Technology keeps improving as new apps are developed, redefining our social media use. Tiktok is one of those apps that has so much impact in the social media space.
Over the years, the Chinese-developed app ‘TikTok’ has existed but became popular in 2022.
The question some people are seeking answers to is ‘why’? Why is TikTok so popular?
Many social media applications have existed and were leading in rank, but for some reason, TikTok beat them this year and gained the lead.
What is Tiktok
Tiktok is a social media app with a mix of music, comedy, micro-blog content, and lip-sync video features. Tiktok gives people, especially young people, the opportunity to express themselves and market their brands in whatever way they choose to.
Teenagers and youths like the app because it’s fun and allows them to create and share exciting moments with their friends. They also enjoy competing in different challenges via the trending hashtags on the app.
Like other social media platforms, most of the users of TikTok are more interested in getting likes, follows, comments, and having their videos featured.
Now, people want to create and share their content.
When Was Tiktok Launched?
TikTok is an international version of Douyin, which was released in the Chinese market in September 2016. It was launched in 2017 for android and iOS in most markets outside China but became available worldwide after merging with another Chinese social media app called Musical.ly on the 2nd of August, 2018. TikTok is named the third-fastest growing brand of 2020, after Zoom and Peacock.
TikTok has been downloaded more than 130 million times in the United States and has reached over 2 billion downloads worldwide.
Who Came Up With the Idea of Tiktok?
TikTok, formerly known as Douyin, was developed by Zhang Yiming, a Chinese internet entrepreneur born on the 1st of April 1983. Zhang thought Chinese smartphone users struggled to find information in mobile apps available in 2012. His vision was to push relevant content to users, using recommendations generated by artificial intelligence. It took a while, as this vision was not readily accepted by most venture capitalists.
In September 2015, ByteDance launched its video-sharing app (TikTok) with little “fanfare”. The product was an instant hit and became famous worldwide.
What People Do On Tiktok
TikTok currently has a user base of over 250 million users, available in 154 countries worldwide.
As at 2022, the usage of TikTok has grown, and the app is a dominant force in the social media space. Many videos are more interesting when they are music-focused, with Content creators leveraging the app’s diverse features of sound effects, music snippets, and filters to record short clips of them dancing and lip-syncing.
The primary function of TikTok is for users to film videos of themselves lip-syncing, dancing, acting, etc. it also has video-editing and customization tools.
There is access to a library of songs, effects, filters, and sounds to add to their videos. There is also room to duet with someone by replying to a video, creating a split-screen and endless reaction.
How to Use Tiktok
Navigating the app could be a bit difficult without apt knowledge of how it works. If you eventually sign up on Tiktok, you can follow my account.
Here’s a step to step guide on how to navigate the TikTok app;
- First, you have to download the app and sign up.
- Set up your profile: This is quite easy to do. You’d need an email and a password, then create your username.
- View your video feed.
- Like, comment, share, or ignore videos you come across.
- Search for specific videos if you need any.
- Organize your saved videos with collections.
- Follow users whom you are interested in.
- Share your TikTok using Tikcode.
- Set up your shoot, and pick out special effects.
- Record the video
- Make final edits and add a caption to the video.
- Duet with other users.
- Participate in challenges
- Do these again.
To download the app, you could visit Appstore or Google Playstore, search for, then download TikTok.
Sign in with your choice account (Facebook, Gmail, etc)
How Tiktok Is A Special Platform
Like any other social media platform, there are advantages and risks to using the TikTok Application. TikTok could be used to promote personal and business brands. It could also be used for entertainment, monetization, marketing and advert, campaigning, etc.
Many people use TikTok to create and share short-form videos with friends and family. It is a great way to stay connected with people, discover new trends, and express yourself creatively. People also use TikTok to watch funny videos, learn new skills, and find inspiration.
According to SearchEngine Journal, 56% of TikTok users say they can post videos they wouldn’t post elsewhere.
TikTok stands out from other social media platforms due to its unique content and format. It allows users to create short, creative videos that can be shared with friends and followers.
It also has a wide range of features, such as filters, special effects, and music, that can make videos more engaging. Additionally, its algorithm is designed to surface content tailored to each user’s interests, making it easier to find relevant and entertaining content.
But… You Have to be Careful
Honestly, you’d find Gen-Z as the primary users of the TikTok app, between the ages 14 to 27 years old. Because of this, many parents need to understand the dangers of posting inappropriate content on the platform and sensitize them on being and staying safe and aware online.
We’ve heard cases of murder done to a person because of the content they put on the platform.
However, app developers have the best interest of every user at heart. They intend for every user, especially teenagers, to stay safe. In February 2020, TikTok announced a new set of parental controls called “Family safety mode”.
This feature is designed to let parents set limits on their children’s app use.
Tiktok for Marketing – How it Can Drive Sales!
You might not be able to push for sales using the app, but it is great, to show the personality of your business. To begin, introduce yourself and your business. Do this in a way that people will relate to and connect with you.
Here are some interesting stats about Tiktok:
- 59% of Tiktok users feel a sense of community while on TikTok.
- 77% of Tiktok users say TikTok is a place where they can express themselves openly.
- 84% of TikTok users say they come to see relatable content.
- 70% of users say TikTok is a platform they would happily recommend.
- 77% of Tiktok users say they read the comments on the posts and videos on TikTok.
Summary— TikTok users feel comfortable on the platform and are excited to engage with one another.
You are trying to build brand trust, not sell. Share fun facts about your business and your team. This helps people get familiar with you and your brand.
Use hashtag challenges, and if there are influencers you can partner with, please, reach out to them.
There are lots of benefits to using the TikTok app. Little wonder the app is very popular. The pressure worldwide is a lot already; anyone would jump at the slightest opportunity to ease stress.
Leave a Reply