What is Tiktok: Definition, How It Works, and Why It’s Popular

TikTok, launched in September 2016, is a widely-used social media app where users can create, watch, and share short videos via mobile devices or webcams. Known for its addictive and engaging short videos set to music and sound effects, TikTok has faced controversy due to its Chinese ownership. Concerns have arisen over potential propaganda and data collection by the Chinese government. In April 2024, U.S. lawmakers, with President Biden’s approval, passed a law requiring ByteDance to sell TikTok within a year to avoid a U.S. ban.

Understanding TikTok

TikTok’s short-form video format is ideal for entertainment and comedy but is increasingly used for infotainment. Influencers share advice, tips, and self-promotion on topics like beauty, fashion, personal finance, and cooking. The platform is also used for product promotion and sales.

Since its relaunch in 2018, TikTok has rapidly become a social media giant, amassing around 4.7 billion downloads by February 2024. However, concerns persist about the misuse of user data, especially given its majority Chinese ownership.

TikTok’s History

In September 2016, ByteDance, a Chinese internet technology company headquartered in Haidian, Beijing, launched a platform called A.me, which was rebranded to Douyin in December. Developed in just 200 days, the platform reached 100 million users and over a billion annual video views within a year. Seeking global expansion, ByteDance launched TikTok, the international version of Douyin, in 2017. In November 2017, ByteDance acquired Musical.ly for up to $1 billion. The 2018 merger of Musical.ly and TikTok consolidated their data and user accounts into a single app.

TikTok’s Business

Marketing on TikTok is evolving, with agencies helping brands create engaging content. Traditional ads don’t work well; instead, brands create user-like mini-videos, aiming to go viral. Successful campaigns include:

• Chipotle’s “Boorito” Campaign: A Halloween costume contest that garnered 4 billion views.
• e.l.f. Cosmetics’ #eyeslipsface: An online reality show and contest with 10.4 billion clicks.
• NBA: Gained 21.7 million followers to boost global awareness.

TikTok also profits from in-app purchases, contributing significantly to its revenue. The company has headquarters in Los Angeles and Singapore, with offices worldwide.

How Does it Work?

Similar to other social networks, TikTok allows users to follow, like, and comment on videos. Users can also send emojis to their favorite creators. To create videos, users can either select a song first and mime along or record a video and then add music or voiceovers. The app offers various effects like slow motion, time-lapse, and filters. Once satisfied, users can post their videos and share them on other platforms like Messenger, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The duet feature lets users collaborate with others. The search tool and trending hashtags on the ‘For You’ page help discover and join popular content and challenges.

TikTok’s User Base

TikTok boasts a diverse user base, with millions of active users worldwide, predominantly teenagers and young adults who engage with the platform daily.

TikTok and Political Controversy

TikTok has faced political scrutiny, particularly in the U.S., due to concerns over its Chinese ownership and potential risks related to data privacy and national security.

Data Privacy Concerns Around TikTok

Data privacy concerns around TikTok involve fears that user data could be accessed by the Chinese government, leading to potential misuse of personal information and surveillance.

What Company Owns TikTok?

ByteDance, a Chinese tech company, owns TikTok.

Is TikTok Banned?

TikTok has faced bans in several countries and legal challenges, particularly in the U.S., where lawmakers have threatened to ban the app unless ByteDance sells its U.S. operations.

Why Is TikTok So Popular?

TikTok’s popularity stems from its user-friendly interface, engaging content, viral challenges, and the ability for users to gain widespread recognition quickly.

Key Features of TikTok

Key features include a personalized feed, video creation tools, music and sound integration, special effects, and community engagement through likes, comments, and shares.

How Brands Can Leverage TikTok

Brands can leverage TikTok by creating engaging, authentic content, collaborating with influencers, participating in trends, and using TikTok’s advertising tools to reach a broader audience.

What’s In the Future for TikTok?

The future of TikTok involves potential expansion into e-commerce, further enhancements in AI-driven content recommendations, and navigating regulatory challenges to maintain its global presence.

Conclusion

In conclusion, TikTok’s rapid ascent to global prominence highlights its unique appeal in the social media landscape. Its diverse user base, engaging content, and innovative features have made it a favorite platform for creative expression and entertainment. Despite facing political and data privacy controversies, TikTok continues to thrive, offering brands significant opportunities to connect with audiences through authentic and viral content. Looking ahead, TikTok aims to expand its features and navigate regulatory challenges, ensuring its place as a dominant force in social media.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main purpose of TikTok?

TikTok’s main purpose is to enable users to create, share, and watch short-form videos, often set to music, making it a platform for entertainment, creativity, and social interaction.

What is the point for TikTok?

The point of TikTok is to provide a platform for users to express themselves creatively, share moments, entertain others, and engage with a global community through short videos.

Do people make money on TikTok?

Yes, people can make money on TikTok through brand partnerships, sponsored content, the Creator Fund, live stream gifts, and by promoting their own products or services.

What is TikTok on social media?

On social media, TikTok is a video-sharing app where users post short videos ranging from 15 seconds to 3 minutes. It is known for its viral trends, challenges, and diverse content spanning various genres.