The best apps to look at in the short-form UGC video space right now after TikTok

Short-form UGC video content is the buzz right now and after the government of India banned 59 Chinese apps that included TikTok, a string of apps have come forth as alternatives...We take a look at the ones you should watch.

Gaana HotShots

Google Play Store ratings: In-app feature; Gaana has 4.5

Total downloads: 100m+

Launch: Hotshots was launched in 2020

The music streaming app claims to have 150m+ users and with HotShots, it looks to increase this number. It had an influencer-heavy launch and while it's an in-app feature on the Gaana app, its look and user experience are eerily similar to TikTok. On HotShots, you can create and edit videos with special effects and then share them. Several creators from TikTok have moved to HotShots.

Trell

Google Play Store rating: 4.5

Total downloads: 10m+

Launch: 2017

Available on Google Play and the App Store and in eight Indian languages, Trell is a made in India lifestyle video app. One of the most interesting aspects of Trell is that you can upload not just a video (no special effects or edit options) but also a blog as well. Registration is a breeze (you can do it via phone number, Facebook, Google id, an WhatsApp).

There are tabs such as 'Comedy', 'Reaction Videos', 'Featured' that let you choose the type of content you wish to watch. Adding to all this, there's a 'Shop' section where you can view creators talk about products and then go buy it.

Instagram Reels

Google Play Store rating: in-app feature, Instagram's rating is 4.5

Total downloads: 1b+

Launched: 2020

Instagram Reels has been launched in India and will reach all Instagram app owners in a short while. You can upload 15-second short videos on Reels and add filters and music from the app's catalogue. As of now, there are no monetisation opportunities with Reel, unlike Instagram's regular offerings.

Roposo

Google Play Store rating: 4.2

Total downloads: 50m+

Launch: 2014

The first thing you notice when you open the Roposo app is the number of languages you can choose from – 12. Unlike some of the other short-video UGC apps in this list, you have to first register on Roposo using your smartphone number before accessing the app.

While the user screen is similar to TikTok, at the bottom of the screen you get tabs such as 'Haha Tv', 'Beats', Bhakti' and others to choose what type of content you wish to watch. For creators, there's a range of filters and effects you can choose from and the recording speed too. An interesting aspect of Roposo is that you can earn money: You earn money for creating a video, 5,000 coins if your post is featured in the Roposo Stars Channel, and you can redeem them via Paytm. 10,000 Roposo Coins is equivalent to Rs. 10.

Mitron

Google Play Store rating: 4.1

Total downloads: 10m+

Launch: 2020

Spawned as a lookalike version of TikTok, the Mitron is now basking in the glory of TikTok's ban. While you can access the app without signing up, if you want to create/upload a video, then you need to do so with your Google id. Mitron only offers sounds that you can add to your videos and misses the creative filters other apps in this list provide. User experience, however, is quite smooth on this one.

Chingari

Google Play Store rating: 4

Total downloads: 10m+

Launch: 2018

Chingari is different compared to other short-form UGC video apps with regard to the user interface. Unlike the vertical screen scroll, it offers you tiles to choose from. Adding to this, at the top of the screen, you have two sections 'videos' and 'news'. In the latter, you can catch up with a variety of news topics by choosing the tab. For creators, there's not much variety; you can choose from a range of sounds and the choose the speed of your recording. But, what makes Chingari stand out is its 'Game Zone' where you can play from a multitude of games without having to download them.

Moj by ShareChat

Google Play Store rating: 4.4

Total downloads: 10m+

Launch: 2020

Similar to TikTok and most of the other apps in the list, there's a vertical scroll to move from one video to another. However, we noticed a recurring blur in the top left corner of the screen in all videos that hampered the user experience and yes, you can't take a screenshot. And there's no space for edits, music or special effects to add to your videos.

MX TakaTak

Google Play Store rating: 4.3

Total download: 1m+

Launch: 2020

Mx TakaTak is one of the newest platforms to this space and while its home screen is similar to TikTok (like many of the apps in the list) we were pleased to see music and beauty filter insertions along with editing options for creators.

HiPi from ZEE5

It's an upcoming short-video platform from ZEE5. While its release date remains unknown, it will be interesting to see how an OTT platform navigates the world of UGC content. HiPi is active on social media and is calling for creators to sign up.