TikTok, widely known for its short videos, is making a notable shift in its platform by introducing text-only posts, similar to Twitter and Threads. This recent modification comes in the wake of other social media updates, such as Twitter’s rebranding to ‘X’ and Meta’s launch of the text-based social media app, Threads.

The announcement of this new feature was made by TikTok in a blog post on Monday night, although some users claim to have had access to it as early as June, indicating a possible testing phase.

In the blog post, TikTok explained that the introduction of text posts aims to expand the boundaries of content creation on the platform. It provides users with a dedicated space to showcase their written creativity, which was previously seen in comments, captions, and videos.

With this update, users can now share posts without the typical background visuals like videos and photos that TikTok is known for. Although the text post feature doesn’t have a specific name, it offers users a new way to engage and express themselves.

Before this format was introduced, users had the option to overlay text on video and image posts, as well as include it in captions and comments. Some users even created their own text-only posts by sharing screenshots of text-centered content from other sources outside TikTok, like other social media platforms or text message dialogues.

The new text posts on TikTok can be personalized just like video and photo posts, allowing users to add music, background colors, and stickers. Additionally, users can tag others and incorporate hashtags to make their text posts more interactive and discoverable.

According to a TikTok spokesperson, text posts can contain up to 1,000 characters. However, the character restrictions for video descriptions (2,200 characters) and comments (150 characters) will remain unchanged, as per the company’s statement. This allows users to make concise and engaging descriptions while still having the freedom to express themselves fully in text posts.

With this innovative addition, TikTok continues to evolve its platform, giving users more creative avenues to connect and share their stories, ideas, and interests.