Latest news with #Bytedance
Tom's Guide
14-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Tom's Guide
TikTok now lets you turn your photos into AI videos — here's how to do it
Following in the footsteps of the likes of Kling and Sora, TikTok is jumping on the AI video trends, launching a filter called AI Alive. This filter allows users to turn static photos into video through the use of prompts. In a post announcing this new filter, Bytedance, the owners of TikTok, stated, 'We all know a photo can say a thousand words, and TikTok aims to take this new form of visual storytelling even further.' This tool only works through TikTok's story mode. To use it, open up your story camera (available in your Inbox or on your profile). Next, go to post a new story and insert a photo to use. When you do this, the AI alive icon will appear on the right hand side of the screen. Clicking this button will ask you to enter a prompt. The example given by TikTok is a cat and dog, with prompts asking for it to come to life, but it could be more focused on the actions. For example, something like 'Dog rolls onto its back while the cat spins'. Once you've created and posted the story, people can view it from within their For You or Following pages on TikTok. As well as on your profile page. Like other AI generations, this tool does raise some ethical concerns. Bytedance has responded to some of these in its announcement post. 'As this technology enables new forms of creative expression, it undergoes multiple trust and safety checks to protect our community,' Bytedance said. Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. 'To help prevent people from creating content that violates our policies, moderation technology reviews the uploaded photo and written AI generation prompt as well as the AI Alive video before it's shown to the creator.' To help prevent people from creating content that violates our policies, moderation technology reviews the uploaded photo and written AI generation prompt A final safety test is done when the creator decides to publicly post to their story. Other users can report these videos if inappropriate content does end up getting through. There will also be a label on any story using this technology highlighting that it was made using AI — alongside embedded C2PA metadata. This is a kind of technology that helps others identify AI-generated content, even if it is removed from the TikTok platform. Like other AI tools, this filter is likely to get things wrong or hallucinate depending on the prompt that you give it. This, for the most part, will be pretty harmless with an odd-looking rendition of your dog or a foot blending into the ground. While this is the first AI-video announcement from TikTok, there are likely to be more to come considering the rising popularity of this technology.
The Verge
08-05-2025
- Business
- The Verge
Instagram CEO testifies about competing with TikTok: ‘You're either growing, or you're slowly dying'
When Adam Mosseri took over Meta-owned Instagram as CEO in 2018, the app was experiencing what he'd later call 'concerning' drops and plateaus in user engagement, thanks partly to fierce competition from a new app: TikTok. Instagram estimated in 2019 that 23 percent of the decline in time spent on Instagram in the US was due to TikTok. Bytedance's video app kept expanding through the onset of the covid-19 pandemic. 'We can't explain it all, but what's clear at this point is that we need to adapt, and do so quickly,' Mosseri wrote to his team in March 2020. Instagram needed to recover, he testified Thursday in a DC courtroom, because 'you're either growing, or you're slowly dying.' Mosseri described the dire situation while testifying in the Federal Trade Commission's antitrust trial against Meta, where the government alleges the company illegally monopolized the market for personal social networking services, a category that it says includes Snapchat but not more entertainment-focused apps like YouTube or TikTok. Mosseri's testimony highlighted how much Instagram sees itself as in competition with TikTok, but it also showed that even as entertainment content becomes a larger portion of its offerings, connecting with friends is still a central part of its service — meaning it may still be a relevant market for the court to find it monopolizes. Since his March 2020 warning, Instagram has seen more success, thanks in part to improved AI recommendations for Reels. But TikTok still represents 'the fiercest competition that we have faced.' As Instagram has sought to compete more effectively with TikTok in building out Reels, TikTok has become more similar to Instagram, Mosseri testified. While he used to consider TikTok a more of 'lean-back experiences' where users passively watch videos, he now sees it as 'every bit as participatory as we are at this point.' TikTok is actively trying to engage users' connections with their friends, he testified, noting it's rolled out a feed to watch friends' videos. (A TikTok executive testified earlier in the trial that only 1 percent of videos watched on the platform are through that tab.) Meta has emphasized throughout the trial that connecting with friends and family has become a smaller part of its business in the face of competitive pressures. But Mosseri's testimony highlighted that helping users engage with their friends is still a core use case for Instagram today, and a way it sees itself being differentiated from rivals. Mosseri said in a 2024 video on his own Instagram account that the reason the app wouldn't expand into long-form video was because it wasn't as conducive to sharing with friends. 'I still think friends are an important part of the experience,' he testified, though he also shared that as the app has grown overall, 'the percentage of the app spent on friend content has gone down.' 'Instagram will always need to focus on friends,' Zuckerberg wrote in a 2018 email to Mosseri. Even as it grows to include more entertainment, he added, it 'can never exclusively be for public figures or it will cease to be a social product.' Mosseri also bridged the gap between earlier testimony from Zuckerberg, who testified about all the ways Facebook helped Instagram grow, and Instagram co-founder and former CEO Kevin Systrom, who testified that eventually, Zuckerberg pulled back resources from Instagram in favor of Facebook. Mosseri took over as CEO when Systrom left in 2018, and he gave a third perspective on the key question of whether Meta helped grow Instagram in ways it couldn't have otherwise, or whether it bought it to squash a nascent competitor and later deprive it of resources. Mosseri came over to Instagram from a role at Meta, so he was familiar with the cultures and gripes in both organizations. 'As a new member of the Instagram team and a previous member of the Facebook team, I sat right in the middle of it,' he testified. Mosseri observed that in some ways, Instagram had 'drifted culturally a bit too far apart in my opinion. We used to refer to Instagram as its own company, and it's not.' He could see why Instagram's founders were upset with some of the changes Facebook made to reduce promotion of Instagram from Facebook, but he saw both sides. 'I disagreed with some of the changes personally, but I also thought they were being made more of than they needed to be.' Ultimately, Mosseri testified, Facebook's decision to buy Instagram could go down as 'one of the best acquisitions of all time.' Instagram got to access Facebook's resources and experience, and Facebook got to access the Instagram founders' unique talent for coming up with innovative products — something Meta would need to stay ahead of competition in years to come. Both companies, he said, 'benefited greatly.'
