Best TikTok Alternatives for 2025

TikTok might be the current champion of short-form video, but it’s not the perfect fit for everyone. Whether you’re a creator, business, or casual user, there are plenty of reasons to explore other platforms.

Below, we’ll share why you might want to check out another short-form video app, as well as a list of the most popular TikTok alternatives right now. 

Why consider TikTok alternatives?

In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, exploring diverse platforms is more crucial than ever.

“When it comes to social channels, we, unfortunately, don’t own our audiences, which poses a risk for businesses if something is to go wrong,” says Ella Gilchrist, founder of Sociella, a social media management company. “So, it’s obviously a good idea to diversify your presence across other social platforms.” 

There are many great things about TikTok—there’s a reason it’s so popular. However, there are also many reasons why you might consider a different platform.

• Fierce competition. Millions of users upload content every day to make money on TikTok, so it can be a struggle to stand out. If you feel like the algorithm isn’t on your side, trying an alternative platform could help you find a niche audience with less noise.
• Audience demographics. TikTok skews younger, so if your target audience includes older millennials, Gen X, or even boomers, you might have better luck on platforms like Facebook Reels or YouTube Shorts. 
• Platform goals and content style. TikTok’s fast, trendy vibe works well for challenges, humor, music, and dance content, but it’s not ideal for more polished, professional, or educational content. 
• Platform instability. TikTok has faced ongoing scrutiny over data privacy concerns and potential bans in various countries. If you’re a creator or business relying on TikTok for income, it’s smart to spread out your presence across multiple platforms to future-proof your livelihood. 

Top 10 TikTok alternatives 

1. Instagram Reels
2. YouTube Shorts
3. RedNote
4. Lemon8
5. Likee
6. Snapchat Spotlight
7. Triller
8. Facebook Reels
9. Clapper
10. Fanbase

Here’s our pick of the best alternative social media platforms that rival TikTok, from other short video platforms to those bringing something else to the table. 

1. Instagram Reels

Instagram Reels is the most obvious TikTok alternative and one of the more established social media platforms. When Instagram (which lets users post photos and videos) first launched its Reels feature, there was a lot of talk about how similar it is to TikTok’s interface. Users can search and scroll through Reels on an infinite loop while the algorithm learns what they like best. 

You can create 15-to-90-second videos directly in the Instagram app, and there’s a good selection of editing tools, including music, AR effects, and text overlays. The big advantage here is Instagram’s massive user base (two billion—almost the same as TikTok’s 2.05 billion), which appeals to influencers, brands, and creatives already active on the platform. 

Instagram Reels has a broad audience (75% of users are between 18 and 44) but skews toward millennials and Gen Z. 

While there’s huge potential to get seen on Instagram, discoverability via Reels is tied to Instagram’s algorithm—which, like many others, favors established accounts. Smaller creators might find it harder to go viral compared to TikTok and it can take longer to build a following. 

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Platform-specific tips for Instagram Reels:

• Use trending audio to get your videos seen by more people.
• Give your content a cohesive aesthetic so people recognize your videos. 
• Post when your followers are most active and use popular, relevant Instagram hashtags. 

2. YouTube Shorts

YouTube Shorts launched in the US in 2021 to meet the growing demand for short-form video content. Creators with a YouTube account can turn their longer videos into snackable pieces of content that are addictively scroll-worthy. It caters to everyone from gamers to educators to bloggers and targets all age groups. 

While TikTok supports video content up to 60 minutes long, YouTube Shorts is all about short and quick—videos can be no more than 60 seconds long. You still have access to all of YouTube’s monetization programs with Shorts, so it can be a great way to boost your bottom line. 

The downside is the Shorts’ algorithm tends to prioritize creators who already have a strong YouTube presence, which can make it tricky for new YouTube users to stand out. 

Platform-specific tips for YouTube Shorts:

• Repurpose longer YouTube videos into bite-sized Shorts. 
• Use strong hooks in the first few seconds to grab attention.
• Add captions to appeal to viewers watching without sound. 

3. RedNote

RedNote has enjoyed its moment in the limelight recently. Described as China’s answer to Instagram, it’s an emerging music-first platform where users can create short, entertaining videos paired with licensed songs. 

It’s predominantly aimed at Gen Z and music enthusiasts who are keen to get creative with sound and visuals. 

