TikTok has quietly added over half a dozen mini-games into its app

theverge.com:

In recent weeks, TikTok has started testing offering a small collection of mini-games within its app, TechCrunch reports. There are nine games available as part of this initiative, which can be added to a video before it’s uploaded by using the “Add link” option and selecting “MiniGame.” Viewers can play a linked game by tapping the link that appears underneath the account’s username while a video is playing. When playing a game, there’s the option to record gameplay and subsequently post it as a TikTok.

A TikTok spokesperson confirmed the pilot in a statement given to TechCrunch: “We’re always looking at ways to enrich our platform and regularly test new features and integrations that bring value to our community. Currently, we’re exploring bringing HTML5 games to TikTok through integrations with third-party game developers and studios.” TechCrunch reports that the test is designed to explore how TikTok’s users interact with and create content around, the games.

TechCrunch reports that the games are available in the US, and we’ve verified that they’re also present in the UK version of the app. The nine games are developed by several third-party gaming studios, according to TechCrunch, including Vodoo, Nitro Games, FRVR, Aim Lab, and Lotem. Reuters notes that ByteDance purchased a game studio of its own last year — Shanghai-based Moonton Technology.

The launch of the pilot follows a report from Reuters that TikTok is planning to make a “major push” into gaming. The service is believed to be exploring the area as a way to encourage users to spend more time in the app and increase its advertising revenue. None of the current games appear to contain ads or offer in-app purchases, two common methods of monetizing mobile