For social media enthusiasts like me, it’s hard not to know about TikTok and Likee. These video-sharing platforms have taken control of the world and have somehow changed how people create content or the kind of content we push out.
Now, people love to have fun on social media and rely on these apps to make short videos of themselves dancing, lip-syncing, and simply showing off their talents. They create challenges to make a particular sound or music trend.
Even businesses are starting to rely on these platforms to promote and market their product and services. However, when the question arises, Likee or TikTok, which is better? It’s hard to decide.
But from my review, I would say TikTok is the better platform between the two. Read on the entire post to find out what makes me give the decision in favor of TikTok.
- Likee vs TikTok – Introduction
- What Is TikTok?
- Likee vs TikTok – Basic Features
- Likee vs TikTok – Sign Up
- Likee vs TikTok – Safety For Kids
- Likee vs TikTok – Monetisation
- Likee vs TikTok – Content Type, User Engagement, and Audience Base
- Likee vs TikTok – Pros and Cons
- Likee vs TikTok – Similarities and Differences
- Likee vs TikTok – Final Verdict
Likee vs TikTok – Introduction
What Is Likee?
Likee is a platform for creating and sharing short-form content with family, friends, and followers. The platform was launched in 2017 by Bigo Technology as “LIKE video” but was later rebranded to “Likee.”
The app has since gained lots of popularity with millions of users around the world with more than 500 million downloads on Google Playstore. Its main feature is the ability to record short videos that are usually between 15 to 60 seconds.
There are also editing tools and effects that help to enhance the videos and make them more engaging. The videos can be shared on the platform’s main feed and even downloaded and shared on other social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
Likee also comes with other attractive features like stickers, filters, and special effects like slow motion, time-lapse, and stop motion. Users can interact with each other by commenting on each other’s posts or sending private messages.
The music library is also huge which gives you many options when you’re creating your video – you can either choose the songs in the library or upload your own music.
Likee also includes other interactive features like the “Discover” page which showcases trending and popular videos from different parts of the world. The app is free and restricted to kids above 17.
Also Read: TikTok vs Snapchat
What Is TikTok?
TikTok is a social media platform where users create and share short video content with others. It was launched in 2016 by Chinese company ByteDance with a mission to “Inspire creativity and bring joy.”
The videos created on the platform are usually from 15 seconds to three minutes and users can rely on editing tools and special effects to make their videos more lively.
TikTok is known as the “hub of video challenges” with more than a billion users. Here, users can create and hop on any challenge with trending sounds or music.
It’s an opportunity to get creative and pass your message within 60 seconds and at most, three minutes. You simply need to pick the song you wish to use in your video from the music library and then record yourself miming or dancing along to the music. Users can also choose to input their original audio.
There is a “For You” page that showcases trending videos and hashtags from around the world. Most especially, there’s no restriction on how far your videos can go as anyone can view them as long as you’re using the right hashtags.
TikTok also comes with a Live Stream feature that allows users to communicate with their followers live. You can even earn virtual gifts or coins which can be turned into real cash later on.
The platform is free to use and can be downloaded from Apple Store, Google Playstore, Microsoft, Amazon, and even by scanning a QR code. All in all, TikTok is known for boosting the creativity and unique talents of its users.
Also Read: Best TikTok Video Downloader Apps Without Watermark
Likee vs TikTok – Basic Features
Likee
There are a lot of features that set Likee apart from any other video-creating social platform. Here are the different attributes of the platform:
Video content creation
First and foremost, Likee is specifically created to allow users to create short-form videos of about 60 seconds long.
The app has an in-built camera that you can activate to record your video or you can upload an already recorded video from your phone’s gallery.
Video editing tools and special effects
It doesn’t end with recording or uploading your video, the app also comes with different video editing tools that will enhance your videos. You can cut, trim, merge clips together, and even add stickers and text to the video.
You can also add special effects like slow motion, beauty filters, and AR effects to your video. The goal is to have a creative video. That way, it will be more visually appealing.