Yahoo
01-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
TikTok plans to establish €1bn data centre in Finland
TikTok, owned by China-based Bytedance, is planning to build its first data centre in Finland, with an investment of €1bn ($1.14bn), reported Reuters citing a company spokesman. The move marks a step in the company's efforts to store European user data within the continent. It is also seen as part of TikTok's strategy to address concerns about the potential for the Chinese government to access data from European citizens using the platform. The company's spokesman, while confirming the investment, refrained from providing further details, the report said. At the time of reporting, Finland's Prime Minister's office had not responded to Reuter's requests for comment on the development. TikTok has faced scrutiny from lawmakers in Europe and the US. The company launched new data security initiative, "Project Clover", in 2023. The initiative includes a commitment to invest €12bn over the next decade. This initiative comes as several countries, the European Parliament, the European Commission, and others have implemented bans on TikTok on staff phones, citing privacy concerns. The US government has also threatened to ban the app unless TikTok's US operations are divested, citing national security reasons. TikTok has criticised these bans as misguided, attributing them to fundamental misconceptions about the platform's data handling practices. According to TikTok's, European user data is currently stored in a dedicated European data enclave, with data centres located in Norway, Ireland, and the US. The first data centre under Project Clover, located in Norway, became fully operational this month. With over 175 million users in Europe, TikTok plans to launch additional data centres in the coming years, as per sources. In March 2025, Reuters reported that TikTok Shop, the e-commerce platform of the social media app TikTok, said it plans to expand its European presence by launching in France, Germany, and Italy. "TikTok plans to establish €1bn data centre in Finland" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
Time Business News
23-04-2025
- Time Business News
CapCut APK: The Best Video Editing App of 2025
In today's digital world, video content has become the king of communication. Whether it's for social media, marketing, education, or entertainment, creating stunning videos is essential. And when it comes to finding a powerful yet user-friendly video editing tool in 2025, CapCut APK stands out as the best video editing app available. CapCut is a free, all-in-one video editing app developed by Bytedance, the creators of TikTok. The CapCut APK is the Android Package Kit version of the app, allowing users to download and install it on Android devices outside of the Google Play Store. In 2025, CapCut has evolved into a powerful platform offering professional-grade tools for both beginners and advanced video editors. CapCut APK has dominated the video editing space with its feature-rich environment and easy-to-navigate interface. Here's what makes it the top choice this year: CapCut offers a clean, intuitive interface that makes video editing accessible to everyone. Whether you're a beginner or a pro, the learning curve is minimal. CapCut APK comes with a wide range of professional editing tools: Multi-layer editing Keyframe animation Chroma key (green screen) Speed control Reverse playback Voice changer Custom filters and effects In 2025, AI integration in CapCut has reached new heights: Auto-captioning for accessibility for accessibility AI scene detection for better transitions for better transitions Smart background removal Facial recognition for auto-retouching CapCut APK keeps up with social media trends, offering: Viral TikTok and Instagram filters Real-time beauty effects Animated text and sticker packs CapCut allows direct export and sharing to platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube. The export settings are optimized for each platform's resolution and aspect ratio. Access a vast built-in library of royalty-free music, sound effects, and voiceover tools. Users can also import their own audio files. Export your videos in up to 4K resolution with minimal rendering time. CapCut ensures professional quality output without a watermark (if signed in). Here's how CapCut APK stacks up against other popular apps: Feature CapCut APK Kinemaster InShot Adobe Premiere Rush Price Free Freemium Freemium Subscription-Based 4K Export Yes Yes (Paid) Yes (Paid) Yes Watermark-Free Yes No No Yes AI Features Advanced Limited Basic Moderate Social Integration Excellent Good Good Good Ease of Use Very Easy Moderate Easy Moderate CapCut wins in terms of value, versatility, and user experience, especially for Android users using the APK version. To install CapCut APK safely, follow these steps: Go to a trusted APK website like APKPure or APKMirror. Search for the latest version of CapCut APK 2025. Download and install the APK file. Enable 'Install from Unknown Sources' in your phone settings. Open the app and start editing! Content Creators: Edit short-form videos for TikTok, Reels, or YouTube Shorts. Edit short-form videos for TikTok, Reels, or YouTube Shorts. Marketers: Create promotional content, ads, and product videos. Create promotional content, ads, and product videos. Educators: Develop tutorials and e-learning content. Develop tutorials and e-learning content. Vloggers: Craft cinematic vlogs with advanced editing tools. Craft cinematic vlogs with advanced editing tools. Businesses: Use for branding, presentations, and internal communication. CapCut has made professional video editing accessible. With advanced tools like keyframe animation, chroma key, and 4K support, it's perfect for: Freelance video editors Digital marketing agencies Small business owners Social media managers Absolutely! CapCut APK remains the best video editing app in 2025 thanks to its unbeatable mix of advanced features, user-friendly design, and free access. Whether editing for fun, fame, or business, CapCut gives you the tools to create visually stunning content without breaking the bank. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