Obviously, as a relatively new platform, RedNote is still building its user base. It currently has around 300 million users—mostly in China—which is no small feat, but nowhere near as populous as TikTok and Instagram Reels. The knock-on effect is that there’s less engagement, so it might feel a bit like an echo chamber while it finds its feet. 

Platform-specific tips for RedNote:

• Experiment with the platform’s unique sound catalog to find fresh audio tracks.
• Focus on high-energy or emotionally engaging content to resonate with music-loving viewers. 

4. Lemon8

Despite being around since 2020, Lemon8 is only starting to build up a following as TikTok’s sister app. The platform was created by the same company that founded TikTok, so there are many similarities. 

However, Lemon8 is more of a hybrid between Pinterest and TikTok, focusing mostly on visually aesthetic and informative content. It’s ideal for lifestyle creators, beauty influencers, and foodies who want to post detailed, magazine-style visuals.

Because it seems to favor beautiful aesthetics, it can be a struggle for brands and creators outside of fashion, beauty, and lifestyle to find their audience on Lemon8. But don’t let that stop you—Instagram also started as a platform for sharing National Geographic–worthy photos, and look how it’s evolved since. 

Platform-specific tips for Lemon8:

• Prioritize high-quality imagery and well-lit shots.
• Add value by writing thoughtful captions or guides alongside your posts. 
• Use Lemon8’s templates to maintain a cohesive style. 

5. Likee 

Likee calls itself a “short video community,” making it a notable TikTok alternative. Like TikTok, it promotes people sharing bite-sized video content, but it places a heavier emphasis on special effects and AR filters. It’s particularly popular in Southeast Asia and among younger users who like a more playful, creative editing tool. 

At the moment, Likee’s audience is very region-specific. So unless you want to reach users in that part of the world, you might not see the traction or engagement you’d get from US-focused apps. 

Platform-specific tips for Likee:

• Take advantage of Likee’s library of special effects to make your video content stand out. 
• Collaborate with other creators on trending challenges to increase your reach. 

6. Snapchat Spotlight 

Snapchat was around (and very popular) a few years before TikTok burst onto the scene. It’s taken a bit of a backseat—but that could all change.

The platform’s Spotlight tab surfaces the best user-generated content on Snapchat, catering most commonly to teens and younger millennials. Like YouTube Shorts, videos are capped at 60 seconds, but you can still take advantage of Snapchat’s financial rewards for creators. 

Snapchat’s discoverability is a drawback, making it more challenging to get your videos seen compared to TikTok, as its audience is primarily limited to active Snapchat users. This means your videos won’t organically show up in Google’s search results or anywhere outside the platform. 

View more on Snapchat

 

Platform-specific tips for Snapchat Spotlight: 

• Focus on raw, authentic videos that tie into Snapchat’s casual vibe. 
• Use Snapchat’s AR lenses to add interest to your content. 
• Post consistently to increase visibility on the Spotlight tab. 

7. Triller 

Triller recently hired ex-TikTok executive Sean Kim as CEO—a bold move that could make it a very real contender. Kim was the brains behind TikTok’s For You feed, so you can assume there will be plenty of crossover between the two platforms.

Triller mimics a lot of TikTok’s early features. It’s a music-centered platform targeting creators and artists, but it’s gaining recognition for its advanced AI editing tools. There’s also a wealth of rewards for creators and influencers who want to monetize through partnerships and exclusive content. 

While Triller echoes a lot of what makes TikTok so popular, its user base is smaller, which can limit your reach. At the moment, there are about 65 million active monthly users, which is good, but nowhere near Instagram or TikTok. 

Platform-specific tips for Triller: 

• Use Triller’s auto-editing tools for high production value. 
• Cross-post your TikTok content to Triller using its migration tool. 
• Create music videos with musicians to tap into their fanbase. 

8. Facebook Reels

Like Instagram Reels, Facebook lets users post short videos to their accounts and grow their audience through the “video” tab. Because the platform tends to lean slightly older in demographics, you can reach those who aren’t typically active on TikTok or Instagram (such as boomers, Gen X, and older millennials). 

Videos can be up to 90 seconds long and there are in-built creative tools to add music, effects, and text. It’s worth noting that Facebook’s algorithm heavily favors personal connections over discovery, which can make it harder for new creators to go viral. Plus, younger audiences are less active on Facebook, limiting its appeal to trends and youth-oriented content. 