Also Read: Best Fire Liker Alternatives
Music Library
You don’t have to go to the source for music or sound. Likee offers a vast library of music tracks and sounds you can choose from. The songs are from different genres so you’re not limited.
There’s a search box that allows you to search for the music that suits the mood of your video.
Interaction
Users can interact with their followers either by commenting on their videos or sending a direct message to their inboxes. There’s also a “Live” feature that lets you go live and communicate with followers in real time.
Duets
Likee comes with a “Duet” feature which is particularly useful if you want to collaborate with other users in their content. This feature creates a split-screen effect with the video you’ve chosen to collaborate with.
Virtual gifts
This is one of the most interesting features of Likee. It allows users to send and receive virtual gifts which can be changed into real money. That means you can make money off the platform as well as support your favorite creators.
Multi-language support
Likee supports different languages including English, Spanish, French, Hindi, Arabic, Portuguese, and many more. This way, people from different parts of the world can use the app easily.
TikTok
TikTok on the other hand is packed with different features that enhance video creation and sharing on the platform. Some of the features include:
Video recording and upload
TikTok is primarily created for users to record and edit short videos up to three minutes or as short as 15 seconds. You can either record directly from the app or upload an already recorded video from your phone gallery.
Video editing
Users can also edit their videos directly on the platform. Some of the editing tools you can use for your videos include filers, text overlays, text-to-speech, slow motion, and time-lapse.
They will help to make your videos more interesting and engaging for viewers.
Music integration
One of the beautiful features of TikTok is that it has a very large music library. And even if you don’t have the patience to search the library for a perfect song, you can easily create your video with songs from other users.
Hashtags and challenge
Most challenges that make it to other social media platforms usually originate from TikTok. The app is the hub for all social media challenges.
You can discover the latest trends from the “Discover” feed or even with the hashtags.
Duets
TikTok users can also collaborate and create duets with other users. It’s a split-screen video with two people performing together – usually singing or imitating characters from a movie scene. It’s an interesting way to get creative.
Live streaming
This feature allows users to go live on TikTok and engage with their followers in real time. Your audience can also show their appreciation by sending virtual gifts which you can convert to real money later on.
Interaction
Like every other social media platform, TikTok allows users to interact with each other by either commenting or sending private messages.
Download and save videos
This is another feature that sets TikTok apart from other short-form video platforms. You can download and save videos directly from the app. You only need to click the “Share” button and either download or share the link directly to other social media channels.
Creator Fund
This is such an amazing feature. So, as a creator, you’re not just having fun and sharing your content on the platform but you’re also being rewarded for your creativity.
Once your application is approved, you can earn money based on the number of views and engagement rate of your videos.
TikTok Shop
TikTok recently released another beautiful and innovative feature that allows users, especially merchants and brands, to showcase and sell their products directly on the platform. That way, users can easily purchase their items as they see them in TikTok videos.
Privacy and security
TikTok also provides a wide range of privacy and security settings such as the ability to block users, report inappropriate content or account, make your account private or public, and even limit people who can view or comment on your post.
You can also hide certain posts from your timeline.
Likee vs TikTok – Sign Up
Likee
Setting an account on Likee is as easy as pie. Download the app and then follow the steps below to create an account:
- Click on the “Sign Up” button and choose your preferred language.
- You’ll be greeted with a feed of popular videos by users. Click the profile icon on the top left corner of your screen.
- The next section requires you to choose your preferred sign-up method. It can be your Facebook, Google, or Instagram account or even your phone number or VK account.
- If you’re signing up with either of your social media accounts, you won’t need to create an account. Likee will prompt you to allow the app access to those account information. If you click, “Allow”, Likee will gain instant access.
- If you’re creating an account with your email address or phone number, you’ll need to fill in that information as well as your password.
- Next, you’ll have to pick a username for your account. Also, add a profile picture and complete the registration form with some basic information about yourself.
