A New TikTok Clone Is Skyrocketing in Popularity

Trends change rapidly in the ever-evolving world of social media, but occasionally something new takes off hugely. Over the past few months, a new short-form video app, widely dubbed the “TikTok clone,” has exploded onto the scene, captivating millions of users practically overnight. Whether you’ve stumbled across it on your feed or heard your friends raving about it, there’s a good chance you’ve encountered ZigZag—the app that’s quickly becoming the next big thing.

But how did this new platform manage to gain such momentum in such a short amount of time? And what does it mean for the future of content creation and digital culture?

Let’s dive into what makes ZigZag different, why creators are flocking to it, and whether it has what it takes to challenge TikTok.

The Rise of ZigZag: From Obscurity to Viral Sensation

Launched quietly just under a year ago, ZigZag didn’t make a huge splash at first. It was built by a small but ambitious startup based in Toronto, with a team that included former developers from YouTube, Instagram, and, yes, even TikTok itself. The goal? To create a platform that felt familiar but fixed some of the frustrations users had been quietly voicing about TikTok for years.

Initially marketed to Gen Z and younger millennials, ZigZag offered a clean interface, rapid editing tools, and a hyper-personalized algorithm. But what set it apart was its creator-first approach.

“We didn’t want to just build another TikTok copy,” said ZigZag’s CEO, Amina Riaz, in a recent interview. “We listened to creators, especially those who felt lost in TikTok’s algorithm. We built something that gave them more control and more opportunity to grow.

Features That Make It Stand Out

At first glance, ZigZag looks a lot like TikTok. Vertical videos, endless scrolling, trending sounds, filters, and dances—it’s all there. But look a little closer, and a few key differences start to emerge:

1. Transparent Algorithm Unlike TikTok, ZigZag gives users insights into why they’re seeing certain videos. Creators also get detailed analytics on how their content is performing, including what specific factors are boosting their visibility.

2. Revenue Sharing from Day One One of ZigZag’s boldest moves has been launching a built-in monetization system from the start. Creators can start earning once they hit 500 followers, and the payout structure is refreshingly clear. With ad revenue, brand collaboration tools, and even built-in tip jars, smaller creators feel like they’re finally getting a fair shot.

3. AI-Powered Editing Tools ZigZag offers intuitive video editing that can automatically sync clips to music, suggest trending styles, and even provide captioning in real-time. While app like TikTok also offers advanced editing, ZigZag’s tools are simpler and smarter, great for beginners or those who want to post on the go.

4. Community-Focused Curation ZigZag takes a hybrid approach to discovery. While the algorithm still plays a role, the app encourages human moderation and localized “community picks” that highlight niche creators and under-the-radar trends.

The Influencer Migration

It didn’t take long for influencers—especially those who had plateaued or felt buried on TikTok—to start testing the waters on ZigZag. And many haven’t looked back.

“I was stuck at 12K followers on TikTok for nearly a year,” says lifestyle creator Zoe Martinez. “I posted my first video on ZigZag in May, and it blew up. Now I’m at over 85K followers, and I’ve already landed two brand deals.”

ZigZag’s rise isn’t just limited to creators looking for a second chance. Several major names from TikTok and YouTube have started posting dual content or even launching ZigZag-first exclusives. That creator momentum has fueled interest from brands, too, especially those eager to reach younger audiences in a fresh space without the saturation of other platforms.

A New Social Media Culture?

Beyond the features and creator support, ZigZag is also tapping into a cultural shift in how people consume social media. There’s a growing desire for authenticity, transparency, and platforms that prioritize creativity over virality.

“You don’t feel like you have to perform or chase trends as hard,” says Elijah, a college student and part-time comedy creator. “It’s more laid back. People care about originality here.”

Interestingly, some say ZigZag reminds them of TikTok’s early days—when it was still raw, weird, and experimental. That “new app energy” is helping it build a unique identity that resonates with a crowd that’s gotten a bit fatigued by the polished, algorithm-chasing content on older platforms.

Challenges Ahead

Of course, it’s not all smooth sailing. As ZigZag grows, it will face the same challenges every social media platform eventually runs into—moderation, content burnout, spam, and copycats. And with TikTok now launching its countermeasures (like enhanced creator funds and more advanced AI tools), the competition is heating up fast.

There’s also the risk of burnout. Platforms that experience hyper-growth often struggle to maintain user engagement once the novelty wears off.

But ZigZag’s team says they’re focused on long-term sustainability.

“We’re not chasing virality for the sake of it,” CEO Riaz emphasized. “We’re building a platform for creativity, community, and fairness. That’s what keeps people coming back.”

Is It the Next TikTok?

So, is ZigZag the new TikTok? Maybe—but maybe it doesn’t have to be.

Instead of trying to dethrone the giant, ZigZag seems more interested in carving out its own space. With a loyal and growing user base, creator-focused features, and a strong sense of identity, it’s quickly proving that there’s room for more than one major player in the short-form video world.

For now, one thing’s certain: if you haven’t downloaded ZigZag yet, you might want to give it a try. Because if current trends are anything to go by, this isn’t just a TikTok clone—it’s something entirely its own.