11 Best TikTok Alternatives You Need to Try
You know, I was getting a little bored with TikTok. Not gonna lie.
It’s fun, sure—but it’s so easy to get stuck watching the same sounds, the same trends, the same faces over and over.
And sometimes… I just want something different.
That’s why I went down this rabbit hole (seriously, hours of my life I won’t get back) hunting for other apps that scratch that short-video itch without feeling like a cheap TikTok knockoff.
I wanted to see what else was out there—what’s worth downloading, what’s actually fun, and what doesn’t immediately make me want to roll my eyes.
If you’re anything like me and you want options—new places to post, fresh audiences to reach, or just a different vibe to scroll through at 2 a.m.—I’ve got you.
Here are 11 of the best TikTok alternatives you actually need to try.
I’ve tested them, I’ve picked my favorites, and I’m not gatekeeping. Let’s get into it.
1. Instagram Reels
If you’re already on Instagram (most of us are), Reels is the easiest TikTok alternative to jump into.
It’s Instagram’s short video feature, designed to keep you scrolling just one more time at 1 a.m.
What’s great is you don’t have to build a whole new audience from scratch. Your existing followers see your Reels, and you can also reach a ton of new people through Explore.
Editing is super straightforward, with music, text, transitions, and effects that feel familiar if you’ve used TikTok.
Honestly, Reels is best for people who want to keep things all in one place—photos, stories, DMs, and short videos without switching apps.
If you’re trying to grow your personal brand or just want an easy way to share fun clips with friends, Reels is kind of a no-brainer.
Also read: Must-have apps for every K-pop fan
2. YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts is basically YouTube’s answer to TikTok, but with a massive bonus: it’s built right into the world’s biggest video platform.
If you’ve ever fallen into a YouTube rabbit hole, you already know how easy it is to keep watching one more video. Shorts just makes that even snappier.
The editing is simple—add music, text, and basic cuts—but the real magic is reach.
YouTube has a gigantic audience, so even new creators can sometimes get crazy views if they hit the algorithm just right. Plus, if you’re already making longer YouTube videos, Shorts is a super easy way to grab new subscribers.
It’s best for anyone who wants to grow on YouTube or share quick, punchy videos without committing to a whole new app.
Honestly… It’s kind of essential if you’re serious about content.
3. Snapchat Spotlight
Spotlight is Snapchat’s take on the short-video craze—and if you’re already snapping friends all day, it just makes sense to use it.
Unlike your usual private snaps or stories, Spotlight is all about going public (but in that classic, playful Snapchat way).
You can create quick vertical videos with filters, text, music, and all the weird AR lenses Snapchat is famous for.
The vibe feels more relaxed and less polished than TikTok, which honestly can be a nice change. And yes, they still run cash incentives for top-performing creators, so there’s actually a chance to get paid for going viral.
Best for people who love Snapchat already or want a younger, fun, less “influencer-y” crowd.
It’s perfect if you’re into being goofy, unfiltered, and just sharing random moments without overthinking it.
4. Facebook Reels
Yep, Facebook has Reels too—and before you roll your eyes, hear me out.
Facebook Reels is surprisingly solid if you want to get your short videos in front of a huge audience without much extra work.
It works just like Instagram Reels (not a shock since they’re both Meta), so you can use the same videos on both platforms.
That’s a big win if you’re trying to save time and grow in more places at once. Editing is simple, with music, effects, and text tools that feel familiar.
Best for people who already use Facebook a lot, want to reach older audiences, or just want to squeeze every drop of exposure out of their content.
Honestly, if you’re posting Reels on Instagram, you might as well share them on Facebook too. It’s free reach—why not?
5. Triller
Triller is one of those apps that always gets called “the TikTok alternative,” but it actually does its own thing in a cool way.
It’s built around music videos—short, highly edited, and often a little more artsy than what you see on TikTok.
The editing tools are solid, with automatic cuts that sync to the beat (so your videos look pro even if you’re just messing around on your couch). There’s also a big focus on showcasing artists and creators rather than endless memes, so the vibe can feel a bit more serious or creative.
Best for anyone who loves music, wants a more polished aesthetic, or is tired of TikTok’s same-old trends.
If you want your videos to stand out and you’re not afraid to experiment with effects and transitions, Triller is worth the download.
6. Zoomerang
Okay, so Zoomerang isn’t a massive social platform like TikTok or Reels—but hear me out.
If you love making TikTok-style videos but want it to be a whole lot easier (and honestly, more fun), this is one you’ll want on your phone.
Zoomerang is packed with ready-to-use templates, trending music, and step-by-step tutorials that make editing feel almost effortless. Even if you’ve never made a video before, you can churn out something that looks polished and on-trend.
