TikTok is a great video-sharing app with a large community of users who are passionate about showcasing all types of content online. However, there are some privacy issues with the app due to the sheer volume of data it collects from its users.
So, if you are looking for a solid TikTok alternative, we did the research for you and established the eight best TikTok alternatives:
- Triller: A great TikTok alternative for users in the US
- Instagram Reels: Ideal for influencers
- Firework: A video creation solution with unique features
- YouTube Shorts: One of the most popular TikTok alternatives
- Huddles: A free app with a great variety of content
- Lomotif: One of the few video-sharing platforms with a wide range of editing tools
- Snapchat: A user-friendly app to share videos with others
- Moj: India’s solution to the TikTok ban
Recently, TikTok has come under fire, with several countries placing bans on the app or threatening restrictions. Experts have also expressed privacy concerns about TikTok.
Worried about the amount of data that gets collected by the app? If you’re using TikTok or any of its alternatives, it’s best to use a VPN (Virtual Private Network). We recommend NordVPN as it has a large network of servers, excellent security features, and fast speeds.
If you want to know more about the different TikTok alternatives and how to protect your privacy with a VPN, read our full article below.
With over 1 billion monthly users, TikTok is booming. It’s one of the most popular apps of the 2020s and has 80 million monthly users in the United States alone. Anyone who’s ever used TikTok knows that the app can certainly keep you entertained for hours!
At the same time, the controversy around TikTok has been growing, and certain countries have banned it completely or have posed restrictions. For example, the US has banned TikTok on government devices, whereas India has prohibited the use of the app entirely. The main concerns are TikTok’s privacy regulations, as well as its alleged ties to the Chinese government.
Whether you’re simply looking for the next big app or you want a replacement for TikTok in case it gets banned, we’ve compiled a list of the eight best TikTok alternatives for you.
The 8 Best TikTok Alternatives Around the Globe
Is TikTok banned where you live? You can easily access TikTok by using a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Luckily, there are also many other short-video apps that offer similar features to TikTok. If you’re looking for a full-fledged TikTok alternative, we’ve listed the best ones below.
1. Triller: Best TikTok alternative for the United States
Pros
- An abundance of celebrity content
- Create videos with AI editing technology
- Go live on Triller TV
Cons
- Doesn't offer many editing tools
Triller is one of the most popular TikTok alternatives and is perfect for users in the United States. In terms of content, there’s a lot of overlap with TikTok: dance videos, lip-syncing videos, in-app challenges, and an almost identical interface.
While the app was originally designed as a video editing tool, it’s grown into a social platform that has over 65 million active monthly users, including celebrities like Chance the Rapper, Alicia Keyes, Cardi B., The Weeknd, and Justin Bieber, who use it for music videos.
The app is a lot of fun, super easy to use, and basically does all the work for you. With the app’s advanced AI technology, you can cut and trim videos, create slow-motion videos, and add songs to a music video. These short videos — known as “trills” — can also be enhanced with different filters and stickers. Not sure how to make or post videos? Triller provides you with useful how-to instructions. However, you will notice that there isn’t a wide variety of editing tools and effects you can use.
Users can view and like each other’s videos, comment on them, and share them. You don’t even need an account to start scrolling! There’s a homepage that provides you with trending content, and creators can go live on Triller TV. It’s also possible to share your short-form videos on other social media platforms like Instagram or Snapchat.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
2. Instagram Reels: A strong TikTok alternative for influencers
Pros
- Large user base, not just Gen Z
- Nice filters and effects
Cons
- Doesn’t have the best search option
If you’re already on Instagram, Instagram Reels is a super great alternative to TikTok. You can create videos that are 15 to 60 seconds long and enhance them with all sorts of filters and effects, including augmented reality lenses. Creating short videos is easy enough: you can edit together several video clips and add songs easily through the Instagram music library.
A difference between Instagram Reels and TikTok is the audience. Whereas Gen Z users primarily occupy TikTok, Instagram has a wide range of users, a great advantage for creators looking to expand their following. Content on Instagram also tends to be a bit more aesthetically refined and professional in comparison to TikTok.
