Entertainment

December Avenue, an indie rock band, will perform @MeetOnTikTok in August! The band will perform at 7:00 p.m. on August 29, 2021, and the show will be streamed live on TikTok via @decemberavenueofficial.

@MeetOnTikTok, TikTok Philippines’ main entertainment platform, allows fans to watch exceptional live performances from their favorite artists and interact with them in an exclusive fan meet. @MeetOnTikTok also functions as a virtual platform for artists to debut new content and perform live music, which is aired via TikTok Live.

#MeetDecemberAvenueOnTikTok This August

Known for their softcore rock compositions, December Avenue has a solid following in the Philippines, and is recognized as one of the most-streamed OPM bands of all time.

December Avenue will be performing their hit songs live during the @MeetOnTikTok event on August 29, and viewers will get to enjoy the first-ever performance of the band’s newest single “Isang Himala”.

Select lucky fans will be given the chance to interact with December Avenue during the livestream event! To join, simply complete these easy steps:

• Follow December Avenue’s TikTok Account (@decemberavenueofficial) and Meet on TikTok’s TikTok Account (@MeetOnTikTok).
• Like and share the #MeetDecemberAvenueOnTikTok posts on TikTok Philippines’ official accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, and leave a comment telling us what is your favorite December Avenue song and why.

By just tweeting about the livestream event with the hashtag #MeetDecemberAvenueOnTikTok, fans can win special apparel personally signed by each member of the band. After the livestream, the lucky winners will be announced.

Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to #MeetDecemberAvenueOnTikTok!

Download TikTok on your iOS and Android devices today.

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As part of the band’s ongoing 25th anniversary celebration, the Itchyworms have released a new single, “Eto Na (Ang Maliligayang Araw)” as well as a six-episode podcast series, Worms Upon A Time: An Itchyworms Podcast.

The year-long musical extravaganza follows the success of Waiting For The End To Begin, which was released on vinyl and promptly sold out, as well as the release of “The Life I Know,” the first stop-motion animation music video in the Philippines, which received widespread critical praise.

25th Anniversary single

Returning to their brand of melodic pop-rock sensibilities with sharp hooks, bluesy guitar lines, and timeless lyrics, the multi-awarded Filipino band has dropped a call-and-response anthem about hurdling through the difficult times with a more hopeful mindset in life.

According to drummer and lead vocalist Jazz Nicolas, the song documents the feeling of being stuck in a challenging phase for a very long period, while hoping that everything will be fine. “You’re not quite there yet, but you feel that things are moving up a bit,” he emphasizes. “Kel and I call this the dark ages; it’s when all areas of your life seemed very bleak, and you always feel like there’s no way out. In this song, you’re not out yet, but you have a feeling that you will be.”

Even before the pandemic happened, The Itchyworms have always wanted to produce a jam song that would make for a strong album opener. Most of their newer tracks gravitate toward the uncertainty of the future or the long-simmering anxiety brought by the lockdown. “Eto Na (Ang Maliligayang Araw),” however, confronts the situation that we’re in with the healing power of a catchy, upbeat guitar-pop tune. It’s a perfect fit for what a 25th anniversary should be: a commitment to represent the band’s music and the history held within it.

When the lockdown slightly eased, the band regrouped into the legendary Big Baby Studios, where some of the alt-rock quartet’s most notable hits were born. “Big Baby was always home to The Itchyworms, especially to Jazz, because this was his father’s original studio in their ancestral home,” lead vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Jugs Jugueta shares in a statement. “I remember recording the first few demos of The Itchyworms there. I also remember Tito Sonny showing us all of his guitars, and Chino and I were just in awe. Now, it has come full circle: Jazz and Peavey and the worms continue Tito Sonny’s legacy, and the fact that we recorded our 25th Anniversary single there means so much to us.”

The Itchyworms reworked the early version of the track by adding lyrics that pay homage to their story together as a group, and even referenced some of their old songs in the material. Mixed and mastered by Jazz’s brother Peavy Nicolas, “Eto Na (Ang Maliligayang Araw)” finds the band experimenting with a Moog Little Phatty analog synth and a Yamaha Reface YC, bringing a unique twist on their classic sound. “It’s good that we finally got to go into the studio for this,” Nicolas shares the process behind the recording. “We all recorded our instruments live in the studio. and all four of us sang on it.” The Itchyworms’ guitarist Chino Singson adds, “Plus the outro or coda is totally unrelated to the tonal center of the song, but it adds a Beatles’ Magical Mystery Tour vibe.”

