Another app is joining the competition to replace TikTok as it faces a potential ban under the Trump administration — Clash. The short-form video-sharing platform lets users — “Clashers” — record and share 21-second videos.
The free platform soft-launched in early August and is already being touted as an alternative to TikTok.
Tubefilter describes the new app as a “sort of middle ground between TikTok and Vine” with a time limit of 21 seconds on each video. On Clash, there are two main feeds called “Following” and “Now Serving.”
Just like the name suggests, “Following” features creators a user is following. “Now Serving” is a typical discover/explore page (like TikTok’s For You Page) where users can scroll through an endless stream of videos.
Creator-Friendly Goal
Clash was founded by Brendon McNerney, a former Vine creator, and digital marketing expert P.J. Leimgruber. According to TubeFilter, both consulted TikTok on launch strategies in 2018, when ByteDance first merged with Musical.ly. A year later, they set out to create Clash.
Rather than aiming to take TikTok’s audience, they wanted to create an environment for previous Vine creators who were unsatisfied with TikTok and alternatives like Byte. They also wanted to make paying creators a priority with Clash.
The app will feature “Drops,” an in-app currency and tipping feature similar to Twitch‘s Cheer. Clash is also rolling out an equity program where creators will gain actual ownership in Clash. Currently, Clash has given stock to 20 unidentified creators. While these creators are all above 18, Leimgruber told Tubefilter they “would really like to be open to creators under 18, with parental consent.”
The app’s age requirement is currently set to 12 years. Users can create an account with an existing log-in from Apple, Facebook, Google, and Snapchat, or a valid email address.
Does It Compare to TikTok?
Despite being fairly new, Clash already has an influencer presence with creators such as Elijah Daniel, Todd Smith, Scotty Sire, Kurtis Conner, and others. Daniel, who hosts “The Clash” — an internet-based reality show streaming on Clash — called for users who belong to “Alt TikTok” to join the new platform.
Users of both platforms have pointed out the difference in creativity options, which is a common complaint with many apps competing with TikTok. Compared to TikTok, Clash lacks extensive editing features, filters, and audio options. In a letter to creators, McNerney wrote “What you are seeing now is just the beginning, we have so many exciting and transformative features to show you.”
With less than two months into its beta phase, only time will tell how Clash fares in the battle to be the best of countless video-sharing platforms. Read more on other TikTok alternatives below.
More Video-Sharing Apps
What Is Byte? Meet TikTok’s Competition
What Is Triller? — The Video App Replacing TikTok
Clash App TikTok — Sources
TubeFilter — Clash, a New TikTok Competitor From Viner Brendon McNerney, Is Made With Creator Monetization in Mind
Clash, Medium
Clash