TikTok has arrived on Android TV, but no one knows why

TikTok has arrived on Android TV, but no one knows why

TikTok is set to release an Android TV app. Yes, in the shadow of Quibi's brief run on TV before it disappeared completely, someone somewhere decided it was time to bring another vertical video service to TV.

Nevertheless, people love TikTok. Nobody loved Quibi.

The only problem is that TikTok is not yet everywhere. It is unclear if the app is intentionally being rolled out outside the U.S. A Wired UK report noted that the app will be offered on "smart TVs in France, Germany, and the UK," suggesting that the international divide is intentional.

9to5Google is having the same problem we are - unable to download on Google TV and Chromecast - while Android Police was able to download - but only in the UK

TikTok has not announced when the Android TV version available worldwide, but we wouldn't be surprised if this is just a first-day snafu. Remember that the "Disney Plus" app had serious problems on its first day?

Also, TikTok has a lot of users, but it looks odd on the screens released by 9to5Google. If this is what it really looks like, it seems that the Android TV version should have taken more time in the development cycle.

The remote control seems like a poor way to move from clip to clip, as the app is meant to be controlled by swipe-based gestures. Also, there is wasted space and an on-screen navigation button is needed.

This will be the second TikTok app on the TV platform, coming about six months after the Amazon Fire TV app was released. And that app - More on TikTok - didn't exactly catch fire.

It will be interesting to see if TikTok catches on on Android TV.

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