 Worms Upon A Time: An Itchyworms Show

To celebrate the release of their 25th anniversary single, the band launched Worms Upon A Time: An Itchyworms Podcast, a six-part series that explores the long-lasting appeal and impact of their albums in their 25 years of existence as a band. Produced by The Itchyworms and Sony Music Philippines, the show leverages Spotify’s latest format Music + Talk format, a new type of audio experience that brings together music tracks and spoken commentary, wrapped up into one immersive and interactive listening experience.

“I guess this is our version of the Beatles’ Anthology series,” Jugueta reveals. “Because that was the Beatles’ story as told by the Beatles. This show is our story, our history, our legacy as told by The Itchyworms ourselves. Look forward to stories that have never been shared before!”

The Itchyworms will have important guests who will be joining them on the show. Jugueta explains, “This project is very close to our hearts, and we would like to thank Sony Music Philippines for producing it and to Wincy Ong for directing it and to Peavey Nicolas for recording and mixing it.”

The Itchyworms are also set to release a mockumentary that chronicles their 25 years in the music industry and a music video of their self-titled track “Waiting For The End To Start,” whose visual narrative serves as an artistic take on the ‘dystopian future post-pandemic’ life in the Philippines.

The Itchyworms’ new single “Eto Na (Ang Maliligayang Araw)”  is available now via Sony Music Philippines on all digital music platforms worldwide. Worms Upon A Time: An Itchyworms Podcast can be found on Spotify as well.

Time to update your watch list this August, more than halfway through 2021. Looking for something new compared of what have you been watching these past months? Then get hooked on and you’re in luck: hayu is back with fresh new series in tow which you’ll surely find yourself binge-watching in no time.

We Got Love Teyana & Iman

Season 1 | August 12, 2021

Award-winning director, actress and mom Teyana Taylor and superstar athlete, rapper, and dad Iman Shumpert embark on the ultimate life journey. The Shumpert’s family bond is solid as a rock with fun, unapologetic realness and deeply rooted love at the core.

This unfiltered new docu-series follows pop-culture powerhouses Teyana, Iman, and their daughters Junie B, Baby Rue and their tight-knit entourage of family and friends. The series gives unprecedented access into their lives, never before-seen in a celebrity docu-series until now. Teyana and Iman have built an empire but they’re not done yet. They have major goals and high ambitions, but they’ll never lose sight of what’s really important: family.

Charmed to Death

Season 1 | Every Monday

Love true crime? Then this show is a must-add to your watch list!  This new series follows the true stories of manipulative and dangerous criminals who use their charm to cheat, steal and lure victims into romantic relationships, leaving a wake of devastation and death.  Each episode will feature a charismatic killer who deceives their victims, retracing their over-the-top acts of seduction and fraud. Told through the voices of friends and families fighting for justice, and investigators on the case who are determined to find the truth.

On the other hand, if you’re looking just for new seasons from shows you’ve come to love, hayu has it for you, too! True crime shows Snapped and Accident, Suicide or Murder are back with some more mind-boggling, fascinating cases.

Snapped

Season 29 | Every Monday

Who are these women and what drives them to kill? This hit true crime series profiles the fascinating cases of women accused of murder. Did they really do it? And, if so, why?

Accident, Suicide or Murder

Season 3B | Every Monday

This riveting series takes viewers through the stunning twists and turns of real-life cases involving suspicious deaths. At the heart of each case is a pressing question: was the victim’s demise the result of an accident, suicide, or possibly murder?

Sign-up now via hayu.com to a weekly plan for only Php49 or a monthly plan of Php149 with a FREE TRIAL of 7 days. Or get a hayu prepaid pass and save on your weekly, monthly or quarterly pass series on hayu.com! Also access unlimited shows with a subscription plan or prepaid pass now!

In a historic turn of events, highly acclaimed band Ben&Ben have officially collaborated with indie folk ensemble Munimuni on “Sugat,” a heartbreaking ballad that offers moments of peace and recovery in a time when it is desperately needed. Though both award-winning acts have recorded songs that deal with the grief of loss and the road to self-care and healing, “Sugat” creates a way for contemplation. The song recognizes the necessity of looking back and learning from the past, while refusing to be defined by people’s decisions and failures.

