TikTok is working on subscriptions so that producers can charge for their work, and it’s not the only social media platform doing so.
TikTok is developing a subscription option for creators only one day after Meta revealed that subscriptions are now available to a select group of Instagram creators, with intentions to expand shortly. TikTok already offers a tipping option that allows viewers to send presents in the form of coins to their favourite producers during livestreams. On the other hand, Tips are an unpredictable source of money, and one negative comment could be enough to stop generous donations from followers.
TikTok has recently attempted to support a creator economy to expand its e-commerce capabilities. The business developed the Creator Next program, which allows content creators to profit from their work. Subscriptions are one of the most dependable types of income in the present online content arena because not everyone can get in. OnlyFans is an excellent illustration of this method, and Substack has also shown to be a success. So TikTok also appears to be preparing for the change.
According to The Information, TikTok is experimenting with allowing producers to charge subscribers. According to TechCrunch, the subscription feature is presently being tested in a restricted capacity and is not publicly available. When asked to explain how it all works, TikTok responded with a standard boilerplate message about constantly aiming to deliver more value and unique experiences to its users. Like Instagram Subscriptions and Twitter’s Super Follow function, the primary goal stays the same. This aims to assist creators in earning a consistent income and a living from the short video platform.
The Next Big Social Media Shift
While TikTok hasn’t said much about how subscriptions would function, producers will probably be able to reserve unique content for their subscribers, resulting in a medium that stimulates deeper engagement with the most ardent fans, albeit for a fee. It is unclear, however, how this exclusive information will be delivered. It will be displayed on the algorithmically curated For You Page with a blur or paywall warning or simply on the creator’s profile page. Both options will have their benefits and drawbacks.
Pushing paywalled content to the For You page could help consumers find stuff they’re interested in, even if it’s at a cost. On the other side, few users will appreciate being recommended paywalled content that may or may not interest them. Such people are merely contaminating the For You Page, which consumers of this unique platform are unlikely to accept. TikTok, on the other hand, will most likely play it safe. TikTok’s future Subscriptions will probably take a careful approach, based on the protections in place to prevent its Repost function from destroying the FYP experience.
Source: The Information, TechCrunch
