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X expands its vertical video feed to global users

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Elon Musk’s social media platform, X, is rapidly expanding its new X Video Feed, a dedicated vertical video experience, to users worldwide. After its initial rollout in the U.S., the feature is now reaching global markets, including India, Australia, and several European regions. This marks a significant shift in X’s strategy to compete in the ever-evolving video-driven social media landscape, as confirmed by a company spokesperson.

The feature, currently available only on iOS, provides users with a seamless, TikTok-inspired video-scrolling experience through a designated tab in the app. Positioned prominently next to the Grok button, the X Video Feed integrates short-form videos with an engaging swipe-up navigation style, capitalizing on the growing popularity of vertical video formats.

A Gradual Yet Strategic Rollout

The global rollout of the X Video Feed is underway, but Android users will have to wait as the feature is still exclusive to iOS devices. While X has not specified when the Android version will become available, the staggered rollout strategy allows the company to refine the feature based on user feedback.

X’s move to enhance its video experience aligns with a broader trend in the social media industry. Platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube have set the standard for short-form, immersive video content that drives user engagement. By incorporating these features, X aims to establish itself as a competitor in this lucrative market.

Leveraging Uncertainty Around TikTok

X’s launch of the vertical video feed comes at a time when TikTok faces potential bans or regulatory hurdles in key markets. In the U.S., the platform’s future remains uncertain, as lawmakers and regulators continue to scrutinize its ownership and data security practices. The enforcement of a TikTok ban has been paused, but the platform’s vulnerability provides an opportunity for competitors like X to capture market share.

With TikTok’s dominance in short-form video being questioned, X is positioning its video feed as a compelling alternative. The platform’s integration of video ads after every few scrolls is not only a revenue-generating strategy but also a way to keep users engaged for longer periods.

The Role of the X Video Feed in Driving Revenue

The X Video Feed isn’t just about entertainment—it’s a key revenue driver for the platform. By embedding ads seamlessly within the video feed, X has adopted a monetization model similar to Instagram Reels and TikTok. This feature allows advertisers to tap into highly engaged audiences while enabling X to diversify its revenue streams.

Moreover, video content has proven to be more engaging than static posts, meaning users are likely to spend more time on the app. The combination of ad placement and increased screen time positions the X Video Feed as a powerful tool for boosting the platform’s profitability.

X’s Expanding Video Ecosystem

The rollout of the vertical video feed is the latest addition to X’s broader video ecosystem. Over the past two years, the platform has heavily invested in video capabilities. In 2022, X introduced the ability to scroll through short videos by tapping and swiping on video content within the timeline. Additionally, the launch of a stand-alone TV app showcased the platform’s ambition to cater to long-form video viewers, creators, and organizations.

With the introduction of the X Video Feed, the platform is bridging the gap between short-form and long-form video content, creating a comprehensive video experience for users. This diversification allows X to cater to a wider range of user preferences while encouraging creators to publish video content directly on the platform.

The Future of X Video Feed

The introduction of the X Video Feed signals a transformative shift for the platform, positioning it as a serious contender in the competitive world of short-form video content. By blending entertainment with monetization strategies, X is leveraging the growing demand for vertical video to engage users and attract advertisers.

As the feature expands to Android and continues its global rollout, X will likely refine its offering to better compete with established players like TikTok and Instagram. The combination of user engagement, ad revenue, and innovative video experiences makes the X Video Feed a key pillar in Elon Musk’s vision for the platform’s future.

Ultimately, the X Video Feed represents more than just a feature—it’s a strategic move to redefine the way users interact with video content on social media

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With TikTok’s future in the U.S. hanging in the balance—its ban temporarily paused due to an executive order from former President Donald Trump—the ByteDance-owned platform is taking proactive steps to ensure its app remains accessible. In a strategic move, TikTok is now urging Android users to sideload its app directly onto their devices. This approach allows the platform to bypass app store restrictions and maintain its presence on millions of devices, even as legal and political challenges persist.

Why TikTok is Promoting Sideloading for Android Users


TikTok’s decision to offer a direct download option stems from the ongoing uncertainty surrounding its availability in the U.S. While the ban has been temporarily halted, the app remains excluded from major app stores, including Google Play and Apple’s App Store. To address this, TikTok recently announced on X (formerly Twitter) that its Android app is now available for direct download via TikTok.com/download.

This strategy leverages Android’s flexibility, which allows users to install apps from sources outside the Google Play Store. By providing an Android Package Kit (APK) file—a format containing the app’s code, assets, and resources—TikTok ensures users can continue accessing its platform without relying on traditional app distribution channels.

How to Sideload TikTok on Android Devices

Sideloading TikTok on Android is a simple process. Here’s a step-by-step guide:

Visit TikTok’s Official Download Page: Go to TikTok.com/download using your Android device’s browser.