Platform-specific tips for Facebook Reels: 

• Post relatable, bite-sized content that resonates with an older, family-oriented audience. 
• Use native features like stickers, captions, and music. 
• Cross-post from Instagram Reels to reach both audiences, but tailor your captions to Facebook’s audience.

9. Clapper 

Clapper is a Texas-based TikTok challenger growing steadily in popularity. It’s a short form video app focused on real, unfiltered content. Users need to be 17 or older to use the app, so the demographics skew slightly more mature than other platforms.

On its blog, Clapper says it aims to give creators a platform to build communities and express themselves freely without judgment and censorship. Clapper also lets creators monetize their content by putting it behind a paywall with the Clapper Fam feature.

Clapper’s audience is smaller than TikTok’s (there are about 300,000 active daily Clapper users) but it’s good at helping you grow strong connections with your audience. 

Platform-specific tips for Clapper: 

• Focus on storytelling or showcasing your skills and talents in a relatable way. 
• Engage with your audience in the comments or via live-streaming sessions. 

10. Fanbase

Fanbase combines many of the features from Instagram, TikTok, Patreon, and other apps to allow users to monetize their content from day one. It brings together short videos with subscription-based content in a platform that is predominantly about monetizing your audience through exclusive content.

Because of this, success on Fanbase depends on having a loyal audience willing to pay for content. If you have that, it can be a great place to build a community and earn money in ways you can’t through TikTok. 

Platform-specific tips for Fanbase:

• Offer exclusive perks like behind-the-scenes content or personalized shoutouts to subscribers. 
• Use free content to draw people in before upselling your subscription offers. 

Tips for choosing the right TikTok alternatives

• Understand your audience
• Define your goals
• Asset the content style
• Check out the monetization opportunities
• Experiment and analyze results
• Consider community and support
• Consider each platform’s algorithm
• Think about what resources you have available

If you’re considering branching out from TikTok for business, the key is finding a platform that aligns with your goals, audience, and content style. Here’s how to approach the decision:

Understand your audience

Start by asking where your audience hangs out online.

If you’re targeting teens and young adults, platforms like Snapchat Spotlight or Likee might be your best bet. For millennials and Gen X, Instagram Reels and Facebook Reels are likely better options. Consider the demographics of each platform and match them to the audience you want to reach. 

Define your goals

What do you want to achieve? 

If you’re aiming for visibility and engagement, choose a platform with strong discovery features, like YouTube Shorts or Instagram Reels. If monetization is your focus, platforms like Fanbase or Clapper may offer better tools for earning money through subscriptions or direct audience support.

Assess the content style

Every platform has a unique vibe. Trends, humor, and quick edits thrive on TikTok, but Instagram Reels leans toward aesthetic, more curated content. YouTube Shorts often caters to educational or evergreen material, while Snapchat Spotlight is more casual and fun. Think about the type of content you enjoy creating and which platform naturally complements your style.

Check out the monetization opportunities

If you’re a creator looking to earn from your content, dig into the monetization options available. TikTok’s Creator Fund is just one model, but other apps like Fanbase allow for direct audience contributions. Facebook Reels rewards creators through ad revenue sharing. Look for platforms allowing you to transform creativity into income in a way that suits you.

Experiment and analyze results

You don’t have to choose one platform right away. Test a few alternatives and see which ones work best for you. Track engagement metrics, the best time to post, audience growth, and overall experience to determine where your efforts pay off the most. 

Consider community and support 

Some platforms foster a stronger sense of community than others. Clapper, for example, emphasizes real, unfiltered lives and may be better for brands who value authenticity. Choose a platform aligned with the type of relationships you want to build with your audience.

Consider each platform’s algorithm

It can be challenging to figure out all the ins and outs of a platform, making sure it serves your goals is important.

“It’s worth considering the following,” says Ella. “Does it help smaller creators get noticed? What tools does it have to help you reach your target audience? How does it prioritize content distribution?” 

Some platforms have smaller user bases, but that can mean they prioritize smaller accounts. As a result, you might have a better chance of reaching your target audience.

Think about what resources you have available 

It might be tempting to start opening accounts on every channel, but Ella reminds us to assess our resources before spreading ourselves too thin. 

She recommends asking yourself:

• Does your team have the tools and resources to let them post to multiple platforms?
• Do you need to hire a specialist in a particular content type?

Consider the answers to these questions before launching on a new platform.