TikTok Sub Space

Photo Credit: TikTok

TikTok is testing a new feature to allow users an exclusive space to interact with subscribers only. The new feature is called ‘Sub Space.’

TikTok told TechCrunch that the feature is in an early testing phase after images of the feature were shared widely across Twitter. The idea is to give subscribers of a TikTok channel an additional perk, while helping creators increase community engagement. Creators can post threads with a topic, create polls, and interact in chat with only their subscribers.

The idea seems to borrow some of the Instagram feature, Broadcast Channels—which gave accounts a way to message and gather feedback among fans. The TikTok ‘Sub Space’ feature includes a thread option for users to post their LIVE schedule to keep subscribers in the know about upcoming streams. Of course, this isn’t the only time TikTok has focused on allowing subscriber-only features to entice regular users to sign up.

Subscriber-only videos and streams have been around on the platform since June 2023 as the platform began focusing heavily on channel monetization. But this new space gives viewers a place to interact directly with the streamer in a subscriber-only space. The move is likely designed to help TikTok compete in the LIVE streaming exclusive space, where Twitch has been the dominant platform among gamers.

TIkTok began promoting its LIVE Studio desktop streaming software in January 2024. Previous requirements meant users had to have a minimum of 1,000 followers on the TikTok platform to be eligible. Now, gaming creators with fewer than 1,000 followers on TikTok but a provable live streaming history on another platform (Twitch/YouTube) can sign up for access.

TikTok wants to become the premiere destination for video content for the younger age cohort (13-24) whether those videos are horizontal, vertical, or subscriber only. Meanwhile, YouTube is embracing vertical live video in its YouTube Shorts in an effort to appeal more to the TikTok crowd. That’s because that younger cohort is spending 60% more time on TikTok than YouTube.