TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users globally! It’s really hard to get a spotlight on TikTok amid this high competition, especially for new creatures.
We understand that, and that’s why we have compiled a list of the best alternative apps for new users to shine and enjoy new trends.
Here are the top 25 TikTok app alternatives for 2025, let’s dive into it.
1. Instagram Reels
Launch: 2020
Popularity: Widely adopted, benefiting from Instagram’s global user base.
Regional Adaptability: Global reach with tailored features for regions (e.g., trending local music).
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Global influencers like Kim Kardashian, Kylie Jenner, Cristiano Ronaldo.
What the users review about the app: Highly polished but criticized for TikTok imitation.
Monetization (if any): Creator monetization via ads, branded content, and shopping integration.
Community & Culture: Established community with lifestyle, fashion, and entertainment focus.
Content Focus: Trend-driven short videos complementing Instagram Stories.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Seamless integration with Instagram Ads and Shopping.
Live Features: Robust live-streaming tools, including fan engagement options.
Influencer Ecosystem: Strong base of influencers across various niches, leveraging Instagram’s pre-existing ecosystem.
Pros Features: Seamless Instagram integration, shopping features, vast user base.
Cons Features: Seen as a TikTok clone, slower content discovery for new creators.
2. YouTube Shorts
Launch: 2020
Popularity: Rapid growth due to YouTube’s massive user base.
Regional Adaptability: Global adoption with localized features.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: PewDiePie, MrBeast, Marques Brownlee, and emerging creators.
What the users review about the app: Praised for integration with YouTube but criticized for lacking standalone features.
Monetization (if any): Shorts Fund, ad revenue sharing.
Community & Culture: Diverse community leveraging YouTube’s existing ecosystem.
Content Focus: Variety of content types, from tutorials to entertainment.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Integrated with YouTube Ads, enabling targeted marketing.
Live Features: Supported under YouTube’s main platform.
Influencer Ecosystem: Extensive, leveraging existing YouTube stars and new creators.
Pros Features: Integration with YouTube, monetization, vast audience reach.
Cons Features: Not a standalone platform, limited editing tools.
3. Triller
Launch: 2015
Popularity: Known for its music-focused short videos, especially popular among musicians and creators.
Regional Adaptability: Primarily popular in the U.S., with some traction in Europe and India.
Available on which store: Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Charli D’Amelio, Addison Rae, Marshmello, DJ Khaled.
What the users review about the app: Users praise AI editing but criticize occasional app crashes and limited filters.
Monetization (if any): Ads, sponsorships, music partnerships.
Community & Culture: Strong focus on musicians; challenges centered around music trends.
Content Focus: Music videos and collaborations dominate.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Partnerships with brands; ads less intrusive than TikTok’s.
Live Features: Limited live-streaming options.
Influencer Ecosystem: Features collaborations with notable musicians and influencers, though smaller than TikTok.
Pros Features: AI editing, music label partnerships, user-friendly interface.
Cons Features: Limited filters, occasional app instability, smaller user base.
4. Likee
Launch: 2017
Popularity: Gained traction in India and Southeast Asia.
Regional Adaptability: Popular in India, Southeast Asia, and Russia.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Regional creators from India, Southeast Asia.
What the users review about the app: Appreciated for special effects but criticized for privacy concerns.
Monetization (if any): Virtual gifts, ad revenue.
Community & Culture: Active in emerging markets, focusing on regional trends.
Content Focus: Lip-sync videos, AR effects, lifestyle content.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Prominent ad space for brands.
Live Features: Interactive live streaming with gifting features.
Influencer Ecosystem: Regional influencers dominate; fewer global names.
Pros Features: Advanced AR effects, regional content adaptation.
Cons Features: Privacy issues, smaller user base in Western markets.
5. Snapchat
Launch: 2011
Popularity: Known for disappearing messages and Stories; strong among Gen Z.
Regional Adaptability: Strong in North America and Europe.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Kylie Jenner, DJ Khaled, and emerging creators.
What the users review about the app: Loved for privacy and AR features, but criticized for app updates.
Monetization (if any): Snap Ads, Spotlight fund, AR lenses for brands.
Community & Culture: Casual, private, focused on peer-to-peer sharing.
Content Focus: AR lenses, Stories, and Spotlight short videos.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Effective targeting via Snap Ads.
