TikTok is a social media app where users can share short videos of themselves lip-syncing or dancing to popular songs. The app is extremely popular with Gen Z users and has been downloaded over 1.5 billion times worldwide. TikTok has also been the subject of intense scrutiny from US lawmakers who are concerned about the app’s national security implications.
History of TikTok
TikTok is a short-form, video-sharing app that allows users to create and share 15-second videos, on any topic. The app was originally launched in September 2016 as Musical.ly, a social media platform for making and sharing short music videos. By the end of 2017, Musical.ly had been downloaded more than 100 million times globally.
In November 2017, Musical.ly was acquired by Chinese tech company ByteDance for a reported US$1 billion. ByteDance then merged Musical.ly with their existing short-form video app TikTok, which was originally released in China in September 2016. TikTok is now one of the most popular social media platforms in the world, with over 500 million active users worldwide as of October 2018.
The app is particularly popular with Gen Z users in the US, where it is the most downloaded iOS app of 2019. TikTok has also proven popular with celebrities and influencers, who use the app to share short videos with their fans. While TikTok is mostly used for entertainment and fun, it has also been used for more serious purposes, such as raising awareness about social and political issues. For example, TikTok users in India have used the app to share videos about the country’s water crisis, and TikTok users in the US have used the app to document police brutality and the Black Lives Matter movement.
So, what exactly is TikTok? Keep reading to find out everything you need to know about the history of this popular social media app.
TikTok was originally launched in September 2016 as Musical.ly, a social media platform for making and sharing short music videos. Musical.ly was founded by two former employees of the now-defunct social media platform Vine, Luyu Yang, and Alex Zhu. The app was originally designed as a way for users to lip-sync to popular songs.
However, Musical.ly quickly evolved into much more than just a lip-syncing app. Users began creating their own short music videos, often featuring creative costumes, dance routines, and creative editing.
How TikTok Works?
TikTok is a short-form, video-sharing app that allows users to create and share 15-second videos, on any topic. TikTok is an international version of Douyin, which was originally released in the Chinese market in September 2016. Since its launch in 2016, TikTok/Douyin rapidly gained popularity in East Asia, South Asia, Southeast Asia, the United States, Turkey, Russia, and other parts of the world.
The app is designed for making and sharing short videos with others on the app. TikTok videos are usually song clips or funny skits. The app also has a “lip sync” feature, which allows users to record themselves singing or saying popular phrases.
TikTok is a free app, and anyone can download it and start using it. You don’t need to sign up for an account to use TikTok, but if you want to upload videos, you will need to create an account. You can sign up for TikTok using your phone number, and email address, or by connecting your Facebook or Google account.
Once you have an account, you can start following other users and liking and commenting on their videos. If you want to make your own videos, you can do so by selecting a video from your phone’s library or by shooting a new video. Once you have a video, you can add filters, effects, and music to it. You can also choose to share your video with your friends or with the TikTok community.
Why TikTok is Popular?
There is no doubt that TikTok is one of the most popular apps in the world right now. In just a few short years, TikTok has become a global phenomenon with users from all over the world using the app to create and share short videos. So, why is TikTok so popular?
There are a number of reasons why TikTok is so popular, but one of the main reasons is that it is incredibly easy to use. Unlike other video sharing platforms, TikTok does not require users to have any prior video editing experience or knowledge. All you need to do is record a short video and TikTok will do the rest, automatically editing your video and adding special effects.
Another reason why TikTok is so popular is that it is extremely addictive. Once you start watching TikTok videos, it is very hard to stop. The videos are short and entertaining, and there is always something new to watch. TikTok is also very well designed, with a clean and user-friendly interface that makes it easy to navigate.
Finally, TikTok is popular because it allows users to be creative and express themselves. TikTok videos are often funny, creative, and original, and users can really let their personalities shine through. TikTok is also a great platform for aspiring musicians and dancers, as it provides a way to showcase your talents to a global audience.
So, there you have it! These are just some of the reasons why TikTok is so popular. If you haven’t already, be sure to download the app and start creating your own videos today!
TikTok Controversies
Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. With over 800 million active users, it’s not surprising that the app has been involved in a few controversies. Here are five of the most notable ones:
- The app has been accused of censoring content that is critical of China.
- TikTok has been banned in India over concerns about the app’s data security and privacy practices.
- There have been reports of the app being used to spread misinformation and fake news.
- Some users have complained about the app’s algorithm, which they say promotes videos that are shallow and clickbait-y.
- There have been concerns about the mental health impact of TikTok, with some users saying that the app encourages comparison and competition.
TikTok’s Future
There’s no denying that TikTok is one of the hottest social media platforms right now. With over a billion active users, it’s safe to say that the app is here to stay. And while some people may be hesitant to jump on the TikTok bandwagon, there’s no denying that the app is changing the social media landscape. Here are six ways that TikTok is changing the social media game:
- TikTok is making social media more personal.
In a world where social media is often seen as a superficial way to connect with others, TikTok is changing the game by making the platform more personal. With its focus on short, personal videos, TikTok is giving users a way to connect with each other on a more personal level.
- TikTok is making social media more creative.
TikTok is all about creativity. From the creative videos that users post to the various editing features that are available, TikTok is giving users a platform to express their creativity. And with the rise of creative content, TikTok is changing the social media landscape.
- TikTok is making social media more interactive.
TikTok is all about interaction. With its focus on comments, likes, and shares, TikTok is giving users a way to interact with each other on a more personal level. And with the rise of interactive content, TikTok is changing the social media landscape.
- TikTok is making social media more fun.
TikTok is all about fun. With its focus on entertaining videos, TikTok is giving users a way to connect with each other on a more personal level. And with the rise of entertaining content, TikTok is changing the social media landscape.
- TikTok is making social media more engaging.
TikTok is all about engagement. With its focus on comments, likes, and shares, TikTok is giving users a way to interact with each other on a more personal level. And with the rise of engaging content, TikTok is changing the social media landscape.