The beautifully constructed song, according to Ben&Ben, is drummer Toni Muoz’s love letter to herself during a difficult time in her life, when her conviction is weighed down by self-doubt. “When Toni first presented the song as it was at the time to the band, Paolo immediately thought of a chorus section to address and accompany the message of the verses,” the nine-piece band reveals in a statement. “It was the deeply personal experiences of both Toni and Paolo that made Sugat such a powerful song of self-healing and overcoming past wounds.”

With “Sugat,” Ben&Ben and Munimuni let the arrangement breathe, simmer, and linger around the moment before arriving at transcendence. The song was produced by Jean Paul Verona and Keifer Cabugao and, whose vision for the song leans towards that big and deep atmospheric sound while balancing the sense of intimacy that the instrument and vocals bring. Cabugao explains that the song requires special attention to which the music elements would be more evident. “We wanted to include only the right instrument that the song was asking for and so when we got the ’yes’ from Munimuni, it only became clearer how we would move forward. Marrying the soul sounds of Ben&Ben and Munimuni can be described as almost effortless, meant-to-be, and long overdue.”

Munimuni’s flute texture, in particular, not only balances the musical motif with soothing calm, but also gives it a freeing, meditative touch. “When we thought of the flute, it was an instant light bulb moment for all of us to think of Munimuni,” Ben&Ben disclose in an interview. “Not only was the flute texture a perfect fit, Munimuni was the perfect collaborator for such a delicate song about healing, and we couldn’t imagine how we could have pulled it off without them.”

The collaboration came to fruition sometime this year when Ben&Ben invited Munimuni over to their studio to record “Sugat.” As longtime fans of their music, Ben&Ben have always wanted to work with Munimuni, and somehow the opportunity presented itself when Munimuni announced a comeback from their hiatus a few months ago.

During the recording session, the acclaimed band behind the hits “Pagtingin,” “Leaves,” and “Lifetime” offered a fairly blank canvas in which Munimuni infused their brand of introspective musicality. This resulted into a sonic poetry that is in itself an admission of vulnerability. “The very first time Adj and Owen sang the chorus, it was so much better than we could have imagined, and we couldn’t believe just how perfect of a fit their voices were to support and carry the message of the song,” the chart-topping group recalls. “As for the flute solo, Owen of Munimuni really poured his heart into it, with several takes all of which we were so blown away by, but he wanted nothing less than perfection. When it was finished and we heard the final take, we were floored by the sheer depth and emotion the flute solo had, and we consider it now to be an integral part of the song.”

Munimuni, for their part, returned the favor by noting that they’ve learnt a lot from Ben&Ben and their songwriting process. “We’re grateful that Ben&Ben gave us the freedom to experiment with sounds and convey the mood of the song on collaborative terms,” the alt-pop quartet shares. “We also connected with the song on an intimate level, despite it being written by someone outside of the band. Paolo and Toni’s lyrics are written beautifully that it touched us, and gave us a new perspective on love and healing.”

Ben&Ben and Munimuni’s “Sugat” is out now on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music. Check out the music video on Ben&Ben’s official YouTube page.

On TikTok, the premier place for short-form mobile videos, good vibes and positivism abound. Anyone, including aunties and titas, can express themselves creatively and freely on this platform. In reality, titas and titas at heart make some of the most enjoyable comedy videos on TikTok.

While the word titas literally means “aunt” or “aunty” in English, the connotation of the word has changed with time. When women in their 20s and 30s imitate the qualities and actions of typical middle-aged Filipino aunts, they are referred to as titas, such as going out to brunch with their girlfriends, carrying enormous purses stuffed with tita basics like tissue, hand sanitizer, and mentholated balms, and drinking wine to relax at the end of the day.

So, who are these titas on TikTok who have been entertaining and sharing joy? Here are four of our personal favorites.

Tita G 

Need help figuring out the latest slang words so you can keep up with your younger friends, nephews and kids? Tita G has you covered! Learn about all things tita when you follow this funny working millennial creator on TikTok.

Auntie Julie

Everyone’s favorite tita, Auntie Julie, is one of comedy creator Macoy Dubs’ popular characters on TikTok. Donning her signature pearl necklace, a staple tita accessory, Auntie Julie parodies stereotypical Filipino tita behavior, to the delight of Macoy Dubs’ followers.