However, when it comes to discovering new content, Instagram’s Explore tab isn’t as well-developed as TikTok’s For You page. Posts don’t always get optimized in the same way, and it can be difficult to find the exact content you’re looking for by using the Search option.
Even so, Instagram Reels is a great alternative to TikTok! It’s very easy to use, geared toward engagement, and a great way for influencers to grow their base.
Nevertheless, if you do decide to use Instagram Reels, you must also keep in mind that Instagram can be quite invasive in terms of privacy. It can track what you do online and collect data about you and the content you interact with. So, the best way to protect your data while on Instagram Reels is by using a VPN like NordVPN. This provider has a wide range of security features, like double encryption for your data and a strict no-logs policy, meaning it doesn’t save any of your personal info.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
3. Firework: Great video creation app with unique features
Pros
- Emphasis on video quality
- Save content you like in categories
Cons
- Maximum video length is 30 seconds
Firework is an app like TikTok but has a different focus. Instead of gaining popularity through likes and comments, the app emphasizes video creativity and high-quality content. However, the maximum length of all videos is limited to 30 seconds.
This TikTok alternative has all the content you might be looking for, from music videos to dance challenges, from life hacks to recipes. Users on Firework can scroll through a feed that’s curated on the basis of their personal interests. The app even allows you to add videos to specific collections and boards, so you can save content in categories.
Of course, the app gives you plenty of options to create short videos, including trimming, cropping, and adding background songs to a music video. Firework’s user base may be a lot smaller than TikTok’s, but it’s got great potential for growth and does away with TikTok’s more damaging aspects, including its obsession with popularity.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
4. YouTube Shorts: A TikTok alternative you probably already have
Pros
- No need to download any new apps
- Includes content coming from TikTok, so it's great for countries where TikTok is banned
Cons
- Maximum video length is 60 seconds
Don’t want to download any new apps to find a suitable TikTok alternative? Most likely, you already have the YouTube app on your phone. If so, your TikTok alternative is right there: YouTube Shorts.
To keep up with TikTok’s popularity, YouTube has added the option for short-form content—and many influences have jumped on the opportunity. Since YouTube is already familiar with what you enjoy watching, you’ll get great recommendations on the YouTube Shorts tab.
Artists will often share short snippets of new music videos. On top of that, YouTube Shorts features a lot of content that actually originates on TikTok, making it a great alternative for when the TikTok app is banned. As on TikTok, you can infinitely scroll down.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
5. Huddles: A free video app for people who miss Vine
Pros
- Interface similar to TikTok
- Large variety of short videos and channels
- User-friendly platform
Cons
- Doesn't provide video editing tools or filters
The creators that once brought us Vine have developed an app like TikTok called Huddles, previously known as Clash. The app is free, though it also offers great opportunities for users to support creators they like. If you’re looking to make money on TikTok alternatives, Huddles is a great option!
Of course, if you’re just here to watch, the app has a great variety of content: music videos, lifestyle, lip-syncing videos, animation, comedy videos, and more. Videos can be between two and 16 seconds long, really leaning hard into the short-form genre. It’s possible to import clips you’ve already made, as well as record within the app and add background music.
A small downside is that you can’t add filters to a clip once it’s recorded.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
6. Lomotif: A video-creation platform that offers different editing tools
Pros
- Create slideshows, collages, and montages
- Use hyper-lapse on videos
- Participate in community-building events
Cons
- May contain videos and music inappropriate for young users
Lomotif is very similar to TikTok and offers many of the same video editing tools. You can edit videos using the built-in editor and add GIFs, emojis, stickers, and filters. The app also lets you create collages and montages, and, of course, music videos.
But it also has several options that TikTok doesn’t, such as the ability to create slideshows and use hyper-lapse on videos. You can collaborate with your Lomotif friends and take part in great community-building events. The app also has Birthday and New Year features that let you boost your profile. You can use Lomotif to create content, which you can then repost on any other social media platform.
