5 Apps Similar To TikTok: Best Alternatives You Should Know About In 2025

I remember the day TikTok stopped working on my phone for two hours. The outage lasted for a full two hours.
It felt like the internet had paused. That prompted me to contemplate: What would happen if TikTok faced another ban or crash? What would creators do? What would marketers, small businesses, or everyday content lovers turn to? So I decided to explore apps similar to TikTok — not just out of curiosity but to find out which platforms are actually worth using and growing on.

The truth is, TikTok is not the only short-form video app out there.
There are several alternatives with large audiences, smart features, and serious growth potential.

This article covers the best apps similar to TikTok, their size, who they’re for, and how to use them.

What Makes a TikTok Alternative Worth Using?

If you plan to dedicate time to a new platform, it should fulfil several requirements. Here’s what I look for before posting on any TikTok alternative:

User base size: Bigger platforms offer more exposure but also more competition.
Organic reach: Can your video go viral without paid promotion?
Monetisation potential: Are there clear ways to make money as a creator or business?
Content lifespan: Does content last longer than 48 hours, like it does on YouTube?
Community vibe: Is the platform niche-specific or more general?
Editing tools: Can you create high-quality videos natively, or do you need third-party apps?
Audience type: Who is the dominant audience—Gen Z, professionals, or hobbyists?

If a platform scores high on at least four of these, it’s worth testing.

Best Apps Similar to TikTok in 2025

Let’s explore the top apps, similar to TikTok, that you should explore in 2025. Whether you’re a creator, an entrepreneur, or just love making content, these apps give you new places to shine.

#1. Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels is one of the closest alternatives to TikTok, and it’s integrated directly into the Instagram app. You can shoot and upload videos between 15 and 90 seconds, apply filters, use trending sounds, and add text overlays or voiceovers.

Reels now appear in the main feed, explore page, and dedicated Reels tab, giving your content multiple points of visibility. Reels also benefits from Instagram’s powerful algorithm, which recommends videos based on user behaviour.

As of 2024, Instagram has over 2 billion monthly active users, and over 200 million businesses are using it globally, so both consumer and brand audiences are waiting.

Best for: Creators who already have an Instagram presence, lifestyle and fashion influencers, businesses running visual ads, and anyone who wants to benefit from Instagram’s built-in audience and trust.

Pro tip: I use Reels to A/B test content. For example, if a 15-second reel about content tips performs well, I know I can turn it into a longer YouTube video or expand it into a carousel post. It’s a fantastic sandbox.

#2. YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts is YouTube’s answer to TikTok and is one of the most powerful platforms for long-term content growth. Shorts allows you to upload vertical videos up to 60 seconds long, and they show up on the Shorts shelf on both mobile and desktop.

YouTube has a massive user base — over 2.5 billion logged-in monthly users. What’s more, Shorts now appear on the homepage, in subscription feeds, and even as “suggested” beneath regular videos, increasing their discoverability.

Many creators are building entire channels based on Shorts. For example, creators like “Kevin Parry” and “The AI Breakdown” have seen explosive growth from short, snackable clips.

Best for: Educators, how-to creators, gaming, tech, comedy, or anyone who wants to grow a channel without waiting months for long-form traction.

I posted a 40-second productivity tip and gained 400 subscribers in 48 hours — something that would’ve taken weeks on TikTok.

Pro tip: YouTube Shorts are excellent because they keep working for you. Unlike TikTok, where a video might die in 48 hours, Shorts can resurface weeks later and still pull views.

#3. Triller

Triller once positioned itself as TikTok’s biggest rival, particularly in the music and dance space. The app allows users to create music videos with AI editing tools, making it a hit among music lovers, artists, and celebrities.

It has secured partnerships with artists like The Weeknd, Marshmello, and Alicia Keys. Triller also emphasises creator control and ownership — unlike TikTok, which heavily relies on its algorithm, Triller gives you more say in where your content is seen.

With over 250 million downloads globally, it’s a strong contender for creators looking to lean into the entertainment and music niche.

Best for: Musicians, dancers, fitness instructors, and creators who want more editing flexibility and artistic control.

Bonus: It also integrates well with platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, making it a smart choice for artists who want to drive streams.

#4. Snapchat Spotlight

Snapchat’s Spotlight feature gives everyday users a shot at virality, not just influencers. It’s a vertical video feed that pulls from user-submitted Snaps and displays them to a wider audience based on interest, not follower count.

The platform currently has 750 million monthly active users, with a particularly strong Gen Z base. What sets Spotlight apart is its Spotlight Rewards Program, which has paid millions to creators since its launch.

Unlike Instagram or TikTok, Snapchat leans more toward spontaneous, unpolished content, which is refreshing in a world of highly curated videos.

Best for: Comedians, vloggers, lifestyle creators, students, and creators who enjoy more raw, real-time video storytelling.

Quick stat: Snapchat users open the app more than 30 times a day on average, making it one of the most engaging social platforms for short-form content.

#5. Lemon8

Lemon8 is a rising lifestyle platform launched by ByteDance, the same company behind TikTok. While still relatively new, Lemon8 has been gaining popularity, especially among creators focused on beauty, wellness, food, productivity, and travel.

It combines the scrollable video feel of TikTok with the aesthetic grid layout of Instagram and Pinterest. Posts can include both videos and images, making it ideal for storytelling or step-by-step content.

The platform is currently gaining strong traction in regions like the US, Japan, and Southeast Asia.

Best for: Influencers, coaches, product reviewers, digital marketers, and creators who value clean visuals and detail-rich content.

