Recently, TikTok officially launched “TikTok Notes,” a new photo-sharing app, now available in Australia and Canada. Previously hinted at within the main app, TikTok Notes operates as a standalone platform focused exclusively on images and descriptions similar to those found on TikTok but in a dedicated environment.
TikTok described the app as a space for the community to continue sharing their experiences through photos. It’s aimed at users who want to document their adventures, showcase their creativity, or share everyday moments in a purely photographic format. The design of TikTok Notes is reminiscent of Pinterest and shares aesthetic features with TikTok’s eCommerce app “Lemon8,” launched last year, notably in its lack of a product focus.
The interface features a staggered tile display, similar to that of Lemon8, but primarily showcases images from TikTok. These often lack context without TikTok’s video content, although this might evolve as the app grows and users begin posting more targeted content. User profiles mimic the TikTok layout, complete with neon-colored icons.
Users can upload up to 34 images in a single post, presented in a side-scrolling carousel. The app allows for extensive captions, with a limit of 4,000 characters, and includes a title section. While currently basic, TikTok Notes is part of TikTok’s strategy to explore new formats and potentially tap into emerging markets.
The launch seems inspired by the success of Tencent-backed Xiaohongshu, also known as “Little Red Book,” in China. This platform has seen significant growth and has expanded into eCommerce, resembling a local version of Instagram.
With the introduction of TikTok Notes, TikTok aims to replicate Xiaohongshu’s success in Western markets. However, with established platforms like Instagram already prevalent, the strategy behind TikTok Notes in these regions remains somewhat ambiguous.
TikTok Notes represents another experimental venture for TikTok as it seeks to expand its influence. Whether it will become a successful platform or simply another option remains to be seen, but it could potentially offer a new creative outlet for users.