It’s perfect for creators who want to stand out on TikTok, Reels, Shorts, wherever.
And for viewers… Zoomerang does have its own social feed, with lots of creative, often beginner-friendly videos.
It’s not as huge or overwhelming as TikTok—which can actually be nice. Think of it as a more laid-back space to discover and share short videos without all the pressure.
7. Likee
Likee is one of those apps that doesn’t always get the hype in the U.S., but it’s honestly a solid alternative if you’re craving something a little different from TikTok.
It’s packed with short videos covering everything—lip-syncs, comedy skits, beauty tutorials, dance challenges, and plenty of weird, niche corners if that’s your thing.
For creators, Likee offers tons of flashy effects, stickers, and music options that can make your videos pop without much effort.
The vibe is playful and often feels less polished than Instagram or YouTube—which can be refreshing if you’re tired of the “perfect” aesthetic everywhere else.
Best for anyone who wants a more global mix of content, or for creators looking to reach new audiences beyond the typical TikTok crowd.
If you’re curious about different styles and trends, Likee is definitely worth exploring.
8. Bigo Live
Bigo Live is for anyone who loves the live side of social video.
It’s not exactly a TikTok clone with endless scrolling short clips—it’s built around real-time streaming.
But that’s exactly why it’s such an interesting alternative if you’re burned out on TikTok’s trends and want something more personal.
As a viewer, you can watch people stream everything from casual chats to music performances, cooking demos, gaming sessions, and honestly some pretty wild late-night convos. It feels raw, unfiltered, and often more real than the polished TikTok grid.
For creators, Bigo Live is one of the better platforms for actually making money, thanks to its tipping and gifting system.
If you love interacting with your audience in real time or want to build a tight-knit following that actually supports you, Bigo Live is seriously worth checking out.
9. Twitch
I know what you’re thinking: “Isn’t Twitch for gamers?” And sure, it started that way—but it’s way more now.
Twitch is all about live, interactive video, and it’s honestly one of the most authentic places online to hang out and actually connect with people.
As a viewer, you’re not just mindlessly scrolling.
You’re watching creators stream in real time, chatting with them, and becoming part of a community. From gaming and music to art, cooking, and even just “just chatting” streams—it’s got tons of variety.
For creators, Twitch is gold if you want to build a loyal following and monetize directly through subscriptions, donations, and ad revenue.
If TikTok feels too fast, too crowded, or too focused on trends, Twitch is the chill, community-first alternative that lets you go deeper and be yourself.
10. CapCut
If you’re serious about making TikTok-style videos—but you want full control without needing a film degree—CapCut is a must-have.
It’s actually made by the same company behind TikTok, so it’s perfectly tuned for that short, punchy, vertical-video style.
What’s cool is that CapCut gives you way more freedom than the built-in TikTok editor. Think layered clips, transitions, effects, text animations, voiceovers, speed changes—you can make your videos look ridiculously polished for free.
It’s honestly wild what you can do on your phone now.
For viewers, CapCut isn’t a social platform to scroll through, but it is the secret sauce behind a ton of the best TikTok and Reels videos you’re watching.
If you want to step up your own content or just experiment creatively, CapCut is basically non-negotiable.
11. Lomotif
Lomotif is one of those apps that’s been around for a while but still deserves a spot on this list.
Think of it as TikTok’s laid-back cousin—same short-video vibe, but with a bit more of an indie, anything-goes feel.
For viewers, Lomotif is a fun rabbit hole of music videos, dance challenges, lip-syncs, and random, personal clips from all over the world. It’s not as polished or influencer-heavy as TikTok, which can honestly be a breath of fresh air if you’re tired of seeing the same trends everywhere.
For creators, it’s super easy to use.
Just pick a song, drop in your clips, and add effects—it’s designed to be quick and fun, not overly complicated.
Best for anyone who wants to experiment, keep it low pressure, and reach new audiences without competing with millions of ultra-produced TikToks.
My Final Take
So there you go—11 of the best TikTok alternatives you actually need to try.
I wanted this list to be more than the same old “Top 5” everyone recycles, because honestly? There’s a whole world beyond TikTok worth exploring.
Whether you’re looking for a fresh feed to scroll at 2 a.m., new editing tools to up your content game, or a completely different vibe and audience, there’s something here for you.
What I really love about these apps is they each have their own personality.
Some are huge and mainstream, others are smaller, more personal, or way easier for beginners. You don’t have to ditch TikTok entirely—but why not have options?
If you end up trying any of these, let me know which one you liked best. I’m always looking for new rabbit holes to fall into myself.