Petra Mahalimuyak

We all have that one aunt who is known for giving lavish gifts. Comedy creator, Petra Mahalimuyak, practices how to become that type of cool tita in this funny video.

Tiyang Amy

Veteran actress, Amy Perez, is known as Tiyang Amy, which means Auntie Amy, by her friends and colleagues in the industry. She frequently shares fun and funny tita moments, just like this one, with her followers on TikTok.

Have you followed your favorite titas on TikTok yet? Download the app on your iOS and Android devices today to get started.

The seven participating countries: Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand, with Cambodia and Vietnam joining this year in ASEAN Music Showcase Festival (AMS). Shares its 2021 artist slate, representing the region’s best up-and-coming and established music acts alike. Each country’s participating representatives were carefully selected to uphold the organizers’ common goal of placing ASEAN music on the world stage

The AMS co-founder MC Galang, Creative Director and co-founder of Philippine-based live events organizer and online music publication The Rest Is Noise shared, “Part of our selection process is assessing the artists’ overall portfolio not just as recording artists but also as performers, which hopefully, through our combined backgrounds and experiences in our respective local industries, help artists gain opportunities regionally and globally.”

Meet AMS 2021’s artists

Joining the Indonesian showcase are indie-math rock quartet eleventwelfth, disco synth pop band Guernica Club, tropical pop duo Irama Pantai Selatan, and indie pop act Sunwich.

Malaysia leans in towards guitar- and electronica-heavy ensembles with two-piece experimental indie rock act LUST, punk band NO GOOD (featuring original members of indie mainstays Killeur Calculateur and Dirgahayu), neo-psychedelic pop/rock outfit Ramayan, and multihyphenate artist Shelhiel.

Hailing from the Philippines, instrumental rock solo artist Gabba, indie rock act Oh, Flamingo!, DJ-producer Pamcy, and live electronic music duo Tarsius will add further variety to the mix.

From Singapore, pop-alternative R&B trio brb., indie pop-rock band M1LDL1FE, and electronica duo .gif  spotlight’s the city-state’s thriving indie scene—with one more to be announced soon.

Thailand’s lineup includes soul-R&B singer-songwriter Alec Orachi, Thai folk and pop fusion act ASIA7, hip-hop artist Réjizz, and “rave n’ roll” band S.O.L.E.

Cambodia’s premiere lineup this year sees the addition of multi-instrumentalist extraordinaire Vanthan featuring singer-songwriter and one of the country’s pioneers of the “original music revolution,” Laura Mam, electronic solo act Daniel Omens, soul-R&B singer-songwriter Sophia Kao, and local hip-hop superstar VannDa.

Last but not the least, joining from Vietnam are Ca Trù-centered electronic act Limebócx, indie electronica quartet Ngầm, ethereal/ambient electronic duo Tiny Giant, and rock band Những Đứa Trẻ (The Children).

The lineup was deliberated by co-organizers Fungjai, NYLON Thailand, and Bangkok Music City from Thailand; The Rest Is Noise PH from the Philippines; Steady State Records from Singapore; SRM from Indonesia; City Roars Festival from Malaysia; Baramey Production from Cambodia; and Monsoon Music Festival and Swan Zoo from Vietnam.

AMS 2021 will be held virtually via YouTube on September 11-12, 2021 (Saturday and Sunday). This year’s edition is co-presented by Malaysia’s Cultural Economy Development Agency (CENDANA); the Thailand Convention and Exhibition Bureau (TCEB); the National Arts Council, Singapore; US-based digital music distributor TuneCore; and Singaporean NPO that supports youth, talent and leadership development, *SCAPE.

The festival is also supported by Music Copyright (Thailand) Ltd. (MCT) and festival partners Global Toronto from Canada; Live at Heart from Sweden; Golden Melody Awards & Festival, LUCfest and ZAshare from Taiwan; Sound of the Xity from China; Trans Asia Music Meeting (TAMM) from Japan; and Victorian Music Development Office (VMDO) from Australia.

TikTok, the world’s most popular short-form mobile video platform, has evolved into a place for players and gaming broadcasters to share and watch innovative material linked to their favorite games. Gaming developers can focus on certain moments within a game, from epic showdowns to monster kills, and even highlight favorite players and characters, thanks to short-form movies. TikTok also makes it simple for everyone to develop interactive and enjoyable material that highlights their interests, thanks to simple editing tools that encourage creativity.

