok streams, enabling people to tune in whether they’re on the go, at home, walking outside, or at work and unable to tune in to the full experience.
Audio options suddenly became a bit hit last year, coincidentally when Clubhouse reawakened the hype to the medium’s potential, sparking a new wave of copycat functions on other social platforms, including Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and more. This trend, along with the increasing demand for podcast content has led to new consumption trends, with live streams often providing unique insight from your favorite stars and personalities. With most other major players also having a go at it, it only makes sense for Twitter to also add an audio-only option as a means to maximize its potential.
It could also provide new considerations for TikTok stars who are looking to build their audience and increase community engagement. Now, creators will be able to broadcast in just audio, which could help better align people with their TikTok presence, thus increasing following growth.
However, with the potential it does offer, audio-only on TikTok is also very limited. You technically can’t tune into TikToks in audio form. Furthermore, the real value of the option diminishes outside of live streams, making it a niche tool at most. If that’s the key aspect of your strategy, then all is good. Otherwise, you might be better off going with either other functions or a different platform altogether.
The Wrap
We’re not saying that the option is relevant only for live streams, but that outside of them, its appeal greatly dips. Yes, it’s a fairly logical update, but it’s also not something that’s been done before. Zoom has a really good example of optimal audio playback even when the app is minimized, leading to an unobstructed and more streamlined viewing experience.
Either way, TikTok has something in the works and plans to roll it out to all users once everything has been ironed out. It can still be a handy option to help you facilitate more connection and engagement.
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