Here’s something interesting; TikTok just added another content creation option, this time introducing a new GIF ‘Library, enabling users to select from a range of popular animated content that they can now integrate into their TikTok clips. Facebook, for once, might have TikTok beat, at least on the GIF front, but TikTok has flipped odds before. It’s not unlikely that it might be able to do so again.
GIF-Toks
The new Library option, built in partnership with GIPHY, enables users to add GIFs to their clips, allowing for more creative takes on reactions, responses, skits, bits, and more. It’s pretty much the same GIPHY goodness, only this time it’s now available directly on TikTok.
It’s a fairly significant addition to TikTok, especially if you consider the popularity of reaction content on the app. The platforms’ Duet feature enables users to add their own take on trending clips, which further expands the range of creative options. This would essentially translate to more participatory meme trends, allowing users to ‘add’ their perspectives instead of simply viewing the evolution of trends. This all blends well into TikTok’s community culture, making it easier for users to contribute to the content that circulates in the app.
TikTok explains this new integration as such:
“Library unlocks a new category of entertainment content, making it easy for people to start or participate in their own trends, using clips from their favorite shows, GIFs, memes, and more by seamlessly integrating them into their TikTok videos. To start, Library will be populated with exciting and entertaining content from GIPHY, including their collection of GIPHY Clips.”
Again, note that the surprising thing here is that TikTok was able to form a collaboration of sorts with the now-Meta-owned GIPHY. Then again, with all the clout Meta has recently accrued involving antitrust investigations, we can’t exactly blame GIPHY for entertaining ‘opportunities’, even if it meant entering into agreements with some of Meta’s current biggest rivals.
Regardless of motives, the functionality is now available on TikTok, along with a range of reactions, quotes, and ‘iconic moments’ in GIF form. Being the meme-land that it is, this new option will no doubt prove popular. While there may be questions about brands using celebrity clips in their promotions, like some sort of pseudo-endorsement, it also provides new opportunities for marketers to build and align with content trends.
The Wrap
Well, it’s TikTok and GIPHY, not really much more to say. For those wanting to try out the new Library tool, from the TikTok camera screen, tap the new ‘Library’ icon on the vertical sidebar. Once on the Library screen, simply scroll through the content or use the search bar for specific queries. With your selected content in hand, simply edit the clip to the desired length and return to the shoot page to continue with your captures.
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