- When you’re done, click the “Sign Up” button and your account is created!
That’s it! You’re all set to explore the app and create as many videos as you want.
TikTok
To sign up on TikTok, download the app first. Once the app the installed on your phone, follow the steps below to create an account:
- First, the app will welcome you to a feed with popular videos.
- Next, tap on the profile button at the bottom right.
- Then, click on the “Sign Up” icon.
- You’ll see different sign-up methods like using your email or phone number, Google account, Facebook, and even Twitter. Pick your preferred choice.
- If you’re signing up through email or phone number, you need to enter that information and create passwords. And if you’re choosing to sign up with a social media account, activate the prompt that comes up seeking your permission to access the information in that account.
- Finally, click the “Sign Up” button to create your account.
- Fill in your preferred username and also set up your profile. You can also choose to connect your account with your contact and find those friends on TikTok.
All is set now! You’re now logged in, ready to create and share your creative videos with the world. Also, bear in mind that TikTok allows users to create two different kinds of accounts. It can be a personal or business account.
Upon creating a new account on TikTok, it is set as a personal account and you can always switch to the business account from your profile dashboard under the “Settings and Privacy” center.
You’ll see the option that allows you to “switch to a business account.” Simply click it and follow the prompts that come up.
Likee vs TikTok – Safety For Kids
Likee
The information on Likee’s official page may have read that the official age for users on the app is 16+ but in reality, the app is categorized as a 12+ app in Apple Store and 13+ on Google Play Store and there’s no way to check this.
Aside from that, there’s no feature that allows users to choose their preferred content type, plus there’s no age verification. This means that users of any age can consume any kind of content even without an account.
And as a parent, you have no control over the kind of content your child consumes which is extremely dangerous. So, yes, Likee is a privacy nightmare to parents and even kids as they are exposed to adult and graphic content.
Overall, Likee is not a safe zone for kids. They are not only exposed to inappropriate content, but they will also get bullied and potentially receive direct messages from strangers.
All over the internet, you’ll see different kinds of complaints from parents stressing the need to scrap the Likee app as it makes their children vulnerable to strangers on the internet.
TikTok
When compared to Likee, TikTok has more control over users’ age limits and the kinds of content they can view on the platform. The “Family Pairing Mode” is the most impressive feature that allows for parental control on the app.
For this feature to work, the parent and the child must first create accounts. Then you can link your account with that of your kid. This can be done under the “Digital Wellbeing” option under your user profile.
After tapping on “Family Pairing,” you’ll then choose whether the phone you’re using belongs to you or your child. With the QR code that’s displayed later on, you can link your account to your child’s account.
Now you can manage your child’s screen time, and the type of content they see, including who can send them direct messages. You can also set your child’s account to private and keep their account away from being suggested to other users.
Also, if you want to limit the amount of data TikTok takes from your child’s account, simply switch off the “Personalized Ads” option. Overall, this “Family Pairing” feature on TikTok helps you to keep your child safe on the platform.
Also, it is password-protected, so the settings here can’t be reversed unless your child knows or guesses your password.
Likee vs TikTok – Monetisation
Likee
As a content creator desirous of earning from your hobby, Likee offers such opportunities through in-app purchases, brand partnerships, creator funds, live streaming, and advertising revenue.
The in-app purchases and live streaming work hand-in-hand in the sense that users can receive virtual gifts from their followers which can then be converted into real money.
Also, users with a large following can partner with companies to create sponsored content aimed at promoting their products and services.
There’s also the creator fund program on the platform. It rewards creators with a high engagement rate on their content. However, this feature isn’t accessible to all eligible creators.
It only works by invitation. That means that no matter how many followers or views your content attracts, Likee has to invite you to join the program. If not, you can’t earn money from your content.
TikTok
TikTok offers more robust monetization features. First, the virtual gift system allows users to earn from live streaming.
