TikTok's global dominance continues as the app has arrived on VIZIO Smart TVs (Opens in a new tab).
The update is rolling out (opens in a new tab) with a new app located right on the home page. VIZIO is a bit slow to support TikTok as competitors Samsung and LG had the app when it launched in North America in November 2021. TikTok TV is essentially the same as the mobile app but on a larger screen and without the ability to record a video.
What's remarkable about this particular release is that VIZIO TVs are known for being cheap. You can buy, for example, Vizio's 4-inch V-Series 43K HDR TV for just under $300. Compare that with Samsung's 4K TVs. You'll likely pay upwards of €400 for one, and that's assuming it's on sale.
TikTok's arrival on Vizio TVs means you have a popular app more widely available to the TV consumer.
However, there is a catch. A VIZIO representative has confirmed that the app will be available on all VIZIO TVs equipped with SmartCast, which is the company's proprietary app platform. If you're not sure if your TV has SmartCast, you can check by going to the VIZIO website (opens in a new tab) and searching for your model; will appear on the product page.
According to the website, all 2021 and later VIZIO TVs come with SmartCast. This implies that if you have an older model, it may not have the app platform and therefore there is no way to get TikTok TV.
Aside from its availability on low-cost TVs, TikTok TV is pretty much the same thing. You can connect your TikTok account to the VIZIO display to watch videos from your personalized feed. The app has also enabled autoplay for a continuous stream of content.
Analysis: Try new things
As TikTok moves away from its mobile roots and onto new platforms, you can't help but wonder what parent company ByteDance has in store for its app. Rolling out low-cost 4K TVs is likely to win them an even larger audience, but there's not much you can do with the same content.
As a result, TikTok has tried new things. In February, the app extended the maximum video length to 10 minutes, apparently taking control of YouTube. And reports from May reveal that ByteDance plans to implement video games on its service. But they are pretty simple mobile games like running in a lane and dodging obstacles. It's interesting to see what TikTok is doing to drive growth, even if it's pretty random.
Also, you may not know, but it is quite possible to download TikTok videos. TechRadar has a guide on how to prevent your bookmarks from getting lost in the giant content library.