Frantic search begins for best desi tik tok

Hyderabad: With tensions heating up between India and China, the Indian government sort of conducted a 'digital strike' on China, by banning as many as 59 Chinese apps including the widely used tik tok.

While many are in favor of this decision, those who have created a brand for themselves are sore that it has affected their brand and income. There is another set of creators who are there neither for fame or money but just to enjoy their quarantine time.

Srihari who is a schoolteacher in Zilla Parishad High School at Balaji Nagar in Kapra started making tik tok videos with his granddaughter to keep her occupied during the lockdown. "I started making tik tok videos with her to make her active during lockdown and remove any phobias or complexes. Later on, I got so indulged into making videos and enjoying the process that I felt like a teenager. I did things for videos which I would feel shy to do in real life. I must say it introduced me to the performer within me," he says. Currently Srihari is trying out different Indian origin apps similar to tiktok but couldn't find his niche. "We support the nation's decision. We want to keep making videos. We tried different apps and one was Chingari after it grabbed a lot of attention in news, but we don't like the interface and we are still looking for a better alternative to tiktok," adds Srihari. Srihari says he will continuously make videos as it has given him a different level of confidence and will encourage his students also to do so.

People from all walks of life irrespective of their profession came forward to showcase their inner talents, they are the ones who are affected the most.

Speaking about the same, Nandini R, a techie by profession, said, "Tik tok for me was entertainment whenever I wanted. Seeing people making tik tok videos inspired me to make them myself. I started making videos probably a year back. At first it was a little awkward for me but later on I gained confidence to face the camera. In a way, tik tok taught me to be confident in front of everyone and how to face hatred and negativity. Even though I spent most of my time on tiktok during lockdown, I support the government's decision on banning it."

Users' search on for alternatives

After the ban on tik tok, users are scouring for an Indian alternative at the earliest. In the meantime, apps like Dubsmash, Triller, Chingari, Mitron and Funinate have gained attention as they serve the same purpose as tik tok. However, the users are not completely satisfied with it. Shivani Joshi, a PG Student, shares, "Top influencers and creators can continue their work on other platforms like Instagram and YouTube but what about common creators who aren't famous. Instagram or Youtube serve a different purpose for influencers and common creators.

For them, this app was the only sole medium of recognition which they won't get on other apps." "Therefore, a similar alternative to the app would be a boon for small creators who were there just to enjoy rather than earning," she adds further.