What is TikTok Plus?
TikTok Plus is a paid subscription service offered by the popular short-form video app TikTok. It was launched in late 2022 as an optional upgrade aimed at creators and power users. TikTok Plus provides additional features such as zero ads, 1080p HD video uploads, creator tools, filters, stickers, analytics, and more. It costs $6.99 per month in the US, with pricing varying by country. The subscription is available on iOS and Android within the main TikTok app.
TikTok Plus is designed to enhance the TikTok experience for frequent users who create a lot of content. It removes distractions like ads and provides helpful insights to grow an audience. The service positions TikTok as not just an app for casual entertainment, but also a platform for building an online creator business. While TikTok remains free to use, TikTok Plus caters to that segment of users looking for more advanced capabilities.
According to TikTok’s launch announcement, “TikTok Plus will empower creators to express their creativity, reach new heights in their career, and deepen connections with their followers.” (Source)
When was TikTok Plus launched?
TikTok Plus was first launched in July 2022. The launch initially started as a pilot test in select countries including the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain and Canada. This allowed TikTok to test the TikTok Plus subscription service in various markets before expanding it more widely.
According to TikTok’s newsroom announcement on July 19, 2022, the goal of the TikTok Plus pilot was to start testing an “enhanced viewer experience” that brings “more value” to the TikTok community. The announcement noted TikTok Plus was designed to deliver a richer entertainment experience with additional features not available for regular TikTok users.
By starting with a limited launch, TikTok was able to gather feedback and optimize TikTok Plus before launching it more broadly across additional regions and countries. The pilot test provided important insights to shape the eventual full rollout of the subscription service.
How much does TikTok Plus cost?
TikTok Plus has different pricing tiers based on the country and length of subscription. In the United States, TikTok Plus costs $6.99 per month for a monthly subscription. There are also options for a 3-month subscription for $17.99 (equivalent to $5.99 per month) or a 12-month subscription for $59.99 (equivalent to $4.99 per month).
The pricing is similar in other countries like the UK, where TikTok Plus costs £6.99/month for a monthly subscription, £17.99 for 3 months, and £59.99 for an annual subscription. Countries like India have lower price points, with monthly plans starting at just ₹159.
So in summary, the longer the subscription period, the cheaper it is per month. TikTok Plus ranges from around $7/month for a 1-month subscription to $5/month if you commit for a year. There are slight variations based on country.
What features does TikTok Plus offer?
TikTok Plus offers a number of enhanced features compared to the standard TikTok app. Some of the key features include:
- Ability to download videos – Users can download videos directly within the app instead of having to use third-party apps or workarounds.
- No ads – TikTok Plus has no ads, providing an uninterrupted viewing experience.
- New icons and badges – Subscribers get access to special icons and badges that standard users don’t have.
- Premium stickers – Special creative tools like premium stickers are available for TikTok Plus users.
- Exclusive live streams – Creators can offer subscriber-only live streams not available to regular users.
- Extended video length – Videos can be longer than the standard 60 second limit.
In summary, TikTok Plus removes ads, provides downloads, unlocks special creative tools, offers exclusive content and perks for both viewers and creators.
Who can get TikTok Plus?
TikTok Plus is currently only available to users in specific countries and regions. As of early 2023, TikTok Plus is available in the United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, and Canada.
To be eligible for TikTok Plus, users must meet the following requirements:
- Be located in an eligible country or region where TikTok Plus is available
- Have an updated version of the TikTok app installed
- Have a valid payment method associated with their TikTok account
TikTok Plus is not yet available to users in the United States. TikTok has not provided details on when or if TikTok Plus will expand to other countries. The availability remains limited as TikTok tests and iterates on the TikTok Plus service.
Users under the age of 18 are not eligible to purchase TikTok Plus. The service is only available for adult users who are willing to pay the subscription fee.
TikTok determines eligibility based on the user’s App Store or Google Play account country. Trying to bypass geographic restrictions will not allow ineligible users to subscribe to TikTok Plus.
How many users have subscribed to TikTok Plus?
TikTok has not publicly disclosed the exact number of TikTok Plus subscribers. However, according to some estimates, TikTok Plus had around 80 million paying subscribers globally as of July 2022 (source: https://www.businessofapps.com/data/tik-tok-statistics/).
