TikTok Launches Android TV Version, Currently Only Available In The UK, France And Germany

According to foreign media theverge, on February 3, a TikTok for Android TV application was launched for the first time in the Google Play app store, which is the Android TV version of TikTok.

However, the Android TV version of TikTok is not launched simultaneously around the world. It is reported that the application currently only supports three countries: the United Kingdom, France and Germany, and TikTok has not disclosed when it will further expand to other countries.

In addition, the Android TV version of TikTok supports devices including: Android Select TVs from Sony, Hisense, TCL, Skyworth, Sharp, Phillips, Xiaomi, Panasonic and Toshiba. In addition, TikTok also has a special TV version application for Samsung TVs, which was launched in December 2020.

The playback interface of the TikTok Android TV version after opening is the same as the mobile app, both playing vertically on a scrollable page.

TikTok said: “TikTok’s short videos are fun, authentic and creative. Now we’re bringing this fun content to your TV. Whether you’re a sports enthusiast, someone who loves pets, or just want to have some fun, TikTok has it all Meet your needs.” “And now you can watch endless short video content from the comfort of your sofa.”

Users can also access specific categories of videos and their own profiles.

Compared with the functions TikTok launched on Amazon Fire TV, the Android TV version this time seems to be more comprehensive. The latter also selects some videos from TikTok that can be watched without logging in to an account.

Users who choose to log in will see personalized video content recommended based on their interests just like using it on their mobile phones, while users who have not logged in can directly watch 12 of the most popular short videos on TikTok, which can be said to be "unprecedented" pioneering work.

The launch of the TV version of TikTok has successfully entered the "family fun" family atmosphere. Rich Waterworth, TikTok’s general manager for UK and Europe, said: “This move brings TikTok into a very established behavior of sitting together as a family on chairs and sofas and sharing the joy of watching TV, which has always been a more central part of family life. A precious part." It's a bit like the Spring Festival Gala.

And in this way, TikTok can further diversify its audience and allow the short video trend driven by TikTok to penetrate into mainstream culture.

Data reported by Bloomberg shows that in the summer of 2020, the number of monthly active TikTok users in the UK was 17 million, accounting for 1/4 of the total population of the UK. 40% of the users are between the ages of 18-24, and the average login time is more than 1 month per day. Hour. Brendan Gahan, partner and chief social officer of Mekanism, an American creative agency, said: "In the past year, TikTok has greatly expanded its user base. Although this trend still favors young people, the number of users of all ages is actually increasing. Increase."

At present, TikTok's development is far ahead of some of its major competitors. This move may be a very important strategy for TikTok. London consulting firm Omdia predicts that the number of people watching TikTok short videos on TV will double in France, Germany and the UK in the next five years, and TikTok's Android TV version will become the second most popular after Samsung's Tizen operating system.

In addition to expanding its audience and integrating into mainstream culture, TikTok can also increase advertising revenue. Brendan said: "TikTok has entered the field of TV advertising with this, hinting at its advertising ambitions."

It is currently widely believed that TikTok is an app for young people, so to attract more advertisers and compete with other leading platforms such as YouTube, TikTok needs to expand its user reach, so "going on TV" may have some impact on it help.