Download the APK File: Tap the download link to save the TikTok APK file to your device.

Enable Installation from Unknown Sources: Navigate to your device’s settings, go to “Security” or “Apps & Notifications,” and enable the option to install apps from unknown sources.

Install the App: Locate the downloaded APK file in your device’s file manager and tap on it to begin the installation process.

Launch TikTok: Once installed, open the app, log in, and enjoy uninterrupted access to TikTok’s features.

This method ensures Android users can continue using TikTok, even if the app is removed from the Google Play Store.

Why Sideloading is a Strategic Move for TikTok

Sideloading provides TikTok with a temporary workaround to the app store ban, enabling it to maintain its user base in the U.S. Here’s why this approach is significant:

Bypassing App Store Restrictions: By offering a direct download, TikTok avoids reliance on Google Play, ensuring its app remains accessible despite the ban.

Maintaining User Engagement: With over 150 million active users in the U.S., TikTok’s ability to stay operational is crucial for retaining its audience and advertisers.

Android’s Open Ecosystem: Unlike iOS, which restricts sideloading outside the EU, Android’s flexibility makes it easier for TikTok to distribute its app independently.

Challenges and Risks of Sideloading TikTok
While sideloading offers a temporary solution, it comes with certain challenges:

Security Concerns: Downloading APK files from unofficial sources can expose users to malware or compromised versions of the app. TikTok’s direct download link reduces this risk, but users should remain cautious.

Limited Reach on iOS: Unlike Android, Apple’s iOS does not support sideloading outside the EU, leaving iPhone users dependent on the App Store.

User Convenience: Sideloading requires additional steps compared to downloading from an app store, which may deter less tech-savvy users.

What This Means for TikTok’s Future


TikTok’s decision to promote sideloading highlights its determination to remain accessible in the U.S. market. However, this is likely a temporary measure as the company continues to navigate legal and regulatory challenges.

For Android users, sideloading offers a way to keep using TikTok without interruption. For TikTok, it’s a strategic move to retain its massive user base and demonstrate resilience in the face of adversity.

As TikTok’s fate in the U.S. remains uncertain, the platform’s decision to encourage Android users to sideload its app underscores its commitment to staying connected with its audience. By offering a direct download option, TikTok ensures that millions of users can continue to enjoy its content, even as it battles legal and political hurdles.

For Android users, sideloading TikTok is a simple and effective way to keep the app on their devices. However, it’s essential to download the APK file only from TikTok’s official website to avoid security risks. As the situation evolves, TikTok’s ability to adapt and innovate will be key to its survival in one of its largest markets.

Meta has taken a firm stance against internal leaks, warning employees that those caught disclosing confidential information will face termination. This warning followed a recent all-hands meeting where CEO Mark Zuckerberg’s remarks were quickly leaked, prompting a strong response from company executives.

Meta’s Strict Anti-Leak Measures

In an internal communication, Chief Information Security Officer Guy Rosen emphasized the company’s determination to address unauthorized disclosures. “We take leaks seriously and will respond accordingly,” Rosen stated. He explained that beyond security risks, leaks damage team morale and disrupt productivity, pulling focus away from the company’s key objectives.

The memo also highlighted that Meta has already dismissed employees found responsible for leaking confidential information or taking sensitive company documents without authorization. Rosen reaffirmed that the company will continue enforcing stringent measures to protect internal discussions.

Zuckerberg’s Response to Transparency Challenges

During the meeting, Zuckerberg voiced frustration over recurring leaks, acknowledging that they have forced a shift in how Meta handles internal transparency. “We strive to be open, but everything I say ends up being leaked,” he said. “It’s frustrating.” His comments suggest that Meta may become less forthcoming in sharing internal information with employees.

Internal Employee Reactions

Following the meeting, Chief Technology Officer Andrew Bosworth addressed employee concerns on Meta’s internal workplace platform, “Let’s Fix Meta.” He noted that while many employees were upset about changes to communication policies, the decision was necessary due to ongoing confidentiality breaches. Bosworth even linked to a report detailing the all-hands meeting, underscoring the company’s frustration with repeated leaks.

Impact on Meta’s Corporate Culture

Meta’s decision to crack down on leaks underscores a broader challenge in the tech industry—balancing transparency with security. Open communication fosters collaboration and trust, but repeated leaks can compromise internal processes and expose the company to competitive risks. By reinforcing its commitment to confidentiality, Meta is signaling a shift towards a more controlled internal environment.

As the company refines its internal policies, the tech community will be watching closely to see how these measures affect employee engagement and overall corporate culture. Whether these steps successfully prevent further leaks or create additional concerns about workplace transparency remains to be seen.

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