What I like: Unlike TikTok’s fast swipe-up style, Lemon8 encourages users to slow down, read captions, look through step-by-step visuals, and save content, which is great for driving long-term engagement.

Who Should Use These TikTok Alternatives?

You don’t need to be a full-time content creator to make use of short-form platforms. Each of these apps brings different strengths to different types of users.

#1. Content Creators

If you’re a YouTuber, podcaster, or influencer, these platforms help you repurpose long-form content into fast, scroll-stopping clips. You can test video hooks, grow your audience, and drive traffic back to your main channels.

#2. Business Owners

Short-form videos are currently the most engaging type of digital content. Whether you’re launching a product, running a service, or growing your personal brand, Reels and Shorts especially offer high discoverability with zero ad spend.

Example: I’ve helped a skincare brand grow its Instagram page by turning simple behind-the-scenes packaging clips into viral Reels.

#3. Coaches and Educators

Platforms like YouTube Shorts are excellent for sharing bite-sized lessons. One-minute tips, day-in-the-life updates, or mini-tutorials help build credibility and reach faster.

#4. Students and Young Creators

Even if you’re just starting out, these platforms offer the chance to build a personal brand early. You can showcase your creativity, hobbies, or thoughts without needing expensive gear.

#5. Creators Exploring Faceless Video or AI

Apps like Triller and YouTube Shorts are excellent for faceless automation, especially when combined with voiceovers, B-roll, or animations.

Comparison of TikTok Alternatives

Platform	Monthly Users	Best For
Instagram Reels	2 billion	Creators, influencers, marketers
YouTube Shorts	2.5 billion	Video creators, educators
Triller	250 million+	Wellness, beauty, and product reviews
Snapchat Spotlight	750 million	Comedy, lifestyle, fashion
Lemon8	Growing rapidly	Wellness, beauty, product reviews

Can You Make Money on These Platforms?

Yes. Most of them offer monetisation features. Here’s how:

YouTube Shorts: Pays through the YouTube Partner Program.
Instagram Reels: Creators earn through product tags, affiliate links, and sponsorships.
Snapchat Spotlight: Offers reward payments for viral content.
Triller and Lemon8: Monetisation is mostly through influencer deals, brand partnerships, and product promotion.

If you’re serious about creating content or promoting your brand, these apps provide ways to make money as long as you’re consistent.

Case Study: I Tried 3 TikTok Alternatives for 7 Days

This past month, I posted the same short video across TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels to see how each performed. Here’s what I discovered:

Day 1–3:
- TikTok got early traction. It received 1,200 views in the first hour before the pace slowed down.
- Reels took about 5 hours to kick in, but hit 3,500 views in 24 hours.
- Shorts had the slowest start but had the best long-term performance.
By Day 7:
- TikTok: 7,100 views, 23 new followers
- Reels: 12,400 views, 41 new followers
- Shorts: 15,200 views, 60 new subscribers and more video suggestions

Reels and Shorts offer a longer shelf life. While TikTok offers rapid engagement, YouTube is more sustainable in the long run.

The Downsides of TikTok Alternatives

No platform is perfect. While alternatives can give you stability, here are some common drawbacks to consider:

Discoverability issues: On platforms like Instagram, Reels from large accounts often get priority. New creators might find it harder to grow without an existing audience.
Limited editing features: Some platforms don’t offer advanced editing tools (e.g., no speed control, green screen, or advanced transitions), so videos may need to be edited externally.
Unclear algorithms: Unlike TikTok’s “For You” page, other apps may not push your content to random viewers. Content tends to stay within your existing follower base.
Smaller or less engaged user bases: Platforms like Triller or Lemon8 may not have global reach yet, which can limit your content exposure depending on your location.
Inconsistent monetisation: Unlike YouTube Shorts, which pays creators via the Partner Program, other apps rely on brand deals or affiliate links, which may not be reliable for everyone.

How to Repurpose TikTok Content on Other Platforms

If you’re already creating on TikTok, repurposing is the smartest way to multiply your results. Here’s how to do it properly:

Step 1: Remove the watermark

Use tools like SnapTik or SaveTik to download your TikTok video without the watermark. Platforms like Instagram and YouTube often reduce the visibility of videos with watermarks.

Step 2: Resize or crop if needed

While most platforms use the 9:16 vertical format, YouTube or Reels may cut off your text overlays. Adjust positioning using apps like InShot or CapCut.

Step 3: Customise your caption

Tailor captions and hashtags for each platform. What works on TikTok may not work on YouTube Shorts, which needs more searchable titles.

Step 4: Schedule wisely

Use tools like Later, Metricool, or Buffer to space out your content. Don’t post the same video at the same time across all platforms—it looks recycled.

Step 5: Track performance

Track which platform performs best, not just by views but also by likes, saves, comments, and follower growth.

Key Takeaways

TikTok is great, but there are other fast-growing video platforms you should be using.
YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels are the top two alternatives with built-in audiences and monetisation tools.
Triller and Lemon8 are better for niche music, beauty, and lifestyle creators.
Don’t depend on just one app — diversify your presence across two or more platforms.
You can earn money through affiliate links, sponsorships, and platform rewards if you post consistently.

Conclusion

The world of short-form video is growing fast, and TikTok isn’t the only platform worth your time.
Whether you’re a creator, business owner, or just someone who loves sharing content, apps like Reels, Shorts, Triller, Spotlight, and Lemon8 all offer new ways to reach more people and earn money along the way.

Have you had the opportunity to explore any of these TikTok alternatives yet? Which one do you think has the most potential?

Emmanuel Akinola

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