TikTok sells its AI tech to other companies

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

TikTok's parent company ByteDance quietly launched its BytePlus division, which is in charge of selling TikTok's technology, including its recommendation algorithm, computer vision tech, automated translations, real-time effects and more. The division is based in Singapore, but it has a presence in Hong Kong and London. BytePlus is also looking to register trademarks in the US.

Companies like Indonesian online shopping company Chilibeli, American fashion app Goat, and travel site WeGo have bought access to TikTok's tech. It isn't a surprising move as it helps ByteDance compete with the likes of Amazon and Microsoft to offer behind-the-scenes tools to businesses and open a new revenue source for the company.

Source: Engadget

TikTok now lets all users upload clips up to three minutes long

Photo by Amanda Vick on Unsplash

TikTok started testing three-minute videos in December. Now, the social media app is ready to bring this feature to all users. It gives creators on the app more flexibility with the kind of content they produce on TikTok. It's being rolled out for everyone on the app "over the coming weeks."

Source: The Verge

TikTok tests bringing mini-apps to videos with Jump

TikTok is expanding its test of a new Jump feature, allowing creators to embed mini-apps into their videos. So, for example, someone making a cooking tutorial can embed a link to the Whisk recipe app, so viewers can just pull up the recipe sheet inside TikTok. The company has also partnered with the likes of Wikipedia, Breathwrk (breathing exercises), Quizlet (flashcards), StatMuse (sports stats) and Tabelog (Japanese restaurant guide) for the ongoing beta test. Additional partners coming in the next few weeks include BuzzFeed, Jumprope (tutorials), IRL (event invitations) and Watcha (streaming platform/movie reviews).

TikTok is opening Jump to more developers interested in creating experiences within the app. Additional info and applications are available at tiktok.com/jump. TikTok Jumps work with HTML5 and have "minimal" technical integrations required, according to Sean Kim, TikTok U.S. head of product.

Source: Variety + The Verge

TikTok launches global #CreateKindness Campaign

Today, TikTok launched #CreateKindness, a global campaign and a creative video series aimed at raising awareness around bullying. The campaign features the real and personal experiences of six TikTok creator-animators and how we can all choose and #CreateKindness. These videos can be found on @TikTokTips and within TikTok’s Discover page all month long, where they also provide access to information on TikTok's safety features and their bullying prevention resources.

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