Top 15 TikTok Alternatives in India
TikTok fans in India were left heartbroken after the app was banned by the government in June, 2020.
But like they say – when one door closes, another opens! The TikTok void was swiftly filled by homegrown TikTok alternatives rushing to capture the massive userbase.
In this post, we will explore the top 15 TikTok clones in India that have entertained us through the pandemic. From Instagram Reels to Moj to Chingari, we give you a lowdown on each app and how they compare to the beloved TikTok.
Strap on for the 15 most popular Indian TikTok alternatives as it’s time to start creating and sharing short videos again!
15 Best TikTok Alternatives Available in India
1. Instagram Reels
Instagram Reels is a short video feature introduced by Instagram in 2020. It allows users to create short-form videos in a similar style to TikTok.
Users can record and upload videos using their Instagram camera directly within the app and the videos can be up to 60 seconds long for Reels. Various editing tools are provided to users to add fun elements to their reels like audio, AR effects, timers and more.
Instagram has a huge existing user base and Reels benefited from that as it gave TikTok creators an opportunity to reach their existing Instagram followers. Many popular Indian influencers and celebrities promoted reels which grew its userbase rapidly.
With the exploding popularity of short video formats, Instagram Reels has emerged as one of the most used TikTok alternatives globally.
2. YouTube Shorts
YouTube Shorts is a short video feature introduced by YouTube in 2021 as an alternative to TikTok.
It allows uploading of short videos ranging from 15 seconds to 60 seconds and users can record videos directly on the YouTube mobile app and utilize various creation tools like clips from long YouTube videos, audio mixing, speed controls, and filters.
Shorts are published within the main YouTube app as well as on a separate Shorts feed for easy viewing of short videos only. They are prominently featured on the YouTube home page to gain maximum views. Many popular YouTubers started creating Shorts format videos which helped it gain traction rapidly.
With YouTube’s massive user base, Shorts provides a great opportunity for short video creators to potentially go viral and gain new subscribers on the world’s largest video sharing platform.
3. MX TakaTak (Now called Moj)
MX TakaTak is an Indian short video app that was launched after the ban of TikTok in India in 2020.
Popular media company MX Player operates it and provide a great alternative to TikTok for Indian users as the app follows a very similar user interface and social experience like TikTok, allowing users to easily create and share short videos.
MX TakaTak comes equipped with features like video filters, transitions, editing tools alongwith support for multiple Indian languages. It also encourages engaging with viral cultural trends related to India.
After gaining huge popularity as a TikTok substitute, the app was rebranded to Moj in late 2022 while continuing its mission of facilitating entertaining local video content creation and sharing for Indian audience.
With over 100 million downloads, Moj has certainly established itself as one of the most prominent ‘Made in India’ app in this space.
4. Chingari
Chingari is one of the most popular Indian short video apps that was launched in November 2018, this app was rebranded again in June 2020 after the ban of TikTok in India.
Developed by a Bengaluru based startup called Gamopo Inc, Chingari provides creators a platform to upload entertaining videos similar to TikTok as it offers an intuitive interface along with various creation tools like video recording, editing, custom stickers, filters and effects. Users can upload vertical videos between 15 to 90 seconds long featuring dance, lip-sync, comedy and other categories.
An unique feature is that Chingari financially motivates creators by rewarding them with virtual tokens called Ghante, which they can redeem for real money. It also runs interesting challenges and contests for creators to earn extra incentives.
With a focus on Indian regional content, multilingual support and monetary benefits, Chingari has successfully positioned itself as the best ‘Made in India’ alternative to TikTok gaining popularity amongst Indian short video creators as well as viewers.
5. LIKEE
LIKEE is a popular short video making app that offers a powerful video editing tool along with a vibrant community.
It allows users to create videos in multiple formats ranging from short clips to creative videos synchronized with music variations and this user-friendly app makes it easy to add various effects, filters, stickers, GIFs and text on videos.
It also offers a huge library of songs where users can sync their videos.
