Cons: YouTube does have a separate app for Shorts. And similar to Instagram, discoverability is a challenge.
Triller
The video app gained traction during the first threat of a TikTok ban in 2020 by establishing a content house where creators lived in exchange for posting to the app, pitching advertisers, and working with prominent creators such as Griff Johnson, Noah Beck, and Josh Richards.
Now, the company developed a tool to assist TikTok creators in transferring their videos to the platform ahead of a larger refresh planned for the first quarter of this year. Triller also has tools to help creators find brand deals and design standalone apps.
Pros: Triller offers a program for creators and tools to help creators own their content and audience. The app also has the equivalent of a ‘For You’ page to surface relevant videos.
Cons: Triller’s size is significantly smaller than TikTok. The app’s algorithm also does not reflect the content that users engage with.
RedNote
If you’ve been online this week, you’ve likely heard about the Chinese app RedNote as a potential alternative to TikTok. More than 700,000 new users joined in just two days, Reuters reported.
Many American users flocking to RedNote are referring to themselves as “TikTok refugees.” The app’s default setting is Mandarin, leading to a 216% increase in U.S. users learning Mandarian with Duolingo’s products.
Pros: RedNote has high-quality videos, a usability akin to TikTok, the ability to easily upload and share content, and has a commerce integration.
Cons: The app’s Mandarian language is a barrier. The app also reportedly censors topics like LGBTQ+.
