The TikTok competitor, Byte, is going through a transformation process to set itself apart and compete with rivals apps. As a result, users can look forward to beneficial updates that add new features, on top of cleaning up glitches and other security flaws. These updates adjust the aesthetic design while also introducing new ways to interact with the app, with the ultimate goal of attracting and maintaining a diverse audience.

The six-second video looping app, Vine, is no longer available, but its legacy lives on. People will still quote favorite lines from viral clips; in fact, the app’s success launched creative careers for the Paul brothers, Lele Pons, and Zach King. In 2016, Twitter opted to shut down the app leaving room for competitors, like TikTok, to find a base and exponentially grow to surpass two billion downloads. Meanwhile, the original creators of Vine launched Byte on iOS and Android in January of 2020 as Vine’s successor. However, Byte has not achieved the same level of success as its predecessor, so far.

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On Byte’s website, the company has detailed new updates and what the company is planning on adding in the future. For example, the app has added to the variety of music sources that can be used, a “like” feature system built in the comment section, and notifications to create more of a social experience. With rivals like TikTok and other video sharing apps, Byte is planning on incorporating other new features to help it stand out in the future.

The Sequel To An Iconic App

The popularity of Vine makes it easy to want to root for its sequel. However, TikTok’s music and trending categories are hard to contend with. Especially as its algorithm produces seemingly never-ending content that's perfected suited to the user. Since Byte’s initial release, it has shown its ability to adapt to the new clip environment while bringing back the same energy as its predecessor. Although, it has changed the original Vine format with an update that lets users record videos with a maximum of 16 seconds. The video-looping app also introduced Byte Beats, which loops audio tracks, similar to the way TikTok lets users add music and custom audio.

The upgraded channels feature specific subjects, hashtags and sounds. For example, a person can click the “Dance” category and follow it so the best clips will appear in the customized mix tab. Furthermore, people can browse Bytes under the “Spotlight,” “Popular” and “New Sections,” although these can take time to update and change - one Spotlight Byte in the “General” category dates back to July. Other features to help it compete include adding texting tools and colors, on top of profile upgrades that include badges and social media links.

With all the talk recently of a TikTok ban, the video-looping app might be preparing for new users who are familiar with the rival’s platform and all the bells and whistles that come with it. In fact, Byte developers plan on implementing more custom features such as full-screen videos, an updated design, as well as making the app load faster. While it may be the successor of Vine, the environment has changed, and individuals want to have an app that offers more than just a record button. As a TikTok competitor, the video-looping app will need to make more adjustments to gain a larger audience, especially as other companies are also investing in TikTok-like features and tweaks.

More: As TikTok Struggles, Snapchat Is Gaining An 'Add Music To Posts' Feature

Source: Byte