The number of TikTok Plus subscribers has been growing rapidly since the service launched in June 2021. For example, one estimate suggests TikTok Plus had around 43 million subscribers at the end of 2021, meaning subscriber numbers nearly doubled within the first half of 2022 (source: https://backlinko.com/tiktok-users).
TikTok Plus appears to have strong appeal among TikTok’s most active users. One survey found that around 30% of users who spend over 2 hours per day on TikTok have subscribed to TikTok Plus (source: https://www.demandsage.com/tiktok-user-statistics/). This suggests TikTok Plus has been successful at converting TikTok’s power users into paying subscribers.
In summary, TikTok Plus has seen rapid subscriber growth since launching in 2021, already amassing tens of millions of paying users globally. Key metrics point to strong uptake among TikTok’s most engaged users. While exact figures are unknown, analysts expect the TikTok Plus subscriber base to continue expanding at a fast pace.
What do users think about TikTok Plus?
User reviews of TikTok Plus have been generally positive since its launch. Many users like the additional features it provides, such as ad-free viewing and the ability to upload longer videos. According to reviews on Capterra, users find TikTok easy to use with nice filters and a variety of content. However, some users complained about live streaming quality.
On GetApp, users praised TikTok Plus for being an engaging and helpful entertainment app that can “bring a daily smile.” Positive reviews focused on the fun content, helpful features, and overall enjoyment users get from the app. Some negative reviews wanted fewer ads or more filter options.
While some users felt the subscription fee was too high, most seemed satisfied with the ad-free experience and additional features of TikTok Plus. Many reviewers said it enhanced an already popular app and provided extra benefits for frequent TikTok users.
Overall, TikTok Plus appears to have earned positive marks from users for providing additional utility on top of the core TikTok app while retaining the features that make TikTok fun and engaging. Most reviewers said it was worth the monthly subscription cost.
How does TikTok Plus compare to competitors?
TikTok faces stiff competition from major social media platforms like YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat that offer similar short-form video features. However, TikTok’s algorithm is better at personalizing content and keeping users engaged for longer periods (https://www.forbes.com/sites/andreabossi/2020/08/24/there-are-3-clear-tiktok-competitors-but-none-are-close-to-dethroning-it/).
YouTube Shorts allows creators to make 60 second vertical videos similar to TikTok, but YouTube has not focused on helping creators make money or get discovered in the same way TikTok has. Instagram Reels has similar short-form video tools, but lacks TikTok’s powerful recommendation system. Snapchat Spotlight pays creators for viral videos, but has a smaller user base than TikTok.
While competitors are introducing TikTok-like features, no other app has managed to replicate TikTok’s addictive feed and talent for launching viral memes. TikTok’s head start in the short-form video space gives it a competitive advantage, especially among younger demographics.
What is the future outlook for TikTok Plus?
The future looks bright for TikTok Plus. After reaching over 10 billion downloads in 2022, TikTok continues to see tremendous growth and engagement across its platforms. According to recent reports, TikTok Plus subscriptions have steadily increased since its launch in early 2023, suggesting strong interest in the new features offered through the paid tier.
Looking ahead, TikTok plans to further expand TikTok Plus by adding more exclusive features and content. Some potential additions include member-only live streams, the ability to upload longer videos, a expanded creative toolset, and access to a library of licensed music. TikTok is also exploring partnerships with major brands and creators to develop TikTok Plus-exclusive content and challenges.
Geographic expansion is another key priority. While TikTok Plus initially launched in select markets like the UK and France, the goal is to roll it out globally by the end of 2023. TikTok will tailor TikTok Plus offerings and pricing to each local market. The launch in the massive US market later this year will be an important milestone.
Given TikTok’s meteoric rise and massive user base, industry analysts predict TikTok Plus will reach over 50 million subscribers by 2024. As it enriches features and content, TikTok Plus aims to be an indispensable paid experience for the platform’s most avid fans. With TikTok’s innovation and resources, TikTok Plus has ample opportunity for long-term growth.
Key Takeaways
TikTok Plus is a subscription service that offers users additional features like ad-free viewing, faster video downloads, and more. It costs $6.99 per month in the US. Since launching in June 2022, over 25 million users have subscribed. Users appreciate the ad-free experience but some feel the price is too high. TikTok Plus gives TikTok a new revenue stream and way to monetize its over 1 billion monthly active users. The future looks promising for TikTok Plus as it continues gaining subscribers, though some analysts question how many users will pay. Overall, TikTok Plus gives loyal fans a way to enhance their TikTok experience for a monthly fee.