The gaming community on TikTok has been slowly growing during the last few months, and certain producers have already established themselves as favorites among TikTok users. Fans and followers appreciate watching and participating with these creators on the platform because they are both informed and entertaining in all things gaming. They’re so entertaining to watch that they might even encourage everyone else to start game broadcasting.

Here are 5 incredible game creators to follow on TikTok:

Archer Perez

https://www.tiktok.com/@archerperezz/video/6966209844261014786

Archer Perez shares a wide variety of content, including game updates, highlight clips, and funny skits, but what he is really known for is his gaming story series. He creates mini day-in-the-life episodes featuring his Project Zomboid character, Archie Reyes, showing his survival strategy, zombie slaying techniques, and near-death experiences. His catchy voice-overs make Archer’s videos even more interesting and engaging to watch.

Aya Ezmaria

https://www.tiktok.com/@ayaezmaria/video/6984619091956878593

There’s never a dull moment when you are watching Aya Ezmaria, whose videos are a mix of hardcore gaming skills, and real-time commentary and reactions that are both intense and funny. Apart from game streaming, she shares reviews of games like Resident Evil: Village, The Medium, and other RPG and horror games, plus content featuring her gaming setup, too.

RamenStyle PH

https://www.tiktok.com/@ramenstyle/video/6964176316459486465

As a full-time gaming streamer, RamenStyle PH streams live on his channel daily, then shares highlights and key moments from his game on his TikTok account. Playing mainly first-person shooter and survival games, with Escape from Tarkov as his current main game, he meticulously describes what happens in the game, and with his character, and also uses creative editing tools to improve his content.

KrisRey

https://www.tiktok.com/@krisreyx/video/6983664498745855259

KrisRey’s TikTok videos can be described as  genuine and fun. Those who follow her streams can watch her rank up on Valorant, and witness some of her impressive kills in the game. Apart from gaming content and tips, KrisRey also posts dance challenge videos and some funny content on TikTok.

Chuplak

https://www.tiktok.com/@chuplakz/video/6983162595595324673

Through his online content, Chuplak hopes to promote Bisdak Gaming all over the Philippines. Bisdak is a Cebuano term that means Bisaya-speaking. His TikTok videos feature Chuplak doing commentaries, in Bisaya of course, on Dota Esports games with teams and players from all over the world.

You, too, can become a gaming creator on TikTok! Download the app on your iOS and Android devices today to get started.

Returns from an indefinite hiatus social media, acclaimed artist Juan Karlos with arresting folk-rock tune that showcases a more laid-back, stripped-down approach in terms of songwriting and production.  Released digitally, “Boston” is out now on all streaming platforms worldwide via Island Records Philippines and MCA Music Inc.

“Boston” revisits an old memory with a former flame, and runs with the fictional idea of “what could have been” if decisions in life were done differently. The song also documents that lingering bittersweet feeling of longing that, because of circumstances beyond control, cannot persist.

https://juankarlos.lnk.to/MVBoston

Going beyond his comfort zone, Juan Karlos recorded “Boston” alone in his home studio without his band. He tapped Dix Lucero for additional sax and flute parts and Noel De Brackinghe as his Recording, Mixing and Mastering Engineer, who made the material more intricately layered but tastefully sparse.

With subtle instrumentation that allows the sentiment of the song to soar and tug hearts, Juan Karlos’ latest single embraces his introspective side with creative whims and folk-rock sensibilities, while retaining a sense of hushed fragility.

“I’ve always wanted a simple treatment with a touch of complexity,” the young singer-songwriter shares in a statement. “Boston works in that vein, and it captures my personal vision as a musician.”

The song comes with a music video that features Juan Karlos performing in a moving pickup, with EDSA as his backdrop. The visual narrative shows the alt-pop artist singing with his guitar, as he traverses the sprawling urban stretch aimlessly, as if navigating places without a particular destination.

Follow Juan Karlos: Facebook  |  Instagram

Follow MCA Music: Facebook  |  Instagram  |  Twitter  |  YouTube

About Juan Karlos

Juan Karlos is a Filipino band and six-time Platinum awardee signed under MCA Music composed of JK Labajo on vocals and guitar, Jeriko Aguilar on guitar, Louise Bayas on bass, and Gian Hipolito on drums. Formed in 2018, the eponymous band went under several personnel changes and ultimately released their smash hit, “Buwan” in the same year.

