Up to 60 seconds and not a minute longer. That is the Tiktok requirement for clips that are as entertaining as possible. Photo: Jens Kalaene / dpa-Zentralbild / dpa-tmn
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(Photo: dpa)
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All videos are uploaded to Tiktok servers. For each individual video, users can determine whether it is only for themselves Tiktok is a video platform on which users can watch short videos for up to 60 seconds or upload them themselves. As soon as you open the app, you are on the “for you” page and the Tiktok algorithm suggests the first video.
“The only way to influence the proposed videos is through the way they consume the video and how long do I watch, like, comment or share the video,” explains Adil Sbaiwho works as a manager for some well-known tiktokers such as Younes Zarou.
Tiktok also offers classic functions of a social network, such as writing messages, “liking” and commenting on content. Above all, however, the application is a very creative, universal video production app, says Sbai.
All videos are uploaded to Tiktok servers. With each individual video, users can determine whether it is only visible to themselves (private) or potentially for all users (public).
Public by default
However, Miriam Ruhenstroth from the consumer protection portal “Mobilsicherheit.de” criticizes the fact that Tiktok sets user accounts to public by default. “That means produced content can be found by all users.” Although you can delete videos that have already been posted, Ruhenstroth said, that does not mean that they are out of the world. Any user would have been able to save and share the videos before they were deleted.
If you want to prevent this, you can set your account to “private”. Then, according to Tiktok, only confirmed followers can see and comment on their own videos.
A number of visual and acoustic effects are available to users to create videos. Videos can be individualized with overlay effects such as color filters or masks, says Iren Schulz, media coach at the “Look out” initiative.
Faces can also be blurred in the app. And you can use filters to modify the color tone of the entire video. Virtual dog or cat ears are also available if required. “That belongs more to Snapchat or Instagram,” says Schulz. The countdown and speed functions typical of Tiktok are used more. And: Before or after the recording, songs or sequences from films can also be placed under the video.
Another Tiktok specialty is the duet. With this function you can react directly to other videos via video. The highlight: “The screen is split and your own, newly recorded video is displayed to the left of the original video,” says Schulz.
Media literacy is a must
What is to be considered? Tiktok sets the minimum age for using the app to be 13 years in its user conditions. However, much younger children, especially girls, are often enthusiastic about the app, says Schulz.
It is important for Tiktok and all other platforms and networks to train the media skills of children and young people, says Rebekka Weiß from the IT industry association Bitkom. Children in particular have to learn to classify and control usage. Parents should also create a culture of conversation that allows children to talk about disturbing content they see on Tiktok & Co.
In this context, Tiktok has now also announced an opt-in function. If you view videos that the platform believes could be perceived as inappropriate or threatening, you will receive a warning message – and you must then actively consent before the video is played. Such videos should no longer appear in the “For You” feed with suggestions.
Miriam Ruhenstroth generally advises parents not to let children set up their Tiktok profiles alone and to determine rules in advance about how long Tiktok can be used and what can be posted. There is also a “companion mode” for parents. Together with their children, they can use it to determine usage time and contact options or filter out content. However, parents have to install the app themselves.
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