TikTok's Big Move: Optimizing for Tablets and Foldables to Outpace Competition

TikTok has introduced a major update aimed at providing an improved experience for users on tablets and foldable devices. This update ensures that the app is now finely tuned for larger screens, offering viewers a crystal-clear video feed, easy navigation bars, and versatile orientation support.

With this enhancement, users will notice a polished video feed that brings content to life with enhanced clarity. Navigation bars at the top and bottom of the screen have been introduced for quick access to the app’s features and tabs. Notably, the app now seamlessly adapts to both landscape and portrait orientations.

This move comes a year after TikTok experimented with a horizontal full-screen mode on mobile globally. By introducing a landscape mode for larger devices, TikTok is stepping further into the realm dominated by YouTube, especially with its existing support for longer videos. The optimization caters to users watching extended content like cooking demonstrations and beauty tutorials on tablets, potentially luring YouTube enthusiasts towards TikTok.

In a blog post, TikTok expressed, “While most people already know and love TikTok on their mobile devices, we know many also like to access it on larger screens and foldable devices.” This optimization sets TikTok apart, especially as Instagram, a key competitor, still lacks an iPad app. By prioritizing the user experience on larger devices, TikTok diversifies its approach beyond mobile-first, gaining an edge in a competitive landscape.