TikTok is a popular short-form video app that has exploded in popularity in recent years. As of January 2023, TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide (Source). The app allows users to create, share, and discover short videos usually set to music. Watching TikTok on a bigger screen like a TV can provide an enhanced and more immersive viewing experience. The large screen allows users to appreciate the cinematography and details of TikTok videos. It also facilitates group viewing, like when multiple people want to enjoy TikTok videos together. Overall, connecting TikTok to a TV provides convenience and allows users to take full advantage of the captivating video content on the platform.
Requirements
To watch TikTok on your TV, you will need either a Smart TV that supports the TikTok app or a streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, etc. Here are the main requirements:
- Smart TV with TikTok app support – Some Smart TVs like Samsung and LG have apps for TikTok that allow you to watch videos directly on your TV. You can search your TV’s app store to see if TikTok is available.
- Streaming device like Roku, Apple TV, Fire TV, etc. – Popular streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, and Chromecast support downloading the TikTok app. This allows you to watch TikTok on your TV via the streaming device.
- HDMI cable to connect streaming device to TV – To connect your streaming device to your TV, you’ll need an HDMI cable. Most streaming devices include an HDMI cable in the box.
As long as your TV is compatible with one of the above options, you’ll be able to get TikTok playing on your big screen. Be sure to check that your devices are up-to-date and have the latest version of the TikTok app.
Directly on a Smart TV
One of the most straightforward ways to get TikTok on your TV is by downloading the TikTok app directly onto a compatible Smart TV. As of November 2021, TikTok has released a TV app that is now available on select Smart TVs in the United States and Canada (https://newsroom.tiktok.com/en-us/tiktok-tv).
Currently, the TikTok TV app is supported on Samsung Smart TVs from 2018 or later, as well as Amazon Fire TVs. To get the TikTok app on your compatible Samsung Smart TV:
- Navigate to the “Apps” section from your TV’s home screen.
- Scroll through the list of available apps until you find and select the TikTok app.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to download and install the TikTok app.
- Open the TikTok app and log in with your TikTok account.
Once logged in, you can browse video content and interact with TikTok directly through your TV’s interface. The TikTok TV app provides an optimized viewing experience for watching TikTok videos on the big screen.
Using a Streaming Device
Streaming devices like Roku, Amazon Fire TV, and Apple TV offer a convenient way to get TikTok on your TV. These devices plug into your TV’s HDMI port and give you access to a variety of apps and streaming services.
Some key benefits of using a streaming device for TikTok include:
- Large screen experience – Streaming TikTok to your TV lets you watch video content on a much bigger screen compared to your phone.
- No casting required – Once you install the TikTok app, you can directly access the app and start watching videos instead of casting from your mobile device.
- Extra features – Streaming devices give you access to thousands of other apps, streaming services, and games.
Here are some top streaming devices that support TikTok:
- Roku – Install TikTok from the Roku Channel Store on models like Roku Express, Roku Streaming Stick, Roku Ultra, etc.
- Amazon Fire TV Stick – Download TikTok from the Amazon App Store on Amazon Fire TV Stick, Fire TV Stick 4K, Fire TV Cube, etc.
- Apple TV – Get TikTok from the App Store on 4th gen or later Apple TV models.
To get TikTok on your streaming device:
- Connect your streaming device to your TV and set it up as per the instructions.
- On the home screen, locate the app store for your device – Roku Channel Store, Amazon Appstore, Apple App Store.
- Search for ‘TikTok’ and select the official TikTok app.
- Download and install the TikTok app.
- Log in with your TikTok account or sign up for a new account.
- You can now start enjoying TikTok videos on your TV!
Casting from Mobile
One of the easiest ways to get TikTok on your TV is by casting or mirroring your phone’s screen directly to your TV. This allows you to stream content from the TikTok app on your mobile device onto the bigger screen.
To cast TikTok from your mobile device you will need:
- The TikTok app installed on your phone or tablet
- A smart TV that supports casting/screen mirroring, such as Chromecast, Airplay, Miracast, etc.
- Your mobile device and TV connected to the same WiFi network
Once you have ensured these requirements are met, open the TikTok app on your mobile device. Tap the ‘Cast’ icon which looks like a TV with a WiFi symbol. This will allow you to select your TV as the casting target. Your mobile device screen should now be mirrored on your TV screen.
