The video-content-making platform TikTok is apparently testing out a new feature called Shoutouts. As the name suggests, it will let the users request and pay for customized videos from their favorite creators. It is reported that users can request to make videos with the same in-app currency as tipping creators in live videos. It is up to the producers who are willing to make custom videos to set their price on the app.
This feature has not been launched globally yet. As of now, it looks like Turkish creators and at least one creator in Dubai can use this feature. Moreover, the app prevents the users in some areas from even requesting to watch the videos on the platform.
Clicking on the ‘Request’ button will take the users to a screen that will explain how it works. However, when requesting a video, the user needs to pay in advance, and the creator, on the other side, has three days to accept it. After about a week, users will receive the video in their direct message.
However, since not everyone can access the new feature, it is not clear yet how it works, and especially if the developers need a specific fan threshold to have access to the feature.
Influencer Marketing Factory CEO Alessandro Bogliari told BuzzFeed News that this feature is a “win-win-win” for the platform.
“Influencers made more money, TikTok opened up a new revenue stream, and fans are happy to have a customized video that can be requested, paid, and saved within TikTok,” he said.
He also made it clear that it will give a tough competition to Cameo which was founded in 2016 while allows users to request personalized videos from big-name celebrities. Bogliari also mentioned that using the new Shoutouts, the influencers can provide customized videos for between 35 and 500 US dollars.