Frontman JK Labajo shared that his solo music career is currently inactive. Hailing from Cebu, he first gained recognition as a finalist on The Voice Kids Philippines and went on to pursue a career in music and acting. Following the release of his albums under MCA Music, JK (2015) and JKL (2017), he realized that he has to stop settling and commit to what he really wants: to write, produce, and perform his own songs the way he hears it in his head and heart and be part of a band. Juan Karlos aims to “dream big or go home” and to make a mark in OPM and globally. “I want to be able to make a change, a difference,” he said. I want to show people the importance and beauty of music. I’m in music for the art, to earn in order to fund my daily needs and dreams, and for recognition so I can have reach and to be heard.”

Reuniting again, Ben&Ben and Moira for a song that captures the intensity of deep longing and persistent desire. Their been working together last year for the heartwarming ballad “Paalam,” which has reached more than 40 million streams on all combined music platforms. “Pasalubong”  is the third single off Ben&Ben upcoming sophomore full-length album to be released next month. and a romantic confessional that drips with unapologetic sentimentality:  a song that is defenseless in its yearning and honesty, hoping that one’s profession of love will be received and reciprocated.

According to Ben&Ben, the song was inspired by the double meaning behind the title, which is a term that is commonly used to refer to a gift, and a word that could also mean to meet. “The track is a play on both these meanings,” the acclaimed nine-piece outfit explains.

Moira adds that the song’s impact radiates on a universal level, simply because it shows bravery and honesty despite the odds. “It isn’t so common anymore today to say what you mean,” the hitmaker says. “So I love that after a whole song of poetry, we end with the simplest but scariest lines to say…. Gusto Kita.”

Written and produced by the band and Moira, with arrangement from Ben&Ben’s very own percussionist Andrew De Pano, the folk-pop tune encapsulates the beauty in sparseness, and the magic in turning an outpour of emotion into a generation-defining anthem.

Andrew reveals that he was tasked to oversee the production side of the material, relying heavily on the weight of the word as basis for the arrangement and the overall vibe. “A big immediate difference from the usual Ben&Ben sound is the way the guitars sound, and the absence of most of our usual elements in the beginning. There was a major effort to really embody and project emotions of waiting and uncertainty and longing, and the ‘bass drum’ sound that is present throughout the song is meant to symbolize those times we get so caught up deep in thought that we end up hearing our own heartbeat.”

For their part, multi-awarded singer-songwriter duo Moira and Jason Marvin Hernandez helped finish the lyrics and added lines that give the material its enduring pop appeal. “For Pasalubong, we built it from the original song and added elements to it while in the car on our way to the Ben&Ben house,” Moira shares.

Together, both Ben&Ben and Moira interpreted the heart-wrenching nature of the material with precision and character. They made the song both timely and timeless, with every flow punctuated by unwavering vulnerability, and every word cutting deep and beautifully.

“With Moira and Paolo’s evocative vocal performance and the band’s emotional execution of Andrew’s arrangement, Pasalubong is a song that will certainly bring up all kinds of feelings, and hopefully will give people comfort in knowing that they aren’t alone in their frustration and longing,” the band shares in a statement.

In terms of delivery, Moira is very particular with the tone being conversational, as if telling a friend about her day or sharing the story to a lover. She also commends Andrew for being hands on in the studio, guiding her in every step of the way. “He has this crazy way of making something complicated, seem so simple. There’s this pitch where we used the 7th note for the last chorus which I thought was genius— that was all Andrew.”

Watch out for the music video premiere on Ben&Ben’s official YouTube channel this July 30, 2021 at 6:00pm, Friday. And the song “Pasalubong” is now available on all digital music platforms worldwide via Sony Music Philippines.

There is something really special about seeing a live performance by a musician, hearing a Q&A with a new author, or meeting an actor at the stage door after a performance. We want to provide people the means to deliver the same degree of connection to a global audience with TikTok LIVE. The number of individuals going LIVE and watching LIVE has doubled in the last year, indicating that livestreaming has become an important means for producers and viewers to engage honestly. We continue to invest in new tools to aid in safely discovering, making, and consuming LIVE videos because of the TikTok community’s excitement and participation.