Live Features: Limited live streaming; focus on stories.
Influencer Ecosystem: Smaller ecosystem, primarily lifestyle and fashion influencers.
Pros Features: Privacy-focused, AR innovations, Spotlight for short videos.
Cons Features: Limited discoverability for creators, inconsistent updates.
6. VideoShow
Launch: 2014
Popularity: Widely used as a video editing app, especially in Asia.
Regional Adaptability: Popular globally, with significant use in Asia.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Primarily tutorial-based creators.
What the users review about the app: Praised for editing features but criticized for in-app purchases and ads.
Monetization (if any): Premium subscriptions and in-app purchases.
Community & Culture: Focused on video editing rather than social interactions.
Content Focus: Editing-heavy, template-based content.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Frequent ads in the free version.
Live Features: No live-streaming available.
Influencer Ecosystem: Dominated by tutorial creators and niche editors.
Pros Features: Easy-to-use templates, advanced editing options.
Cons Features: Ads in the free version, limited social sharing features.
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7. Lomotif
Launch: 2014
Popularity: Known for its music integration and collaborative features; popular in India and Southeast Asia.
Regional Adaptability: Gaining traction in emerging markets like India, Southeast Asia, and Brazil.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Emerging creators from emerging markets.
What the users review about the app: Praised for music editing and collaboration but criticized for app stability issues.
Monetization (if any): Partnerships and ads.
Community & Culture: Music-centric and collaborative; appeals to regional creators.
Content Focus: Music videos, lip-syncing, and group collaborations.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Ads are non-intrusive; occasional brand collaborations.
Live Features: Limited live interaction capabilities.
Influencer Ecosystem: Focuses on emerging creators from regional markets.
Pros Features: Easy music integration, collaboration tools.
Cons Features: App stability issues, smaller audience base.
8. Lemon8
Launch: 2023
Popularity: Gaining rapid popularity as a lifestyle-focused short video and content-sharing app.
Regional Adaptability: Growing in Western markets, particularly the U.S. and Europe.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Lifestyle and wellness influencers.
What the users review about the app: Praised for visually appealing interface but lacks engagement tools.
Monetization (if any): Brand collaborations and affiliate marketing.
Community & Culture: Focused on lifestyle and wellness; more polished and curated content.
Content Focus: Lifestyle, fashion, and travel-oriented short videos.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Native ads and brand partnerships.
Live Features: Currently no live-streaming tools.
Influencer Ecosystem: Attracts lifestyle influencers and bloggers.
Pros Features: Visually appealing, lifestyle-focused, polished content.
Cons Features: Lacks robust engagement features, still growing its user base.
9. Funimate
Launch: 2014
Popularity: Popular among younger audiences for creative video editing.
Regional Adaptability: Gained traction in the U.S. and Europe, with niche communities globally.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Emerging teen creators; less dominated by big names.
What the users review about the app: Praised for its effects but criticized for requiring payment for advanced features.
Monetization (if any): Subscription plans for premium effects and features.
Community & Culture: Tight-knit, creative community focused on editing and transitions.
Content Focus: Heavily edited short videos with unique transitions and effects.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Minimal advertising compared to larger platforms.
Live Features: No live-streaming capabilities.
Influencer Ecosystem: Emerging creators; not designed for traditional influencers.
Pros Features: Advanced editing tools, easy for beginners, unique transitions.
Cons Features: Limited audience reach, paywall for premium features.
10. Huddles
Launch: 2022
Popularity: Niche platform for private, community-based video sharing.
Regional Adaptability: Mostly U.S.-focused but growing globally.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Small creators leveraging communities; no big-name influencers.
What the users review about the app: Appreciated for its community focus but lacks widespread adoption.
Monetization (if any): None yet; still developing monetization features.
Community & Culture: Private groups for niche interests; focus on smaller communities.
Content Focus: Group-centered short videos and updates.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Limited ad presence; focus is on community.
Live Features: Not available.
Influencer Ecosystem: Community-driven with minimal influencer presence.
Pros Features: Private sharing, group-oriented, simple interface.
Cons Features: Small user base, lack of monetization, fewer editing tools.
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11. Zigazoo
Launch: 2020
Popularity: Rising popularity among kids and families for safe social interactions.
Regional Adaptability: Primarily popular in the U.S., with growing international reach.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Kid-friendly creators and educators.
