TikTok has steadily grown in popularity since its launch in 2016, becoming a cultural phenomenon that has shaped internet culture and the music industry. Now, the platform is making moves into the world of virtual and augmented reality with a new native app designed for the Apple Vision Pro headset.
While TikTok was previously accessible on the Vision Pro through the Safari browser, this dedicated app provides an optimized experience tailored to the capabilities of the headset. The app features TikTok’s signature vertical feed and familiar features like likes, comments, shares, and favorites.
However, the interface expands beyond what is available on mobile to take advantage of the Vision Pro’s expansive views. Tapping icons brings up floating panes displaying content, allowing users to access features without obstructing the main feed. The app also utilizes the Vision Pro’s Shared Spaces feature, enabling users to position the TikTok interface wherever they want within their field of view.
Immersion is taken further with the option to view TikTok content in the Vision Pro’s virtual environments. Users can surround themselves with their favorite videos and creators while situated in digital settings ranging from concert halls to alien planets. This level of immersion could make the tendency to get lost scrolling through TikTok’s endless feed even more potent.
The TikTok app allows full consumption of content, but does not yet permit capturing or uploading new videos through the Vision Pro. This capability would be a logical next step toward making TikTok a more comprehensive experience on the headset.
By preemptively launching on the Vision Pro before competitors like YouTube and Netflix, TikTok has established itself early on as a go-to destination for virtual reality content. YouTube recently announced Juno, a Vision Pro app for viewing YouTube videos, but Netflix currently has no plans for the platform.
TikTok’s continuous evolution across platforms speaks to its ambition and technical capabilities. As virtual and augmented reality gain traction, TikTok is positioning itself at the forefront of these emerging spaces, aiming to translate its success to new mediums. While time will tell if these efforts pay off, TikTok is betting big that the future will be video-centric, immersive, and social.
