TikTok is testing a new dedicated space for LIVE creators to interact with subscribers, the company confirmed to TechCrunch on Tuesday. This new space, called “Subspace,” is in early testing and is designed to help creators increase community engagement while providing additional benefits to subscribers.
I discovered a new addition: X User Jonah Manzanowho posted a screenshot of the feature.
Creators can use this space to post topical threads and create polls to chat and interact with subscribers. LIVE creators can already interact with viewers through chat during live broadcasts, but the new service is a way for creators to talk directly with paid subscribers. This new addition could entice regular viewers to sign up for a subscription to gain exclusive access to the streamer.
The screenshot shows that creators can start conversation threads with subscribers on various topics. You can choose to create a thread based on a suggested topic or create your own topic. For example, you can ask your subscribers to introduce themselves, ask questions, and share their first impressions in different threads.
This space can also be used as a way for creators to share snippets and updates about their lives with their subscribers, in a similar way to Instagram's broadcast channels. Creators can also keep their subscribers updated about upcoming streams by having a thread dedicated to their live schedule.
In addition, survey options can be used for purposes such as asking subscribers for their opinions on what types of streams they would like to see more of, or how much time the majority would like to watch in future streams.
TikTok already offers subscriber-only benefits to creators, such as subscriber-only videos and streams, but the new Sub Spaces will give creators a new way to interact directly with their subscribers. By offering paid users access to exclusive content and interactions, you have the opportunity to acquire more subscribers.
The new feature comes as TikTok looks to potentially compete with Twitch by strengthening its LIVE service and appealing to game creators. Earlier this year, the company began piloting a program that opened up its desktop streaming software, LIVE Studio, to game creators with fewer than 1,000 followers if they had a stable live streaming history on another platform, such as Twitch. Prior to this pilot, the game's creator could only access the LIVE Studio if he had over 1,000 followers. However, in the pilot, if you already have an established live streaming history, you can access the software and start going live even if you have less than 1,000 followers.
TikTok told TechCrunch that it is not publicly promoting the pilot, but will grant access to a certain number of game creators. The pilot could be a way for TikTok to entice popular game creators on Twitch and YouTube to consider streaming live on TikTok if they aren't already.