However, Lomotif is aimed mostly at teenagers due to the nature of some of the videos, where users may be dressed in suggestive clothing, for example. Moreover, some of the music available may contain lyrics that are inappropriate for younger users.
If Lomotif is blocked in your country, you can always use a VPN like NordVPN to get around any geo-restrictions the app may have put in place and access Lomotif from wherever you are.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
7. Snapchat: An alternative for TikTok with a user-friendly interface
Pros
- Many filters, effects, and lenses available
- Has celebrity content
- Easy to exchange Snaps with friends
Cons
- Can’t edit multiple clips
Snapchat might not be the first app you think of as an alternative to TikTok. Of course, the app is mostly known for exchanging “Snaps” (photos and videos that can be set to disappear). However, Snapchat has been expanding on its features for many years, making it a more suitable TikTok alternative than you might think.
Like TikTok, Snapchat allows you to add tons of text, doodles, and effects to your videos. There’s a lot of short-form content on the app, which you can find on the Spotlight page. Follow friends and influencers you like and enjoy short clips on the Discover page.
While Snapchat might take some getting used to, if you’ve never used the app, it’s worth considering it as an alternative to TikTok. Worried about your privacy? Have a look at what Snapchat knows about you.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
8. Moj: Get around the India TikTok ban with this short-form video app
Pros
- A great video-sharing platform for countries where TikTok is banned
- Can earn rewards by taking part in daily challenges
- Avalaible in different languages
Cons
- Max video length is 15 seconds
- May take a while for videos to upload
With TikTok banned in India as a result of internet censorship, many creators have been forced to find alternatives to TikTok. One fast-growing app that’s becoming more and more popular is Moj.
This platform lets you create short-form videos and has content in a wide range of categories, including comedy, dance, fashion, food, travel, DIY, and more. You can also go live with Moj’s Live feature. Besides watching videos, participating in daily challenges can get you all sorts of rewards!
The fact that the app is available in many local languages is a great benefit for users in India! However, it may take a while for videos to upload onto the platform.
In 2022, it was announced that Moj is going to merge with another great TikTok alternative in India: MX TakaTak.
Compatibility: iOS, Android
Why Use TikTok Alternatives?
Many video creators may be using TikTok alternatives as the app has come under fire for a variety of reasons. A growing number of countries in Europe, North America, and the Asia-Pacific region have put restrictions on the video-sharing app, making it difficult to access it.
In the United States and Canada, for example, TikTok has been banned on government devices, mainly over national security concerns. India has gone as far as to place a nationwide ban on the app.
What is the big deal with TikTok? Why should you consider using a TikTok alternative?
Is TikTok owned by the Chinese government?
While China does have extensive control over the internet and its tech industry, there is no actual evidence that TikTok has ties to the Chinese authorities, let alone that it functions as a spy app.
However, TikTok has plenty of risks.
TikTok privacy risks and security vulnerabilities
Like most social media apps, TikTok has some issues with privacy as it collects a massive amount of personal data. Certainly, the likes of Facebook and Instagram are guilty of this, too.
The problem with TikTok, however, is the fact that the default settings give the app way more access to your device than is necessary. For example, you automatically provide the app with access to your camera and microphone, as well as detailed location information.
Data that gets collected includes:
- Phone number, email address, date of birth, phone contacts
- Profile information, including photos and videos
- Device information, including keystroke patterns (!)
- Location information
- App activity, including in-app purchases
- Browser and search history
What happens to this data? Unfortunately, experts have found that TikTok’s algorithms make it difficult to track and map the flow of information.
Moreover, TikTok also provides third-party apps with access to this information, after which you pretty much lose control over where your photos, location, and contacts may end up.
Worried about your privacy? By using a VPN, you can make protect yourself on TikTok and any of the TikTok alternatives mentioned in this article.
Protect Your Privacy on Social Media Platforms: Use a VPN
Don’t want TikTok or apps like TikTok to have access to your location and browsing history? Use a VPN.
