TikTok has become part of many peoples‘ regular social media rotation. As one of the top apps downloaded worldwide last year, TikTok serves up an endless stream of short, entertaining videos. But lengthy viewing sessions, especially at night, can negatively impact sleep and eye strain.
Fortunately, TikTok now offers an eye-pleasing dark mode on iOS that inverts color schemes to transform backgrounds dark and text light. Studies have found that embracing dark mode, whether for the cool aesthetic or genuine eye relief, can make extended smartphone use more comfortable.
Activated dark mode on TikTok specifically tweaks the UI color scheme while leaving videos untouched. For iOS users eager to enable nighttime TikTok dark mode, this guide covers multiple methods to switch modes instantly or on a schedule. I‘ll also analyze the benefits and customizations available for a superb dark mode experience as you scroll into the evening.
Let‘s get started!
Why Do More People Prefer Dark Mode at Night?
Dark mode has surged in popularity over the past few years, with 43% of smartphone users enabling the feature in 2020 compared to just 18% in 2016. What‘s behind the growing craze?
Potential to Reduce Eye Strain
Staring into a bright screen late at night isn‘t comfortable for most people. In fact, extensive smartphone use after dark can negatively impact sleep due to melatonin suppression from blue light exposure.
Dark mode helps by inverting color schemes to make backgrounds darker and text lighter. Photos and videos remain untouched, but the darker UI helps avoid strain. While not scientifically proven yet, early research suggests dark mode eases eye discomfort, especially for extended reading sessions.
Added Battery Savings
Dark mode also conserves smartphone battery life based on how OLED and AMOLED screens function. Pixels must light up to display colors and photos. But dark backgrounds allow pixels to remain inactive, using up to 63% less power by one estimate.
A Modern, Appealing Aesthetic
And we can‘t ignore aesthetics! Many users simply think apps look sleeker with white text on a dark background. Dark mode offers a change of pace from conventional light themes. The high-contrast visuals have a refined, modern appeal that feels appropriate for nighttime.
Overview: Exactly What Parts of TikTok Go Dark?
Activating dark mode through TikTok or an iOS device triggers the conversion of backgrounds from white to black across:
- Comment sections
- Profiles
- Messages and notifications
- Menus and settings
The videos themselves appear unaffected, though some have noted subtle improvements in quality. Overall, the darker backgrounds lower brightness for a more relaxing scroll experience.
Now let‘s get TikTok looking slick with dark mode enabled on your iPhone!
Method 1: Toggle Dark Mode On Within TikTok
The simplest way to enable dark mode for TikTok is head right into the app and change the settings. Just a few quick taps gets the job done:
- Launch TikTok and tap your profile picture
- Choose the menu icon in the upper right corner
- Scroll down and select "Settings and Privacy"
- Tap on "Display" under the Content & Display section
- Toggle the switch next to "Dark Mode"
I‘ve included screenshots below to illustrate:
With just those five steps, your TikTok app will instantly convert relevant backgrounds to dark mode‘s sleek, high-contrast aesthetic.
Pros: Quick and easy, contained fully within TikTok
Cons: Have to repeat process manually to ever switch back to light mode
Now let‘s look at connecting dark mode settings across your iPhone system and TikTok…
Method 2: Sync iPhone Dark Mode to Enable TikTok Dark Mode
Instead of limiting dark mode to TikTok only, you can set the app to automatically reflect your overall iOS dark mode settings using this method:
- Add dark mode toggle to iPhone Control Center
- Open TikTok and go back into Display settings
- Choose "Use Device Settings"
Following those three simple steps will connect TikTok to follow any system-wide dark mode adjustments made from Control Center or iOS settings.
We have the same helpful visual aid:
[insert screenshots for process]Pros: Easily system-wide toggle, don‘t have to change TikTok manually
Cons: Requires extra Control Center setup, not automated
For those interested in scheduled dark mode transitions, read on!
Method 3: Schedule Dark Mode Changes for TikTok
The iOS operating system also allows dark mode scheduling based on set times. Combined with the "Use Device Settings" option outlined above, this means hands-free dark mode transitions for TikTok.
To put TikTok dark mode on autopilot:
- Open iPhone Settings > Display & Brightness
- Toggle "Automatic" on underneath Dark Mode options
- Select "Custom Schedule" to set hours
I would recommend a schedule from 9 PM to 6 AM to protect your eyes as you scroll those late night For You feeds and wind down for bed. But set times that match your habits.
Pros: Automatic based on ideal sleep schedule, avoids manual changes
Cons: Requires more iOS configuration, still depends on TikTok sync settings
Based on the breakdown above, hopefully one method stands out as an optimal fit for your needs!
Dark Mode Research Spotlight: Is It Actually Healthier for Our Eyes at Night?
There hasn‘t been extensive scientific research conducted on dark mode health impacts yet. However, early studies analyzing blue light reduction benefits show promising results:
| Study | Method | Findings |
|---|---|---|
| Evaluating effects of smartphone use on eye health | Compared eye discomfort and blink rates using phones normally vs. blue light-filtered | Reduced eye fatigue/strain reported after using blue light filter |
| Impacts of screen use at night | Analyzed melatonin levels and sleep health metrics with evening phone use | Blue light exposure decreased sleep quality and duration |
| Dark mode efficacy for visual acuity | Measured fine detail visual discrimination for light mode vs. dark mode | No differences detected, conflicting self-reported preference |
The findings indicate potential for dark mode and blue light reduction to improve comfort. But more research is still needed into true long-term efficacy and objective visual health changes. Stay tuned for updates from the medical community!
Customizing Your TikTok Dark Mode Experience on iPhone
Find the stark black background too harsh on your eyes? Or maybe you want to add some warmth to the tone? Fortunately, iOS provides options to tailor dark mode to your preferences.
Adjust Color Tone
Under iOS Settings > Display & Brightness > Dark Mode Options, choose a black, gray, or even gentle brown scheme. The warmer backgrounds make for comfortable extended viewing while maintaining dark mode benefits.
Soften With Night Shift
You can also enable Night Shift to automatically add a subtle warm tint to your iPhone screen at scheduled times (like sunset to sunrise). The orange shift reduces blue tones to combat eye strain. I recommend playing with the settings here as well for an optimized nighttime TikTok experience.
So feel free to tweak away for your perfect vision-friendly setup!
When Will Android Users Get TikTok Dark Mode?
Sadly, TikTok has not given any indication yet regarding plans to launch dark mode for Android devices. I scoured their announcements and help articles only to find iOS instructions.
Some Android users have managed to enable a makeshift dark mode look using third-party apps. But be very careful before trying random TikTok mod APKs, as malicious software could compromise the security of your personal data and device.
Hopefully TikTok expands official dark mode support to all users soon. I‘ll be sure to update this post with any new information I uncover!
A Healthier and More Stylish TikTok Browsing Experience
Hopefully this guide has equipped you to swiftly activate TikTok‘s sleek dark mode for a more comfortable viewing experience in the evenings. Just follow the steps outlined above to enable instantly, sync settings with your iPhone, or put dark mode on autopilot through scheduling.
I also summarized relevant research around potential health impacts and blue light exposure risks at night. While more studies are needed, the current indications are positive. So take advantage of those dark backgrounds, warmer tones, and black AMOLED pixels to protect your eyes during lengthy scroll sessions.
Feel free to reach out if you have any other questions getting dark mode up and running on your iOS TikTok app! I‘m happy to help troubleshoot or further customize your configuration.