Their followers can buy and send virtual gifts to them which they can convert into real money. Creators can also partner with brands to promote their products or services through sponsored content.
Additionally, since TikTok is known as a hub for trending challenges, creators can earn by creating challenges promoting tracks by music artists. The platform also runs an advertising program in which ads are displayed on a creator’s feed and in turn they get a share from these ads.
TikTok’s creator’s fund is also another impressive way creators can monetize their content. The program is open to creators who meet certain criteria like a high following, post views, engagement, high-quality content, as well as geographic location.
Unlike Likee where the program is by invitation only, any TikTok user eligible for the program can easily apply from their dashboard, then wait for TikTok’s feedback. This way, they are not leaving their content monetization to chance.
Likee vs TikTok – Content Type, User Engagement, and Audience Base
Likee
Though Likee is a short-video creation platform, it’s particularly known for a specific type of content. For example, the app focuses more on music and lip-syncing.
Users can either create their own music videos from scratch and share them with their followers or duet with fellow users.
Likee relies on a feature called “Likee Community” to promote user engagement on the platform. The community consists of different groups and users can join any based on their interests and then interact with each other.
Based on your interests and viewing history, the “For You” feature on the platform will recommend similar videos to you. And most of the users are based in regions like India, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East.
TikTok
TikTok has a global audience and is more popular in the United States, Africa, and Europe. The platform’s content type is all-encompassing and gives more room for users to showcase their creativity.
Some of the content categories include dance challenges, comedy, tutorials, and movie trailers. Lots of businesses are currently penetrating the platform to market and promote their products and services.
You can also preserve your data in case your phone gets missing and you lose your account. Your TikTok data can be downloaded from your “Settings and Privacy.”
Likee vs TikTok – Pros and Cons
Likee
Pros
- Likee offers plenty of editing tools, filters, and special effects.
- It has a friendly and intuitive interface.
- There are different kinds of engagement features like comments, likes, shares, and challenges.
- Creators can earn money from their videos.
- There are different language options.
- Brands can promote their products and services on the platform.
Cons
- Likee’s content fund program is by invitation only.
- The platform has been accused of hosting offensive and inappropriate content.
- There is no active age restriction.
- The platform is harmful to kids.
- There are high cases of cyberbullying.
- There are lots of fake accounts on the platform.
- Has a limited user base
TikTok
Pros
- TikTok has lots of creative tools for video creation.
- Users can easily save, download, and share content from other users.
- It has a large user base.
- The platform’s algorithmic recommendation feature allows users to discover new and interesting content based on their past interactions.
- Features like “Family Pairing” give parents enough control over their kid’s activities on the platform.
- Eligible creators can easily apply for the content fund program.
- TikTok features lots of engagement features like challenges, shares, comments, and likes.
- There is divergent content on the platform from dance challenges to educational content.
Cons
- TikTok can be addictive.
- The algorithm can sometimes be hard to predict.
- TikTok ads can also be expensive.
- There are concerns about the level of personal information the platform has of each user.
Likee vs TikTok – Similarities and Differences
Likee | TikTok | |
Video editing tools | Yes | Yes |
User engagement | Yes | Yes |
Suitable for kids | No | Yes |
Content Monetization | Yes | Yes |
Best for companies | No | Yes |
Large user base | No | Yes |
Multi-Language support | Yes | Yes |
Privacy and security | No | Yes |
Likee vs TikTok – Final Verdict
TikTok is a better choice as it’s not just a hub for creativity, but also one that protects a child’s interest. As a parent, this platform is a better choice for your kids because you can control the content they see, who they follow, and even their screen time.
Likee poses more harm to kids. The audience base is also limited to just Southeast Asia. TikTok has a more global audience, especially in the United States.
Additionally, TikTok has more features that cater to both individuals and businesses. For example, you can switch from a personal account to a business account and enjoy the features that come with it such as TikTok Shop.
Overall, TikTok is a better social media platform than Likee.