Social media platforms share many features, with some being copycats of others, and those who popularize a certain experience. Now, the rise of the vertical video feed returns after TikTok popularized it years ago, as Bluesky and X are now the latest platforms, albeit text-centered apps, to bring a new kind of entertainment experience for all looking for another platform to spend their time in.
While TikTok is already back from its short-lived shutdown in the United States thanks to Trump, other companies are looking to fill in the gaps or present a new experience for users as the dust settles.
Bluesky, X Debut New Video Feeds Available For All to Enjoy
Two microblogging platforms have joined the revolution of vertical video experiences for users to enjoy, with X being the first to announce that they are now offering a new video feed for users to enjoy. It is known that X has long touted its multimedia experiences on the platform, with its video-first approach being one of the massive changes to the experience, but this specific release focuses on a vertical video feed.
Its new experience now offers a dedicated Video tab found alongside the bottom bar, right beside the direct access to xAI's Grok, with users given a familiar TikTok-like experience with vertical-scrolling gestures.
On the other hand, Bluesky said that it is getting in "on the video action too" with the introduction of its dedicated video feed which users may find on the Search feature, under the "Trending Videos" carousel which also offers a vertical-scrolling collection of clips.
TikTok Is Still Getting Settled But Rivals Are On the Move
While the companies' releases were only shared earlier today, they may have seemed to lose out on the opportunity to swoop in and fill the gap that TikTok left behind as the platform was already reinstated by incoming President Trump. That being said, it is still a massive opportunity for Bluesky and X who are both looking to establish a more multimedia approach to their platforms, rather than the text-based experiences they are famous for.
Should You Opt For TikTok or Its Alternatives?
The previous threat of TikTok getting banned and the company announcing that they are shutting down has left the world reeling for the next big thing in the world of social media for people to use. One of the biggest rising stars in the market today is none other than RedNote, another Chinese social media that closely resembles TikTok but with a twist, and it has since been the home for 'TikTok refugees.'
That being said, there is one of the biggest TikTok rivals in the world that has no problem operating in the United States as it was made in America, with Mark Zuckerberg's Meta offering its Facebook and Instagram Reels. Moreover, there is also Google which, like Meta, has long introduced its vertical video feed experience via YouTube with the Shorts feature which also looked to end TikTok's dominance.
The alternatives to TikTok are endless, and many have tried to counter the Chinese social media platform's dominance in the market by offering a similar experience, but the recent protest against the ban only proves that the public still wants the real deal. Bluesky and X are the latest to introduce a new vertical video feed that is looking to go against TikTok, releasing it despite the Chinese platform's return.
