TikTok is Testing Snapchat-Like Reward System to Keep Users on the App Longer

TikTok is reportedly testing a new reward system similar to Snapchat that will keep users on the app much longer, according to TechCrunch.

The new test feature was first spotted last Wednesday as users were greeted by a feature similar to Snapchat's "Streak" system.

The feature basically encourages the user to regularly use the app and interact with their followers and friends via direct messages for a chance to receive a streak badge on their profile.

Like with Snapchat, the TikTok feature will start displaying the flame "streak" badge for the third consecutive day.

As of writing, the feature is only available to limited markets as TikTok tries to navigate past regulatory crackdowns on the app.

TikTok Faces Allegations of 'Addictive' Features on the Platform

It can be remembered that TikTok is currently facing several regulatory scrutinizes in the US and the European Union amid allegations of rolling out "addictive" features to hook children on its app.

EU commissioners recently threatened to sue TikTok for its reward-to-watch program the platform encourages people to spend more time on the site in exchange for monetary rewards.

TikTok later suspended the program in the EU, although the same feature remains available in Asia and other markets.

This is in addition to several US states filing lawsuits against the company for supposedly putting children's mental health at risk.

A Congress hearing earlier in February even raised the growth of online predators and pedophiles on the platform targeting children via DMs, a risk that the "Streak" system could further heighten.

How to Disable TikTok 'Streak' System?

For users who want to keep their privacy on the platform or do not want to be regularly notified about their streaks, the feature can be disabled in the app's privacy settings.

Just go to Settings > Privacy > Notifications > Streak Settings, and then toggle the feature off.

Users can also restrict people's access to their DMs via Inbox > More > Mute Notifications.

For parents of users aged under 16, they can restrict their children's inboxes through the Family Pairing feature.