TikTok is testing a Q&A feature that allows content creators to immediately respond to audience questions by answering text or videos, Tech Crunch reported Thursday. This feature works on video and live streaming (TikTok LIVE), but is currently only available to certain content creators who have opted in to the trial.
Q&A is the main way content creators engage fans on social media, and have proven hugely popular across a number of platforms, including Instagram Stories. On TikTok, Q&A is now a big part of the user commenting experience, as many content creators respond to individual comments by uploading new videos that explain their answers in more detail than short text comments.
Sometimes these answers are meant to clarify or add context, but content creators sometimes respond to bullying with the response video. As a result, TikTok’s comments section grew to play a bigger role in shaping TikTok’s culture and trends.
Q&A is also a key means for content creators to engage with fans while live streaming. But it would be difficult for content creators to keep up with the flood of questions and comments via today’s live chat interface. Much like the existing “reply to comment with video” feature, the Q&A option allows content creators to respond to their audience’s questions directly.
Users can make their comments as questions by tapping the Q&A button in the video comments column, or they can submit questions directly via the Q&A link on the creator’s profile page. For creators, this feature simplifies the process of answering questions, as it allows them to see all of their fan questions in one place. There is no limit to the number of questions creators can receive, even if they don’t have to answer individual questions. This feature was first discovered by social media consultant Matt Navarra, who posted a screenshot of how the feature worked, including how it looked on user profiles.
During the trial, the new Q&A feature was only available to content creators who had more than 10,000 followers and who had selected the feature in their Settings. Those who took part in the feature trial included a number of creators who were included in the TikTok Creative Learning Fund program, which was announced last year.
TikTok says the Q&A feature is currently under testing globally, and is targeted to be released to more users with creator accounts in the coming weeks.
