TikTok Lite was launched in 2018 to provide a version of TikTok that uses less data and storage. This was especially aimed at users with slow internet and limited phone storage. While the goal was to make TikTok more accessible, TikTok Lite has faced significant criticism. Let’s explore the differences between TikTok and TikTok Lite and why the Lite version has raised concerns.
Key Differences Between TikTok and TikTok Lite
Storage Space
- TikTok: The original TikTok app uses about 182MB of data, which can grow to nearly 2GB with additional data and cache.
- TikTok Lite: TikTok Lite takes up much less space, starting at around 30MB and going up to 125MB.
Features
- Content Uploading: TikTok Lite does not allow users to upload videos, so no video editing or any such feature. However, this feature might be added in the future.
- Sharing Functions: TikTok offers various sharing options, including reactions, reposts, and sharing to social media. TikTok Lite limits sharing to reporting issues or sharing links directly.
Interface
- Appearance: Both apps look similar, but TikTok Lite users may notice more video lag due to the app not saving data, causing delays.
Settings
- Privacy and Safety: TikTok offers a wide range of privacy and safety settings. In contrast, TikTok Lite has fewer options, mainly allowing users to choose between a public or private account, control contact access, and block other users.
Concerns About TikTok Lite
Rewards Program
TikTok Lite introduced a rewards program where users could earn points by liking videos, following creators, and saving videos. These points could be used for in-app purchases or Amazon vouchers. This raised concerns about the ethics of such incentives and their impact on users’ mental health. Due to these concerns, the EU Commission intervened, and the program was suspended in April 2024.
Safety Features
Experts and users have pointed out several safety issues with TikTok Lite:
- Dangerous Activities: TikTok Lite doesn’t label potentially dangerous activities, unlike the main TikTok app.
- Graphic Content: TikTok Lite does not have an opt-in screen for sensitive content, which is common on other social media platforms.
- Misinformation: TikTok Lite doesn’t flag misinformation as effectively as other apps.
- Content Control: TikTok Lite lacks features to filter malicious comments or block certain types of videos.
- AI-Generated Content: There is no requirement for AI-generated content to be labeled on TikTok Lite.
Technical Limitations vs. Safety
While TikTok Lite’s smaller size is due to limited storage and processing capabilities, experts believe that safety features should still be implemented. Without these improvements, TikTok Lite may not be safe or secure for users.
FAQs
1. Can you upload videos on TikTok Lite?
Currently, TikTok Lite does not allow users to upload videos, but this feature might be added in the future.
2. Why does TikTok Lite use less storage?
TikTok Lite uses less storage by reducing the amount of data it saves and by offering fewer features than the regular TikTok app.
3. Is TikTok Lite safe to use?
TikTok Lite has fewer safety features compared to the main TikTok app, which has raised concerns about its security and user protection.
4. What features are missing in TikTok Lite?
TikTok Lite lacks the ability to upload videos, has limited sharing options, and fewer privacy and safety settings compared to the main TikTok app.
5. Why was the TikTok Lite rewards program suspended?
The TikTok Lite rewards program was suspended due to ethical concerns and its potential impact on users’ mental health, following intervention by the EU Commission.
6. Does TikTok Lite label dangerous or AI-generated content?
No, TikTok Lite does not label dangerous activities or AI-generated content, which is a standard practice in other apps for user safety.
Conclusion
TikTok Lite aims to make TikTok accessible to more people but comes with significant differences and concerns. Users should be aware of these issues and the potential risks of using TikTok Lite. Hopefully, TikTok will address these concerns to make TikTok Lite safer and more user friendly. However If you need our further help, please leave us a comment, we will be happy to assist you.
About The Author
Position: Team Lead (Content Writers).
Saboor has been employed as editors head at Socialhubin for years, authoring articles centered around new discoveries, latest news, and advance methods to learn. Additionally, he pens articles pertaining to Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter. Almost all social media Platforms, During his leisure time, Saboor delights in reading, traveling, and researching new features In social media.
