Like Netflix, TikTok is planning to add minigames to its platform
It looks like there will be more to do on TikTok than just watch short videos. The tech company is venturing into gaming as it rolled out minigames that are available to play withinin the app in Vietnam, similar to how Netflix added games to its platform.
Through a partnership with Zynga, TikTok previously confirmed that they are testing HTML5 games within the app and have plans to release ad-supported games. The move will be part of the company's efforts to increase engagement and revenue on the app.
"We're already looking at ways to enrich our platform and regularly test new features and integrations that bring value to our community," a representative told Reuters.
According to Reuters, the rollout is focused more widely in Southeast Asia and could come as early as the third quarter. A report by Kaspersky found that TikTok is the second most popular among Filipino youth from January to March 2022, behind YouTube.
Tech website TechCrunch also learned that TikTok is also experimenting with Live games in the app.
In the United States, a few games have been launched including Zynga's Disco Loco 3D and Garden of Good.
TikTok is the most downloaded app in the world, surpassing 176 million downloads since the start of 2022, according to Sensor Tower. The ByteDance app also beat out YouTube as the app with the most average watch time in the US and UK.
Netflix added mobile games to its app in November 2021, which were free to play for subscribers.