TikTok isn't everyone's favorite social network. After all, it's been heavily criticized for potential privacy issues and has even faced bans in several different countries.
If you love using TikTok, but want to avoid all of the drama and controversy that surrounds the app, you might want to try an alternative. The following TikTok alternatives are short-form video apps bound to entertain you just as much as TikTok.
1. Triller
Triller has been around for slightly longer than TikTok, as it was launched in 2015. The app has had quite some time to gain a following, making it TikTok's biggest competitor.
The app lets you swipe through an endless number of curated short-form videos, just like TikTok. You can expect to see all kinds of content, ranging from in-app challenges, to dancing, comedic clips, and adorable pet videos.
Triller also has a massive library of music filled with over one million popular songs. As you can tell by its sizeable music collection, Triller has a huge focus on music. High-profile artists like Justin Bieber, Chance the Rapper, Eminem, and Rita Ora have even turned to Triller to create music videos.
The app also comes equipped with an auto-editing algorithm for your videos, as well as over 100 filters to change up your look. And if you're ever unsure of how to make a video, Triller has several how-to videos to help out new users.
Download: Triller for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
2. Dubsmash
TikTok deserters will appreciate Dubsmash's clean user interface and ease of use. Its interface looks almost identical to TikTok's—the app presents you with five tabs at the bottom of the screen, and it also features social buttons on the right side of each video.
In the Feed tab, you can browse through recommended videos, as well as videos from users that you follow. The Explore page is filled with trending users and hashtags, letting you keep up on the most popular content.
Like TikTok, you can record duets, add effects and filters to your videos, as well as access a large library of music. The platform also lets you share your Dubsmash videos to YouTube, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter, so you can increase your following on all social media platforms.
Dubsmash also makes it clear that it's based in New York, and that it doesn't collect usage data or track your phone's GPS. Since TikTok has been accused of being a national security threat, it seems that Dubsmash has the advantage in that respect.
Download: Dubsmash for iOS | Android (Free)
3. Likee
Likee is another great TikTok alternative. Although it sports a TikTok-like interface, it has quite a few features that make it unique.
First off, Likee comes with a ton of stickers, filters, and effects that you can use to customize your videos. You can even use its built-in face-swap effect, apply virtual makeup, change your hair color on-screen, and turn yourself into a comic book character.
The app puts an emphasis on live content as well. The Live tab displays videos happening in real-time, giving you a break from watching pre-recorded short videos. Its livestream feature also lets users battle side-by-side, adding a fun twist to live content.
Likee uses a recommendation algorithm to curate content on your daily feed. The app may not have as large of an audience as TikTok, but it still has a variety of creative and entertaining videos on the platform.
Download: Likee for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
4. Funimate
Funimate is a hub for all kinds of short videos. The app gives you the ability to incorporate transitions, create your own effects, and add fun emojis, stickers, and text to your videos. Funimate comes packed with over 100 effects that you can try out.
It also has a more intricate video editing system in comparison to TikTok. Not only does it allow for multi-layer editing, but it also gives you the ability to merge videos, add slow motion, and throw in some animations.
Funimate also has a fairly large collection of music that you can use in your videos. In addition, you can participate in challenges within the app, as well as share your content across TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube.
Download: Funimate for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
5. Byte
If you still love finding and watching old Vines, you might like Byte. This app comes from the co-creators of Vine and offers a viable TikTok alternative.
Like the former short-form video app, Vine, Byte only allows videos that are up to six seconds long. These videos then play on loop, providing hours of entertainment.
It should be noted that Byte is very simple. It doesn't revolve around music like TikTok and most other apps on this list. Instead, Byte relies on creators' own commentary to make short-form videos fun to watch. The app also doesn't come with fancy text-editing tools, and also doesn't allow you to add stickers to your videos.
In the Explore tab, you can check out different tags that Byte videos fall into. From "/memes" to "/perfectloops", Byte has something for everyone.
Download: Byte for iOS | Android (Free)
6. Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels is Instagram's take on TikTok. You can find Reels nestled in the Instagram app's Explore page, and you can identify Reels clips by looking for the "Reels" label in the corner. Once you click on one, you can keep scrolling to watch related clips.
Reels lets you record videos for up to 15 seconds. You can choose from a huge library of songs to add to your videos and you can also incorporate a variety of effects, stickers, and filters. Reels doesn't come with extensive editing tools, but the feature still gives you the ability to trim clips, as well as slow down or speed up your video.
If you already have a decent Instagram following, it can't hurt to try Reels. After all, why should you start over on TikTok, or any other short-form video app, when you can create short videos using Instagram Reels?
Download: Instagram for iOS | Android (Free, in-app purchases available)
Moving Away From TikTok
Even though TikTok has struck a deal with the US-based company, Oracle, there's still no telling if this deal will improve user security on the app.
In the end, TikTok still has to gain back the trust of its users and the US government. Which is why it might be best to stick with one of these TikTok alternatives for now.
