Vocal for local: 5 lesser-known TikTok alternatives that are 'Made in India'
The TikTok ban has opened up India's short-video market for local players, who are gunning to fill in the void left by the ByteDance-owned app.
The Government of India's ban on 59 Chinese apps, including the hugely popular TikTok, has opened up the user-generated short video market for local players.
ByteDance-owned TikTok had 200 million users in India, its largest market in the world. Hence, the size of the opportunity for homegrown startups and app developers is massive.
Several players have already made a mark. These include InMobi-owned Roposo, 3one4 Capital-backed Mitron TV, and Chingari, which went viral soon after the TikTok ban, notching up 3.5 million downloads almost overnight.
Besides the already popular names, there are a bunch of other apps and platforms that are shaping up as India's "TikTok alternatives" — the latest catchphrase.
Photo: Google Play Store
Moj
Moj is the newest TikTok alternative to launch in India. The app is owned by Bengaluru-based . It lets users create 15-second lip-synced videos in 15 Indian languages.
Users can also watch, download, like, and share videos by other creators on the Moj app. You can browse videos based on interests, including travel, lifestyle, dance, comedy, food, sports, DIY, animals, and more.
HiPi
HiPi is the brainchild of Mumbai-based OTT operator ZEE5. The short video creation platform is integrated into the ZEE5 app, and hosts 90-second videos created by celebrities, influencers, and common users.
Even those who do not create content can view and share videos on HiPi. ZEE5 also plans to enable longer-form videos on HiPi.
HiPi can be accessed within the ZEE5 app
Rizzle
is the handiwork of Hyderabad-based Silverlabs Technologies, founded by Lakshminath and Vidya, who earlier worked with Google and Qualcomm in the US.
The India-first social video app lets users post 60-second interactive clips and collaborate with creators. Rizzle plans to build a bustling video community that "listens, speaks, argues, debates, and supports".
BoxEngage
is an AI-led live-streaming app, which claims to have roped in several TikTok influencers overnight after the ban on Chinese apps. The Gurugram-based startup has grown its active user base by 10X in the last 24 hours.
BoxEngage allows content creators across all categories to connect with their followers in multiple ways, including live streaming, posting videos, or even holding private sessions with celebs.
Woovly
is a Bengaluru-based social discovery platform that lets users watch videos across interest areas like Travel & Lifestyle, Music & Movies, Sports & Fitness, Home Decor, and more.
Users can watch HD videos of DIY activities, share experiences to become influencers, and also connect with people of similar interests.
Edited by Saheli Sen Gupta