TikTok’s popularity has exploded mentos soda geyser. The app was launched internationally in 2017, and by the end of 2023, the number of users exceeded his 834 million, making him the most downloaded app in the world.
This explosive growth is impressive, but it doesn’t tell the whole story. In 2023, TikTok will be the most popular social media app in terms of user engagement, with the average spend in the U.S. 53.8 minutes per day on the platform. (On YouTube, its closest competitor, users spend 43.7 minutes each day.)
TikTok is currently the most popular social media platform in the world and has significant social influence in the United States and other countries. TikTok trends It can propel a song to the top of the Billboard charts, send merchandise flying off the shelves, and create overnight celebrity.
What you need to know about TikTok, how it works, and How to use TikTok to promote your brand.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a leading video-centric social media platform. The mobile app is the most common way to access TikTok, but internet users can also access the web version. User-generated content The majority of content on the platform is in the form of short videos (3 minutes or less).
TikTok usage is particularly prevalent among younger users, 44.1% of TikTok users In the United States, under the age of 24, and 56% of all US adults You must be between the ages of 18 and 34 to use the Platform.
To watch a video, just open the app and the content will start playing instantly. Videos are served in an endless vertical feed, with swiping up to see the next video.
TikTok has two video feeds: Following and For You. You can switch between these streams at the top of the screen. The “Next Feed” shows content from accounts you follow, while the “For You” feed shows content tailored to your tastes as determined by his TikTok algorithm. No two For You feeds are the same.
By manipulating the content, you can teach the algorithm what you want to see. If you like a video, follow the creator, or watch the video to the end, TikTok will start showing you related content.for creatorthe higher the engagement rate, the more widely the video will be shared.
TikTok has a variety of formats and niche communities.used by like-minded people hashtag—Like #nursetok, #booktalk#pettok — Discuss your specific interests.
History and future of TikTok
The platform now known as TikTok was originally two separate apps: Musical.ly and Douyin. His ByteDance, a Chinese company, first launched his Douyin for the Chinese market in 2016. Douyin was marketed as a photo and video sharing platform. It quickly became popular in China, and the Chinese government banned other social networks such as Facebook and Instagram.
Meanwhile, a similar short-form video app developed in China, Musical.ly, focused primarily on lip-syncing and was also gaining popularity in the United States. To gain an international audience, ByteDance acquired his Musical.ly in 2017. After the acquisition, ByteDance launched TikTok as an international version of his Douyin, and the Musical.ly account was converted to his TikTok account. In the Chinese version, the name Douyin was kept.
Privacy and security concerns
In March 2024, the US House of Representatives passed a bill that would effectively ban TikTok in the US. Due to national security concerns. The Biden administration has expressed support for the bill. If passed, the bill would ban TikTok from the U.S. app marketplace unless ByteDance sells ownership to a U.S. buyer. This prevents new users from downloading the app and blocks updates for current users.
The future of a nationwide ban is uncertain, but several states have introduced restrictions on TikTok. In 2023, Montana enacts statewide ban (However, its legality is currently being challenged in court). over 30 states Banned TikTok from government-owned smart devices over data privacy concerns.Many other countriesCountries including Canada, France and Australia have enacted similar laws blocking apps from state-issued devices.
Main features of TikTok
TikTok’s set of features and user-friendly interface allow you to create TikTok videos without any additional tools.
Record and edit videos
The TikTok app allows you to record video clips and edit them directly within the app.This allows users to create a video without using special editing software.
stitch
Stitching is a way to incorporate existing content into your videos. A stitched video starts by playing another user’s video and “stitches” the new content at the end. You can use this feature to create video replies, answer questions, and provide comments.
duet
The duet feature is another way to add other videos to your content. In contrast to Stitch, Duet plays the original and new content side by side.
TikTok sounds
TikTok includes a library of background music and other sound effects that you can layer over your video clips.Popular songs and more trending sounds They often play an important role in viral trends.
filter
You can choose other visual effects like filters and stickers to enhance your video footage. This includes tools like beauty filters to enhance the look of your subject and augmented reality tools to add elements around your video.
live stream
and TikTok live, broadcast in real time from your smartphone and interact directly with your audience. Viewers can post questions and comments during the broadcast.
direct messaging
TikTok’s direct messaging feature allows users to communicate with each other privately. This feature is similar to that of other social platforms. Each user has a private inbox to send and receive text-based messages and share videos.
How businesses can leverage TikTok
TikTok’s large and engaged user base makes it a valuable app for brands. Here are some techniques you can use to reach potential customers on TikTok.
1. Creating original content
The best way to build an organic following on TikTok is to create and publish unique content.Frequently used brands TikTok marketing To publish educational content about our products. Some people participate in trending topics such as the hashtag Him Challenge or create humorous short videos for entertainment.
2. Partner with influencers
Partnership with TikTok influencers It helps you reach a larger audience.Find influencers through tools like Shopify collaboration Then contract them to review your products or feature your brand in a video.
Influencers can also use your content as the basis for stitch and duet videos to promote your TikTok channel. For best results, look for influencers who focus on subjects related to your product.
3. Post an ad
You don’t need a huge following to reach a large audience on TikTok. You can advertise on the platform to promote your campaigns, gain followers, and increase sales. TikTok ads This could be short-form video, still images, or user-generated content that you pay to promote to a wider audience. TikTok’s native advertising platform offers basic video features such as editing tools and video templates that make it easy to create ads.
4. Use TikTok Shop
TikTok shop With commerce features built into the platform, sellers, creators, affiliate Use your business account to sell directly to customers. Features like Live Shopping allow you to sell products in real time during your livestream. Shoppable videos also allow you to tag items in your content with clickable links and icons that viewers can use to learn more.
What is TikTok? FAQ
What are the advantages and disadvantages of TikTok?
Although TikTok provides inspiration and entertainment for individuals, there is a risk of being exposed to inappropriate content and wasting time. Brands can reach new audiences and increase sales, but creating video content requires a lot of effort and can delay results.
Why is TikTok so popular?
Journalists and social media experts attribute TikTok’s popularity to its powerful recommendation algorithm and the appeal of short-format videos, which provide a constantly updated stream of engaging content.
Who uses TikTok the most?
TikTok usage is especially prevalent among young users, with 44.1% of U.S. TikTok users under the age of 24 and 56% of all U.S. adults ages 18 to 34 using the platform.