What the users review about the app: Loved for child safety features, though limited appeal for older audiences.
Monetization (if any): Partnerships with educational brands and sponsors.
Community & Culture: Family-focused, safe environment for kids to create and share videos.
Content Focus: Educational and creative videos for children.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Sponsored educational content; minimal intrusive ads.
Live Features: Not supported.
Influencer Ecosystem: Focused on child-friendly creators and educators.
Pros Features: Safe, family-friendly, educational focus.
Cons Features: Limited age appeal, smaller audience base.
12. Zoomerang
Launch: 2018
Popularity: Popular as a beginner-friendly editing app for short videos.
Regional Adaptability: Used worldwide, particularly by younger audiences.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Niche creators and tutorial-focused influencers.
What the users review about the app: Praised for easy-to-use tutorials but criticized for frequent ads.
Monetization (if any): Paid plans for premium features and no ads.
Community & Culture: Focused on teaching video editing; less about social interaction.
Content Focus: Editing-focused videos; templates for short-form content.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Frequent ads in the free version.
Live Features: No live-streaming support.
Influencer Ecosystem: Tutorial-based creators dominate the platform.
Pros Features: Beginner-friendly, tutorial-rich, unique templates.
Cons Features: Frequent ads, limited social aspects.
13. Chingari
Launch: 2018
Popularity: Popular in India, particularly after TikTok’s ban in the country.
Regional Adaptability: Primarily popular in India, with growing interest in Southeast Asia.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Indian creators, focusing on regional content.
What the users review about the app: Loved for offering a TikTok-like experience, but criticized for occasional bugs and performance issues.
Monetization (if any): Content creator rewards, in-app purchases, and ad revenue.
Community & Culture: Strong local community, focused on Indian culture and trends.
Content Focus: Entertainment, challenges, and lip-syncing, often with a regional touch.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Ads from various brands, mostly regional.
Live Features: Live streaming options available.
Influencer Ecosystem: Regional creators dominate, with a growing influencer network.
Pros Features: Regional relevance, alternative to TikTok, live-streaming.
Cons Features: Performance issues, smaller audience base compared to global giants.
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14. ProxiTok
Launch: 2020
Popularity: Gaining popularity as a TikTok alternative in smaller markets.
Regional Adaptability: Primarily used in emerging markets like India and parts of Africa.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Local creators with a focus on regional content.
What the users review about the app: Praised for its simplicity and localized content, but criticized for limited features and low user engagement.
Monetization (if any): In-app purchases and ads.
Community & Culture: Focuses on regional and localized content with a smaller, niche community.
Content Focus: Short-form videos, challenges, and entertainment.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Minimal ad placements, relying on regional ads.
Live Features: Limited live-streaming features.
Influencer Ecosystem: Mostly emerging local influencers, with a focus on regional entertainment.
Pros Features: Simplicity, localized content, easy-to-use interface.
Cons Features: Limited features, low engagement, small user base.
15. Dubsmash
Launch: 2014
Popularity: Once a major competitor to Vine and TikTok, now mostly niche but still relevant.
Regional Adaptability: Popular in the U.S. and Europe, especially in the early 2010s.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Known for user-generated lip-sync videos and memes.
What the users review about the app: Nostalgic value, but criticized for limited new features and updates.
Monetization (if any): Previously offered in-app purchases, now mainly ad-supported.
Community & Culture: Largely a nostalgic, meme-based community; less vibrant than newer platforms.
Content Focus: Lip-syncing, memes, and short creative clips.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Ads are integrated into videos but less intrusive than newer platforms.
Live Features: No live-streaming options.
Influencer Ecosystem: Meme creators and lip-sync influencers.
Pros Features: Simple, easy to use, nostalgia-driven content.
Cons Features: Outdated compared to newer competitors, limited new features.
16. Byte
Launch: 2020
Popularity: Gaining traction as a Vine alternative with a focus on six-second videos.
Regional Adaptability: Popular mainly in the U.S. and parts of Europe.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Mostly comedy and entertainment-focused creators.
What the users review about the app: Enjoyed for its simplicity, but criticized for lacking a solid user base and discovery tools.
Monetization (if any): No clear monetization strategy yet, relying on organic growth.
Community & Culture: Fun and light-hearted, reminiscent of Vine’s culture.