Using a VPN for the best TikTok alternatives
A VPN can be ideal if you are using TikTok or any of the alternatives mentioned above. A VPN will hide your IP address and encrypt your data, making it possible for you to browse the web more securely and anonymously. How does it work?
Premium VPN providers have servers all around the world. If you want to change your IP address, all you need to do is connect to a VPN server. Your device will then automatically take on the IP address of that VPN server, keeping your real IP address hidden. As a result, no matter which TikTok alternative you use, your internet service provider won’t know your location details.
Moreover, a VPN creates an encrypted tunnel between your device and the internet, which will keep your data private and secure. You no longer have to worry about any of the apps mentioned in this article collecting an insane amount of private information about you, including your browser history.
The best VPN to use for TikTok alternatives? NordVPN.
Best VPN for TikTok Alternatives: NordVPN
NordVPN is one of the most reliable and trustworthy VPN providers in the world. It’s an affordable, easy-to-use, and extremely secure VPN that will keep your data private on any TikTok alternative.
With military-grade AES-256 encryption, you won’t have to worry about apps looking over your shoulder as you browse the web. Moreover, NordVPN is known as a so-called no-logs VPN, which means not even the VPN provider itself stores any data on you.
Since NordVPN is also one of the fastest VPNs on the market, you don’t have to worry about the VPN affecting your connection speed. You can browse as much as you want and access the sites you wish to view without any delays!
What’s more is that NordVPN comes with a ton of exciting extra features, including an ad blocker and a Threat Protector to safeguard your personal information against malicious actors and advertisers.
Tired of watching short-form content on TikTok or any of the other apps? With NordVPN’s special streaming servers, you can enjoy streaming content from all around the world at no extra cost.
New to using a VPN? NordVPN has fantastic customer service, a responsive 24/7 live chat, and a great online Help Center. You can also make use of the 30-day money-back guarantee to try the VPN for free.
- Fast and large worldwide network of VPN servers
- Perfect for privacy and streaming
- Trusted by many, with over 14 million users
Check Out TikTok Alternatives Today
There are many reasons you may be looking for TikTok alternatives. Maybe TikTok’s privacy vulnerabilities have become a cause of concern to you, or perhaps you simply want to explore other apps like TikTok just to try something new.
Some apps similar to TikTok include features like great editing tools and a wide community. In contrast, others are more simple and focus on providing users with an easy-to-use interface and helping them upload their videos quickly.
However, when using video-sharing apps, no matter where you are located, it is also worth considering how to keep your personal information as private as possible. This is where a VPN comes in handy, as it helps you hide your IP address from prying eyes and lets you post content online without having to worry about the security of your data.
Have a look at the following articles for more information on alternatives to popular social media platforms and how to improve your privacy.
- The Best Omegle Alternatives: Websites Like Omegle
- How to Manage Your YouTube Privacy Settings
- How to Change Your WhatsApp Privacy Settings
Do you have any questions about TikTok or apps like TikTok? Check out our frequently asked questions below for some quick answers!
Most alternatives to TikTok collect less user data and are therefore safer to use. However, the safest way to use TikTok and apps like TikTok is by using a VPN. With a VPN, your location details (IP address) remain hidden. On top of that, all your data gets automatically encrypted.
We recommend NordVPN to be safer online when using TikTok or TikTok alternatives.
For kids, a safe alternative to TikTok would be YouTube Shorts. If children already use YouTube Kids, they won’t have to download any new apps to watch short-form content. Moreover, YouTube Shorts offers up content based on what you already like.
The best TikTok alternative is Triller. This app has many of the same features and a large community to connect with. Want a smaller or more familiar app? Check out our top eight TikTok alternatives.
TikTok collects vast amounts of user data. While social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram aren’t much better, TikTok gets excessive access to your device and has barely got any safeguards in place. For this reason, you might want to consider an alternative for TikTok. If you do want to use the app, we recommend getting a VPN.