With your TikTok feed mirrored on the bigger screen, you can scroll and play videos just as you would on your mobile device. Sounds from the videos will also play through your TV’s speakers. Chromecast, Airplay, and Miracast are common protocols that enable you to wirelessly cast or mirror your phone’s display to a compatible TV.
One limitation with casting is that you will be limited by your phone’s screen size and resolution. Also, your phone will need to remain on and connected during the casting session. But overall, it provides a quick and easy way to get TikTok videos from your mobile device to your TV.
Downsides
There are some drawbacks to watching TikTok on TV compared to the mobile experience (University of Minnesota, 2023). The biggest limitation is the lack of interactivity. On mobile devices, TikTok is a participatory platform where users can like, comment, duet, react, and more. This interactivity is missing on the TV experience since you cannot like or comment on videos. There’s also no way to post or upload your own TikTok videos from a TV. You are limited to only viewing content.
In addition, some features available on mobile TikTok are not supported on TVs (Vox, 2022). Effects, filters, and augmented reality features will not appear when casting TikTok to a big screen. The For You feed may also be more limited in scope since it relies heavily on user engagement data to personalize recommendations. Without likes, comments, and other feedback, the algorithm has less to work with.
Ultimately, the TikTok on TV experience lacks the core social and interactive elements that make TikTok engaging on mobile. It’s more of a leanback viewing experience compared to the hands-on, participatory nature of the app. If you rely on engagement and posting, watching TikTok on a TV has noticeable limitations.
Tips for Better Experience
There are a few things you can do to enhance your TikTok viewing experience on the TV:
Adjust video quality settings – On smart TVs and streaming devices, look for settings related to video quality and resolution. Setting the resolution to 720p or 1080p HD can improve video playback. Avoiding 4K or 8K resolution may also help videos load faster.
Use a streaming device for smoother performance – Dedicated streaming devices like Roku, Fire TV, and Chromecast can provide a more optimized experience than some smart TV interfaces when casting TikTok. This helps avoid lags or glitches.
Enable auto-play for continuous feed – In the TikTok app settings, enable autoplay so videos automatically play without you having to manually select each one. This creates a seamless feed of content.
Additionally, make sure your TV or device is connected to a strong, high-speed internet connection for the best results.
Additional Features
TikTok on TV offers some useful additional features to enhance your viewing experience:
Using TikTok’s voice commands – You can use voice commands like “next video” or “like this video” to control playback without needing the remote. This makes navigating TikTok much easier. Enable voice controls through your TikTok account settings.
Enabling closed captions – Turning on closed captions allows you to read dialogue and captions for videos that have them. This helps make content more accessible. Go to Settings > Accessibility to enable closed captions.
Connecting headphones for audio – Plugging headphones into your TV’s audio output lets you listen to TikTok videos privately. This avoids bothering others in your household. Make sure your TV speakers are muted if using headphones.
Source: https://www.engadget.com/tiktok-app-vizio-smart-tv-100015443.html
Safety Tips
When allowing kids to use TikTok, parents should take steps to keep them safe online. Some tips include:
Monitor your child’s TikTok use and be aware of the content they are viewing. TikTok’s Family Pairing feature allows parents to customize settings and enable Restricted Mode for teen accounts.
Adjust privacy settings for your child’s account so their videos are only visible to followers they approve. You can limit comments on videos to Friends Only in the app’s Digital Wellbeing controls.
Educate your child on how to identify and report inappropriate videos and accounts using TikTok’s in-app reporting features. Guidance can be found in TikTok’s online safety videos.
Keep open conversations with your child about interacting safely online and avoiding oversharing personal information on any social platform.
Conclusion
In summary, the main methods for getting TikTok onto your TV are directly through a Smart TV, casting from a mobile device, or by using a streaming device such as Roku or Fire TV. Each method has its own pros and cons to consider.
Having TikTok on your big screen provides a more immersive and social experience. You can comfortably watch videos, follow trends, and interact with a larger TikTok community. It’s great for gatherings with family and friends.
In closing, think about which method works best for your setup and needs. Make sure to also consider content filters, screen time limits, and other parental controls to create a safe viewing environment. With the right approach, TikTok can provide hours of entertainment on your television.