Content Focus: Short, six-second videos with a focus on humor and creativity.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Limited ad presence, mainly organic promotion.
Live Features: No live-streaming options.
Influencer Ecosystem: Smaller influencer base, focusing on comedy and entertainment.
Pros Features: Quick, easy-to-create content, Vine nostalgia.
Cons Features: Small user base, lacks robust discovery and engagement features.
17. Video Star
Launch: 2011
Popularity: Popular among music video enthusiasts and creators.
Regional Adaptability: Mostly popular in the U.S. and Europe.
Available on which store: Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Independent creators focusing on music videos.
What the users review about the app: Loved for high-quality editing but criticized for steep learning curve and in-app purchases.
Monetization (if any): Subscription-based premium features.
Community & Culture: Creator-centric, focused on detailed video editing for music videos.
Content Focus: Music videos with complex editing.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Minimal ads; revenue comes from subscriptions.
Live Features: No live-streaming features.
Influencer Ecosystem: Primarily niche creators passionate about music videos.
Pros Features: Professional-grade editing tools, creative freedom.
Cons Features: Steep learning curve, premium features behind paywall.
18. Firework
Launch: 2018
Popularity: Known for short videos with a professional edge; caters to both creators and brands.
Regional Adaptability: Gaining popularity in North America, Europe, and parts of Asia.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Focused on emerging creators and professionals rather than celebrity influencers.
What the users review about the app: Praised for its unique “Reveal” feature but criticized for limited user base.
Monetization (if any): Ad revenue sharing and brand partnerships.
Community & Culture: More professional and niche compared to TikTok; fosters polished content.
Content Focus: Quality-driven videos, often with storytelling or professional branding.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Emphasis on non-intrusive ads and branded storytelling.
Live Features: No dedicated live-streaming features.
Influencer Ecosystem: Smaller but niche influencers specializing in high-quality production.
Pros Features: High-quality tools, focus on storytelling, unique “Reveal” feature.
Cons Features: Limited social features, smaller user base.
19. COUB
Launch: 2012
Popularity: Focuses on looping videos and meme-like content; popular among niche internet communities.
Regional Adaptability: Popular in Eastern Europe and parts of Asia.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Internet meme creators and niche video editors.
What the users review about the app: Loved for its humor-driven content but criticized for lack of social interaction features.
Monetization (if any): Subscription model and ad placements.
Community & Culture: Humor-focused, meme-driven; niche internet culture.
Content Focus: Looping videos and memes with audio integration.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Minimal ads, focusing on partnerships.
Live Features: Not supported.
Influencer Ecosystem: Dominated by meme creators and niche video makers.
Pros Features: Unique looping videos, meme-centric content.
Cons Features: Limited mainstream appeal, no social interaction tools.
20. MuStar
Launch: 2021
Popularity: Gaining traction as a creative short video platform, particularly among Gen Z.
Regional Adaptability: Popular in Europe and parts of Asia, especially in countries like India and Indonesia.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Emerging young creators and trendsetters.
What the users review about the app: Praised for its innovative filters and effects but criticized for occasional bugs.
Monetization (if any): Ad placements and brand partnerships.
Community & Culture: Fun and youthful community; focuses on trends and creativity.
Content Focus: Creative short videos with a heavy focus on filters and effects.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Minimal ads; mainly through partnerships.
Live Features: No live-streaming capabilities.
Influencer Ecosystem: Young and emerging influencers with a focus on creativity.
Pros Features: Innovative filters, fun and creative environment.
Cons Features: Occasional bugs, limited content discovery options.
21. Kuaishou
Launch: 2011
Popularity: One of the most popular short-video platforms in China; gaining traction globally.
Regional Adaptability: Extremely popular in China; growing in Southeast Asia, Latin America, and parts of Europe.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Primarily Chinese influencers, with some emerging global creators.
What the users review about the app: Enjoyed for its viral potential and live-streaming features, but some users report a complex interface.
Monetization (if any): Brand partnerships, virtual gifts during live streams.
Community & Culture: Focused on Chinese and regional content, with a growing global presence.
Content Focus: Short-form entertainment, live-streaming, and viral trends.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Brand collaborations and in-app ads.
Live Features: Extensive live-streaming features with audience interaction.
Influencer Ecosystem: Large influencer base in China, with growing international creators.
