By: Nick Gambino
TikTok users may soon find respite from the constant barrage of ads, but there’s a catch – you might have to shell out a small monthly fee.
According to reports from Android Authority, TikTok is currently testing an ad-free experience. Screenshots leaked by the outlet reveal a screen within the popular social app where users can choose between a standard or an ad-free plan, priced at $4.99 per month.
It’s important to note that this option has only surfaced for a few users, indicating that TikTok is testing the waters to gauge interest in upgrading to a premium, ad-free account. TechCrunch has received confirmation from TikTok that this testing is currently confined to one non-U.S. English-speaking market, with no immediate plans to introduce it to the United States.
Should TikTok decide to launch this feature in the U.S. and other regions, it might come bundled with additional perks. Convincing users accustomed to enjoying TikTok at no cost or with minimal ads to pay for an ad-free experience can be challenging. While ads can be annoying, subscribing to another monthly service might be even less appealing.
Twitter X has ventured down a similar path, offering an array of added benefits such as access to creator payouts, extended character limits, and an edit function. However, even with these extras, being a paid user on that platform has yet to earn you excellent points. Blue checkmarks, especially those who occasionally say something foolish (as humans often do), become targets for merciless ridicule.
“While the new TikTok subscription plan promises to shield you from paid ads by corporations and other businesses, it won’t necessarily spare you from sponsored posts by TikTok creators,” pointed out Andrew Tropeano, Host of News Around America (www.newsaroundamerica.com). “This holds particularly true for creators who don’t explicitly disclose that they’re being compensated to create a particular video.”
Dealing with sponsored posts on TikTok will likely require its solutions eventually, as it’s unclear how they could entirely prevent these posts from appearing in your feed just because you’re paying a monthly fee.
It’s important to reiterate that this is still in the early testing phase in a single market. We’ll keep you updated on any plans for a wider rollout.
