Tiki: 10 Key Things You Must Know

Overview

Tiki is a dynamic social media application centered around the sharing and creation of short videos. Developed by DOL Technology PTE. LTD., this app has emerged as a significant platform especially in India, aiming to empower everyday creators and build a thriving community of real talent. Offering a rich array of video content spanning genres such as entertainment, lifestyle, fashion, food, and comedy, Tiki provides users with powerful tools for video editing, live streaming, and personalized content discovery. Despite facing substantial challenges in recent years, including the cessation of its Indian operations in 2023, Tiki's innovative features and focus on regional creators make it a fascinating case in the evolving landscape of short-video platforms. In this article, we delve into ten essential aspects of Tiki that highlight its origin, features, and impact.

1. Emergence as a Short Video Platform Post TikTok Ban in India

Tiki launched in India soon after the Indian government banned TikTok in 2020 due to geopolitical tensions, creating a vacuum for short-form video apps. Positioned as a 'Make in India' initiative by Singapore-based DOL Technology PTE. LTD., Tiki rapidly accumulated over 100 million downloads and garnered a dedicated user base including creators primarily from Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities. It aimed to capture real talent by providing easy-to-use content creation and discovery tools, serving as an alternative to the restricted Chinese-owned platforms in India. The app’s timing allowed it to tap into a booming market for quick, engaging digital entertainment.

2. Key Features to Empower Creators and Viewers

Tiki offers an abundance of features designed to support content creators and enhance viewer engagement. Users enjoy personalized feeds based on their interactions such as likes, comments, and shares, ensuring relevant video recommendations. The platform includes an array of editing tools—filters, stickers, AR effects, animations, and expansive music libraries spanning Bollywood, Pop, Hip Hop, EDM, K-pop, and country genres—allowing creators to produce captivating videos. Additionally, live streaming functionality lets creators interact with audiences in real-time, fostering community and enabling monetization through virtual gifts. Tiki also organizes offline meetups to strengthen creator networks.

3. Representation of Regional and Local Languages

Distinguishing itself from many global platforms, Tiki supports over 12 Indian languages, including Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Bengali, Tamil, Telugu, Punjabi, Kannada, Oriya, Malayalam, Urdu, and Assamese. This multilingual support enables the app to resonate with diverse linguistic communities, emphasizing localized content that reflects cultural nuances and preferences. Such content inclusivity has been critical in aiding creators from less urbanized areas to gain visibility and connect with like-minded audiences.

4. Monetization and the 'Tiki Star' Creator Program

Tiki incorporates monetization pathways to motivate its creators. Through the 'Tiki Star' initiative and live streaming capabilities, creators can earn virtual gifts from streaming viewers, which can often be converted into real income. The platform emphasizes empowering up-and-coming talents rather than established influencers, supporting a wider creator economy. Despite this, challenges remained in scaling creator earnings relative to larger platforms like Instagram or YouTube, which offered broader monetization options.

5. Closure of Operations in India in 2023

Despite its initial success, Tiki announced the shutdown of its Indian operations effective June 27, 2023, citing