Pros Features: Strong live-streaming tools, viral content potential.
Cons Features: Complex user interface, regional focus may limit appeal in some markets.
22. Clash
Launch: 2021
Popularity: Gaining attention among creators looking for an alternative to TikTok and YouTube Shorts.
Regional Adaptability: Popular in North America, with niche audiences in other regions.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Indie creators, musicians, and emerging influencers.
What the users review about the app: Praised for its creative freedom and absence of TikTok-style pressure but criticized for a small user base.
Monetization (if any): Revenue-sharing model for creators.
Community & Culture: Creative, independent community, with a focus on artistic freedom.
Content Focus: Music, art, and creative short videos.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Minimal ad placements; focusing more on creator freedom.
Live Features: Limited live features.
Influencer Ecosystem: Small but growing, focusing on creative and artistic influencers.
Pros Features: Strong creative freedom, alternative to TikTok, growing focus on monetization.
Cons Features: Smaller user base, limited features compared to larger platforms.
23. KWAI
Launch: 2011 (Rebranded as Kwai globally in 2020)
Popularity: Popular in Latin America, Southeast Asia, and parts of Europe.
Regional Adaptability: Strongest presence in Asia, with expanding influence in Latin America and Europe.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Local influencers, primarily from Southeast Asia and Latin America.
What the users review about the app: Enjoyed for its ease of use and entertainment value, but some complain about repetitive content.
Monetization (if any): Ad revenue sharing, brand collaborations.
Community & Culture: Entertainment-focused, with an emphasis on fun and viral content.
Content Focus: Short-form videos with a blend of humor, challenges, and lip-syncing.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Integrated ads, with a focus on user interaction.
Live Features: Live streaming available, with interactive features.
Influencer Ecosystem: Local influencers, with a focus on regional content creators.
Pros Features: Easy to use, strong regional influence, viral content creation.
Cons Features: Limited to specific regions, repetitive content, ad-heavy.
24. Cheez
Launch: 2017
Popularity: Popular in Southeast Asia and parts of Latin America.
Regional Adaptability: Strong presence in Southeast Asia, with expanding interest in Latin America.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Focused on youth influencers and emerging creators in the Southeast Asian market.
What the users review about the app: Fun and engaging, but sometimes suffers from performance issues.
Monetization (if any): In-app purchases, ad revenue sharing for creators.
Community & Culture: Youth-driven, with a focus on challenges and fun video trends.
Content Focus: Dance challenges, lip-syncing, and music videos.
Ad Placement and Marketing: Integrated ads and branded challenges.
Live Features: No live-streaming features yet.
Influencer Ecosystem: Regional influencers, with a focus on the Southeast Asian youth culture.
Pros Features: Engaging for younger audiences, in-app rewards.
Cons Features: Performance issues, smaller user base.
25. Vigo Video
Launch: 2017
Popularity: Once popular in India and Southeast Asia; now largely overshadowed by other platforms like TikTok.
Regional Adaptability: Primarily popular in India and parts of Southeast Asia.
Available on which store: Google Play Store, Apple App Store.
Top influencers on the app: Predominantly local influencers from India and Southeast Asia.
What the users review about the app: Enjoyed for its community-driven content, but some users mention the platform has seen declining engagement.
Monetization (if any): Ad placements, and rewards for creators.
Community & Culture: Focused on regional trends, challenges, and entertainment.
Content Focus: Music, lip-syncing, and entertainment videos.
Ad Placement and Marketing: In-app ads and brand collaborations.
Live Features: No live-streaming features.
Influencer Ecosystem: Regional creators, with an emphasis on Indian and Southeast Asian users.
Pros Features: Fun content, regional relevance, rewards system.
Cons Features: Declining user base, limited features compared to newer apps.
Conclusion
Hope you loved our recommended list and found something suitable for your requirements. Stay updated at Octal Digital’s blog section, where we come up with latest app trends and comparison lists.
FAQs
How long would it take to build an app like TikTok?
It takes anywhere around 80-100 hours to develop a robust app like TikTok, depending upon the complexity. The overall development time also depends on factors like design complexity, hourly wages, and developer experience.
How much does it cost to create an app like TikTok?
It costs around $20,000 and $250,000 to develop an app like TikTok, while also depending on factors such as feature complexity and developer rates. The cost may vary based on specific requirements and functionalities.
