After TikTok controversy, fans of lip sync videos switch to newer apps

“Unlike TikTok and Dubsmash, these apps allow users to download music videos. ShareChat and Helo go a step beyond and allow people to share videos with their family and friends either through the app or WhatsApp,” says Amit Kumar, an app reviewer.

The apps are available in up to 14 different languages — both to upload and view content — such as English, Hindi, Tamil, Marathi, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Kannada and Malayalam. He adds, “This has generated a phenomenal increase in relatability of content for the Indian audience.” VMate has added three other languages such as Bhojpuri, Punjabi and Haryani.

Moreover, a variety of AI-enabled filters are an attractive feature for many users. Sapna B, an avid user of one of the apps has around 8,000 followers. “I think some of these new apps are even better than TiKTok or Dubsmash because they have fashionable 4D graphics that can be customised for each and every video,” she says.

Youngsters are even finding apps like ShareChat, Helo and Vigo as tools to socialise. These worldwide social platforms enable a user to follow and interact with other video makers and send private messages. “Lip sync music video apps are becoming a large platform on which people can interact. In my case, I love to watch others’ videos because I get access to a lot of new music from across the world. In case I like a particular song, I follow and message the person asking them for the name of the track and artiste,” says Pooja Siva, a Vigo user.