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OpenTok

Watch shared TikToks without installing the TikTok app

iOS
Safari Extensions
Social Media
GitHub

OpenTok is for those who don’t want to create a TikTok account or install it on their phone, but who still want to watch videos sent from their friends & family. This extension allows videos to play in browser and applies CSS rules to clean up the mobile page.

Top comment

I originally created this extension so I could watch my wife’s TikToks without needing to install TikTok myself. I decided to make it available for everyone based on many threads I’ve seen complaining about this same issue (ex. https://www.reddit.com/r/Tiktokh...). So far feedback has been positive, but let me know if you have any problems setting it up! Similar extensions could be made for other browsers as it's a basic js/css file at its core. Hope you enjoy!

Comment highlights

@kylejohnsonkj Congrats on the launch, Kyle! 🎉 Such an intriguing perspective on the project!

I recommend OpenTok if you want to enjoy TikTok videos without installing the app or creating an account. This handy extension allows you to watch videos directly in your browser, without unnecessary complications.

Nice. I really would prefer to watch TikTok outside of TikTok to not be consumed by the algorithm. How do you see this tool fitting in if TikTok continues to face bans in certain regions or stricter rules in the future? Do you think this extension could adapt, or would it lose its main purpose if TikTok’s availability changes?

I was debating on building something like this, glad to know somebody else was thinking the same way too! I’ll try it out

I really like the concept of this, ie not having to have the TikTok app, but then one still has to download another app? I suppose for those who don't want the distraction of doom-scrolling or app tracking, it works, but some solution without having to download another app would definitely be a smidge more novel. Viewing content without having to sign up for an account is certainly an interesting task - best of luck!

This is such a handy tool for enjoying TikToks effortlessly, simple and super convenient!

Watch TikToks freely without the over-personalized additive For You Page? Watch TikToks in countries where it is banned from appstore? Watch TikTok without downloading the app that is going to be banned in the US? Sounds a perfect timing to launch! Would be great to have a country VPN option on top of this for localized content!!

Love this! I refuse to download TikTok so this is a lifesaver in my friend group!!

I've had the exact same experience Kyle, although not with a wife but with friends - Makes a huge amount of sense to do this & I think you've really found a great market for this. Personally I loathe TikTok & try not to use it at all as it definitely is a time-sync, although I know this would be seriously popular. Best of luck with the launch!!

Congrats on the launch @kylejohnsonkj. So people from countries where Tiktok is banned can also enjoy Tiktok videos w/o using VPN? :)

Interesting – I am watching closely that drama around TikTok, the US ban and potentially the Canadian ban. Do you think that TikTok will "be legal" in these states? And how can this fact influence your tool? Would it be good/bad for you or without the effect?