An AI-powered ‘Music Magic’ filter smartly applies visual effects on videos based on changes in song volume or pitch. Users can explore trending videos under different categories, connect with creators and collaborate to make joint music videos and the app rewards its creators based on the popularity of their videos.
With robust creative tools and a sizable user base, LIKEE provides ample opportunities for budding video creators to showcase their skills.
6. Josh
Josh is a popular Indian short video app that was launched in 2020 after the TikTok ban.
Developed by Dailyhunt, it allows users to create and view short form videos across various genres including dance, music, comedy and more as the app provides support for over 12 Indian languages making it preferred choice amongst regional language speakers.
It offers features like video editing tools, special effects, filters for user to express themselves creatively. Users can create both vertical and horizontal videos from 15 seconds to 120 seconds in length. Josh also rewards its creators based on the popularity of their videos through a virtual point based system.
With massive reach in India due to back of Dailyhunt’s userbase, Josh has emerged as one of the most used made in India alternative to TikTok for enjoying trending local content.
7. Triller
Triller is a popular short video editing app that allows users to record videos and automatically syncs them to matching music tracks using its AI capabilities. This makes the editing process quite effortless for users.
Celebrities were attracted to the app for this simple interface that requires users to just record and let the app handle other tasks.
The app provides various video filters, drawing tools and trimming features to customize clips.
While Triller gained popularity as a video editing tool after the TikTok ban in India, it is not a social platform. Users can only edit and enhance their recordings using its effects before sharing on other major social networks like Instagram, Facebook and Twitter.
However, the auto-sync and cut/trim features make Triller highly beneficial for casually capturing and promoting short casual videos online. This ease of use helped Triller become a popular TikTok alternative for many celebrities and content creators.
8. Roposo
Roposo is a popular Indian short video app that was launched in 2014.
Developed by InMobi owned company Glance Innovate, Roposo provides a platform to creators for uploading, sharing and watching videos. The user-friendly interface allows users to create vertical videos between 5 seconds to 10 minutes with various filters, effects, audio options and editing tools.
It also offers category options to help videos reach interested audience as Roposo has been successful in gaining a strong user base in India through regional music and local cultural content.
The app engages creators by rewarding them through virtual tokens and airtime credits that can be redeemed for merchandise, vouchers or direct bank cashouts.
With over 50 million downloads, Roposo has effectively positioned itself as one of the primary Indian alternatives to the globally missed TikTok experience for its users.
9. Mitron
Mitron is one of the most popular Indian alternatives to TikTok. It was created shortly after the Indian government banned TikTok in 2020 citing cyber security issues as the app takes inspiration from the Indian government’s ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’ campaign to build an indigenous app ecosystem.
This app allows users to create and share short music and comedy videos as it provides various filters, effects and editing tools to let users create engaging content. The app follows a simple user interface similar to TikTok which makes it easy for users to use.
Mitron claims to have strict moderation policies to ensure a safe experience for users and due to this it has managed to gain a significant user base in India after the TikTok ban.
10. Bolo Indiya
Bolo Indiya is one of the popular Indian alternatives to TikTok short video sharing app. Developed by an Indian startup in 2019, it allows users to create and upload short videos along with live streaming content.
Using this app, users can broadcast their live streams and create content in various Indian languages. The app aims to help creators monetize their social media activities by introducing a virtual gifts system.
Fans can buy these gifts for their favorite creators which can be redeemed for real money. It has other unique features like dual live streaming which allows two users to stream simultaneously from their own profiles.
Bolo Indiya also displays a leaderboard to showcase top performers of the week.
With regionalized content and monetary incentives, the app has been able to attract a large homegrown audience after the TikTok ban in India.
11. Doobido
Doobido is one of the most popular Indian applications that can be used as an alternative to TikTok.
It is an Indian made video sharing social media platform that was recently launched by SB Consultants Tech for Android devices. Doobido allows users to create and share trending video content with other like-minded people on the platform as it helps users gain traction rapidly without requiring a large follower base.
