TikTok launches app on Vizio TVs

Short-form video app TikTok has announced a partnership with Vizio to come to its Smart TVs.

Vizio will join the likes of Samsung, LG, Android TV and Amazon Fire TV in offering TikTok to its users.

The TV maker said that it will support the launch by highlighting TikTok TV content on the Vizio home page in a dedicated carousel showcasing popular trending genres so users can more easily discover content.

While still focusing on short-form content, the maximum length of TikTok videos has increased over the past year from one minute to 10, with big-screen viewing evidently considered part of the focus in allowing for longer uploads. And while big-screen TikTok viewing could help grow its audience in the same way that YouTube has benefitted from smart TV apps, videos will still be presented in their mobile-friendly portrait presentation which is less than ideal on a 16:9 ratio screen.

Katherine Pond, vice president of business development at Vizio, said: “TikTok is a cultural phenomenon redefining the meaning of entertainment, music, and video alike. Extending this unique app off the mobile phone and onto the biggest screen in the home is an important evolution of the VIZIO TV experience. 

“The addition of the TikTok TV app invites families and friends to gather around the TV and immerse themselves in the latest viral videos, content from favourite creators, and discover new short-form videos in multiple categories.”

Dan Page, head of global business development, New Screens at TikTok, said: “We’re excited to bring TikTok to even more screens with our integration with Vizio, offering people a new way to experience the entertainment, joy, and creativity of TikTok together at home.”