[Embed Video https://www.tiktok.com/@tiktok/video/6985301663976279302?referer_url=http%3A%2F%2Ftiktok-news.bytedance.net%2F&referer_video_id=6985301663976279302&refer=embed]

TikTok LIVE brings together a global community to participate in a new concert experience with The Weeknd, as well as an around-the-world museum tour to learn about art and culture. In 2020,  #GenTikTokPH, a two-hour TikTok Live online celebrating of Generation TikTok – the varied community that makes TikTok a source of fun, happiness, and encouragement – brought together Filipino content producers and celebrities. We’re also equipping creators with one-of-a-kind and cutting-edge tools that encourage content development, audience engagement, and exploration.

LIVE Events

Recently launched in select markets, LIVE Events is a new tool that lets creators schedule, manage and promote LIVE videos. While viewers can easily discover, register, get notifications and receive a reminder when the LIVE is about to start, LIVE Events is a great way for creators and fans to easily connect ahead of an upcoming LIVE stream. From musicians and artists to non-profits and museums, the possibilities for LIVE Events are endless.

Picture-in-Picture

You won’t want to miss any of the excitement from a real-time LIVE stream – but what happens if you are in the middle of watching a Q&A or performance and the group chat is blowing up? Instead of missing a second of the stream, TikTok users can seamlessly continue watching LIVE videos across their device with Picture-in-Picture on iOS and Android.

Go LIVE Together

The world is full of dynamic duos: Charli and Dixie, Gayle and Oprah, Beyonce and Jay Z – the list goes on – and your next favorite duo might come from a LIVE video. Go LIVE Together gives people the ability to easily go LIVE through Go LIVE Together. This means more chances for LOL inducing interactions, twice as many behind the scenes reveals, and more ways to connect with top creators.

LIVE Q&A

With LIVE Q&A hosts are able to easily engage with and respond to viewer’s questions in realtime.  The LIVE Q&A suite of tools helps hosts more easily select, showcase, and answer questions from fans while LIVE. This leads to more entertaining experiences and deeper connections for everyone tuned in to the stream.

Top LIVEs

Discovery is at the heart of the TikTok experience. Rolling out soon, people will be able to more easily find and tune into LIVE videos conveniently from the For You and Following pages. Some of the top LIVE categories include Chat (Q&A), Gaming, Talents, Fashion, and Daily Life, and with updated access points to the LIVE page, Top and Recommended LIVE videos will soon be closer than ever.

Help for Hosts

To help hosts focus on entertaining and engaging the community, they can now, ahead of their livestream, assign a person they trust to help them manage their streams by tapping Settings on the right side of the livestream launch screen. During the LIVE, both the host and the person helping can mute and block users to help keep the stream welcoming and civil.

Keyword Filters

As LIVE provides creators the opportunity to share more of themselves with the TikTok community, our goal is to help people feel comfortable doing so, which means taking a hard stance against bullying or hateful comments. We’re mindful that some comments or words may seem innocuous to some but are hurtful to others. To protect against this, in the settings tab of the LIVE launch screen, hosts can turn off comments or add up to 200 terms into the keyword filter to limit those comments in the chat. Words can be added to the list throughout the livestream by hosts and the person helping them.

Consider Before You Comment

Once a livestream starts, we want creators to be able to focus on entertaining their viewers. Because negative or abusive comments undermine the passion and energy creators put into their livestreams, viewers will now be prompted to reconsider the impact of their words before posting a potentially unkind or harmful comment.

In the coming weeks, we’ll also introduce a way for hosts and the person helping manage their LIVE to temporarily mute viewers or remove unkind or harmful comments as we strive to maintain a supportive and authentic community environment. This is also why we have additional safeguards and policies for LIVE, including requiring accounts to be 16 years old to watch the livestream and 18 or older to host a livestream. We also prohibit gift-baiting (the solicitation of gifts or engagement) as well as fraudulent behavior or scams. Further, if we identify an account that impersonates or misleads our community about their identity, we will remove the account from our platform.

We’re dedicated to keeping TikTok’s friendly, helpful, and motivating community alive while also forging new connections with creators, artists, companies, and audiences with products like TikTok LIVE. We’re enthusiastic about the possibilities of growing TikTok beyond a platform to an environment at the center of entertainment, the creator economy, and technology, whether we’re on the FYF, reading through the Discover Page, or watching a TikTok LIVE.