15-04-2025
- Yahoo
Captured Chinese soldier said TikTok videos convinced him to join Russia's armed forces after he lost his job
Ukraine held a press conference with two Chinese prisoners of war on Monday. Wang Guangjun, 34, said he was drawn to Russia's military by promotional social media videos. Wang said he was told he'd care for injured soldiers, but was instead sent to fight in Donetsk. A Chinese prisoner in Ukraine said videos on Douyin, China's version of TikTok, enticed him to join Russia's military. The man, identified by Ukraine as 34-year-old Wang Guangjun, spoke to international and Ukrainian press in a two-hour press conference on Monday. He and another Chinese man described what they said was life in Russia's armed forces and their eventual journey to the front lines. Both men were captured in Donetsk, Ukraine said on Wednesday. Business Insider could not independently confirm the men's statements, though they are consistent with what can be observed on Chinese social media. Wang told the press in Mandarin that he was an "ordinary employee" in China who worked in rehabilitation therapy. "My family can be considered a rather harmonious one, with a wife, with kids, with parents," Wang said. "But because of China's pandemic issues, I lost my job. So I was looking for any kind of work; that's how I ended up in this situation." Wang said that while in China, he had watched "flashy and cool" videos on Douyin of Russian soldiers and weapons. "Because in China, the status and social identity of a Chinese soldier is very high, especially in the hearts of the public," Wang said. "So in China, every male has this dream of success." "When you are in China and have no chance of being a soldier, and you see this kind of opportunity, you feel a stirring of the heart," he added. "And I came from that kind of motivation." Bytedance, the firm that owns Douyin and TikTok, did not respond to a request for comment sent by BI. Wang said he had seen a video promoting a job in Russia's military that involved providing rehabilitation therapy to injured soldiers. "It said that due to Russia's last two years of fighting, there were a lot of injured people who needed us to administer rehabilitation therapy," he said. He added that the video promised that the role would not involve fighting against Ukraine. "When I arrived in Moscow and reported for work, they also told me the same. But after I followed them to the recruitment office and signed up, and then went to the training camp, I was no longer in control of my situation," he said. "At that point, I could no longer make my own decisions." Chinese social media platforms often feature pro-Russia videos — from Chechen special forces showing off captured NATO weapons to clips of young Russian soldiers labeled as "handsome big brothers." State media often emphasizes Moscow and Beijing's "no-limits" partnership. Still, Wang said Chinese authorities had warned him not to cross into Russia for the job, which he did anyway. He and the other Chinese prisoner, identified as 27-year-old Zhang Renbo, said they were not associated with any Chinese security or armed forces. Per Wang, he was given a few days of training in Moscow and then was sent in February to the Russian cities of Kazan and Rostov. He said he was eventually deployed to northern Donetsk on April 4, after which he was captured by Kyiv's forces. Meanwhile, Zhang told reporters that he worked as a firefighter in Shanghai and had traveled to Russia on vacation in December. Zhang said he had tried to "earn a bit of money" while on holiday and that he was offered work in construction, but later realized that the job instead was actually in the warzone. "The Chinese media and state media always emphasized our friendship with Russia, so we always have trusted them. Because of this trust, perhaps we have been taken advantage of," Zhang said. He said he was sent to Rostov in early January, where he received about six days of training, and was moved to Donetsk later. Zhang said he spent about a month in the trenches until March 31, after which he and two other soldiers were ordered to advance on the front lines and were captured. Both Wang and Zhang said they agreed to speak publicly in the hope that China would notice their imprisonment and negotiate their return. "If you are considering joining this war against Ukraine, to my fellow Chinese, do not participate in this fight," Wang said. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that his government believes more than 150 Chinese citizens are fighting in Ukraine for the Russian military. "North Koreans were fighting against us in the Kursk region, while the Chinese were fighting against us in Ukraine," Zelenskyy said on April 8. Lin Jian, a spokesperson for China's foreign ministry, called Zelenskyy's remarks "irresponsible." "The Chinese government always asks Chinese nationals to stay away from areas of armed conflict, avoid any form of involvement in armed conflict, and in particular avoid participation in any party's military operations," he said. Read the original article on Business Insider