The app makes it easy to create profiles and upload original videos as it has different genre categories like dance, music, comedy, food etc for better organization of content. Doobido uploads fresh, high quality videos daily so that users can always access latest trending videos.
It also focuses on providing a smooth user experience with fast uploading and downloading of videos. With its completely Indian nature, Doobido has emerged as a top TikTok substitute post its ban in the country.
12. Lomotif
Lomotif is a popular TikTok alternative app available for both Android and iOS users.
It offers various video editing features like trimming, cutting, splitting videos into multiple clips, adding filters and músic. Users can also create video compilations or slideshows using multiple clips.
An interesting feature is the ability to add hyperlapse videos and it has a social community where users can find friends, collaborate with them on joint video creations and engage with the latest trends. Special occasions like birthdays and new years are highlighted with dedicated features to help users gain more followers.
The app allows sharing created videos seamlessly across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat through just one click within the app.
With easy to use tools and a lively social community, Lomotif is a great alternative to TikTok.
13. Cheez
Cheez is one of the most popular Indian alternatives to the banned TikTok app. It allows creators to express themselves through various short video formats besides just lip-syncing to music. On Cheez, users can create music videos as well as other video content types like vlogs, comedy sketches and fashion uploads.
The app offers rewards and incentives for creators in the form of in-app credits or coins. These rewards can be earned when their videos receive positive engagement from viewers in the form of likes, shares or comments. Interestingly, users can also gain rewards by simply watching and commenting on the videos uploaded by others on the platform.
Cheez provides creators with easy to use basic video editing tools to help enhance their content. Features like trimming clips, adding filters, visual effects, text overlays and stickers are available.
This allows users to customize their videos as per their style and preferences.
Apart from sharing videos, the app also engages users through various creative challenges and activities. Creators can participate in video battles or dance challenges with other users on the app. They can also start discussion topics or use the hashtags feature to join relevant conversations.
With a wide range of real-time filters and effects, creators can make their videos more entertaining and attention-grabbing. This helps them build their profile and gain a loyal follower base on Cheez’s engaged community platform for creative short videos.
14. Vigo Video
Vigo Video is a short video maker app that allows users to create entertaining videos up to 15 seconds in length. It gives creators the flexibility to show off their talents such as singing, dancing, comedy, cooking, art or beauty.
The app offers basic video editing features like trimming and adding animated stickers or filters to make the videos more engaging.
What makes Vigo Video stand out is the features it provides to beautify videos in real-time. Users can smooth their skin, widen their eyes and remove blemishes or unwanted spots using the camera filters while recording.
They can also earn monetary rewards through the app if their video receives enough likes, comments or shares from viewers. This, along with its social features, aims to cultivate a community of creators on the platform. Vigo Video provides an alternative to TikTok for those seeking a fun and rewarding video sharing experience.
15. KWAI
KWAI is a popular short video sharing app that has gained huge popularity as an alternative to TikTok in India. It offers users a large selection of music, filters, and editing tools to create entertaining videos across categories such as lip-syncing, blogs, comedy, beauty and more.
An interesting aspect of KWAI is its reward system – users can earn points and exclusive gifts based on the popularity of their videos as measured by followers, likes and shares. This helps cultivate loyal fan bases for creators.
KWAI also regularly hosts engaging challenges and contests on trending topics that allows users to stay up to date with viral content. Its 48 hour story feature is also unique, providing more visibility for content than other platforms.
With over 100 million downloads, KWAI has emerged as a prime community for creative expression on mobile. The app has successfully captured a wide user base by incentivizing creators with its rewards program.
Conclusion
While TikTok’s ban left a void for short video content in India, it also opened doors for new players to enter the market. From Instagram to homegrown apps, there is no shortage of options to get your fix of fun videos.
Whether it’s following international trends on YouTube Shorts or rooting for desi platforms, you’ll surely find your people on one of these buzzing communities.
So get creative with transitions, effects and duets and see your 15 seconds shine! This new era of short video revolution in India is just the beginning!
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