TikTok users getting Snapchat-like 'Streaks' feature

In a surprising development, many TikTok users have reported encountering a new feature reminiscent of Snapchat’s popular ‘Streaks.’ This feature, seemingly, has been in testing for around a while, but is now rolling out widely. The release has generated a buzz on social media platforms including X, Reddit, and TikTok itself.

Users have begun sharing screenshots of the new addition of Streaks on TikTok, asking others if they’ve got it too. Here’s one example of how Streaks looks like on TikTok:

The screenshots shared by users reveal a familiar-looking icon: a fire emoji, which Snapchat users will recognize as the emblem of a streak. This icon appears alongside a notification informing users that they have a streak going.

Based on user-shared screenshots, the mechanics of TikTok’s ‘Streaks’ feature appear straightforward:

Initiation: A streak is unlocked by sending messages to each other for three consecutive days.

Maintenance: To maintain the streak, both users must send messages to each other within a 24-hour period. If neither party sends a message within this timeframe, the streak will end.

An example notification reads:

“You have a Streak going for 🔥3 days! Unlock a Streak by sending messages to each other for three consecutive days. The Streak will end if both of you didn’t message each other in the last 24 hours.”

Reactions to the new feature have been mixed. A small portion of users seem to be fine with the addition of Streaks on TikTok. However, a majority of the reports I see on platforms like X indicate that users aren’t fans of the update.

Some have even taken to YouTube to express their thoughts. Here’s one such example:

Introducing a feature like Streaks could be a strategic move by TikTok to increase user engagement. By encouraging daily interactions, TikTok can keep users more active on the platform, fostering a sense of community and consistent activity.

As this feature continues to roll out, it will be interesting to see how it evolves and how the TikTok community adapts to this new addition. Whether it becomes as integral to TikTok as it is to Snapchat remains to be seen, but for now, it’s clear that TikTok is keen on exploring new ways to keep its users engaged and entertained.