TikTok is an immensely popular short-form video app that has seen incredible growth in recent years. According to Instagram Users by Country (2024 Updated!), TikTok’s monthly active users worldwide reached 1.051 billion in 2022, making it one of the most used social media platforms. The app allows users to create, edit and share short 15 to 60 seconds videos, often set to music and incorporating lip-synching, dance, comedy and talent.
TikTok exploded in popularity globally in 2018 and 2019. Downloads of the app increased by 58% in the first quarter of 2020 according to the EAZA Social Media Tool Kit. A quarter of TikTok’s users are under 20 years old, showing its appeal among younger demographics. The addictive short-video format, viral challenges and celebrities on the platform are some reasons behind TikTok’s phenomenal growth.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a free social app that allows users to watch, create, and share short videos typically ranging from 15 seconds to 1 minute long. It was launched by ByteDance in September 2016 for markets outside of China and is currently one of the most popular social platforms in the world (source).
The TikTok app’s signature feature is that it allows users to film and upload short videos set to music clips from its large built-in library. Videos can be recorded directly in the app or imported from the camera roll. A key aspect of TikTok is its “For You” feed, an endless stream of videos recommended by algorithm based on user interactions (source).
In essence, TikTok revolves around creating and sharing entertaining short-form videos. Its fun, quirky nature along with its highly addictive algorithm has helped it gain immense popularity, especially among teenagers and young adults.
TikTok Features
TikTok has many unique features that set it apart from other social media platforms. Two of the most popular features are TikTok’s tools for easy video creation and its variety of fun filters.
TikTok makes it simple for anyone to create engaging short videos right from their phone (Source: https://buffer.com/library/tiktok-features/). Users can easily shoot videos, edit clips together, add music and sound effects, and apply filters all within the app. TikTok’s video editing tools are intuitive and user-friendly, allowing beginners to make high-quality videos that look professionally produced.
TikTok is also known for its extensive library of augmented reality filters and effects. Filters can be used to transform your look, add stylized backgrounds, incorporate 3D effects, and more. According to one source, there are hundreds of different filters to explore, with new ones added regularly (Source: https://buffer.com/library/tiktok-features/). Filters help creators make their videos visually appealing and on-trend. The variety gives users diverse options to find the perfect look for their content.
In summary, TikTok has revolutionized short-form video creation with its easy-to-use tools and fun creative filters. These features empower anyone to make engaging videos that capture audience attention.
Downloading TikTok
TikTok can be easily downloaded for free on both iOS and Android devices. Here are the steps for downloading the TikTok app on each platform:
Downloading on iOS
To download TikTok on an iPhone or iPad, simply open the App Store and search for “TikTok” (1). Tap on the TikTok app result and then tap “Get” to begin downloading it. The app is free and no payment information is required. Once the download is complete, you can open TikTok from your home screen and start creating an account.
Downloading on Android
For Android devices, open the Google Play Store app and search for “TikTok” (2). Tap on the TikTok app result and then tap “Install.” The app will begin downloading to your device for free. After the TikTok app finishes installing, you can open it from your app tray or home screen. You’ll then be prompted to sign up for a new account.
Downloading the TikTok app is quick and easy on both major mobile platforms. Once installed, you’ll have access to all of TikTok’s features for creating and sharing short video clips.
Creating a TikTok Account
To start using TikTok, you’ll first need to create an account. This involves setting up a user profile and username that will be associated with your account.
To create your account, launch the TikTok app and tap the “Sign Up” button. You’ll be prompted to enter your email address, phone number, username, password, and date of birth. Make sure to choose a unique username that represents your brand or interests. Your username will be part of your public profile that other users see.
Next, TikTok will ask you to select your interests so it can suggest relevant content. You can choose interests like comedy, animals, food, beauty, and more. TikTok also gives you the option to find friends from your contacts, Facebook friends, or username.
After setting up your profile, TikTok allows you to customize your profile further by adding a profile photo, bio, and website link for your other social accounts. Personalizing your profile allows you to showcase your brand and personality.
Once your account is created, you can start engaging with content, following other users, liking videos, and posting your own videos. With a TikTok account, you can participate in all of the app’s features.
Source: https://rehack.com/featured/tiktok-account-signup-how-to-create-a-profile-and-use-the-app/
Using TikTok
One of the core features of TikTok is creating and posting videos. Here is an overview of how to record and post videos on TikTok:
To record a video, open the TikTok app and tap the plus (+) icon at the bottom of the screen. You can then select to record a video up to 60 seconds in length. TikTok provides a variety of options for recording, including using the front or rear camera, adding filters and effects, using a timer or countdown, and more.
Once you’ve recorded your video, you can edit it within the TikTok app. Editing options include trimming the length, adding stickers, text, filters, effects, and background music. You can preview your edited video before posting it.
When ready to post, write a caption and add relevant hashtags to help your video get discovered. You can also choose who can view your video – either all TikTok users or only your approved followers. Once posted, your videos appear on your TikTok profile and can be shared to the main TikTok feed for others to find and engage with.1
Posting regularly to TikTok is important for building an audience. Analyze which types of videos generate the most views and likes. Pay attention to trending audios, effects, and hashtags as well to make content that resonates with what is popular on TikTok.
TikTok Challenges
TikTok challenges are hugely popular on the platform, often sparking viral trends and bringing users together in a shared experience. Some of the most popular TikTok challenges include:
The Drop The Ball In Cup Challenge – Users try to bounce ping pong balls into cups from increasing heights and distances. According to this video, it remains one of TikTok’s top challenges in 2022.
The Silhouette Challenge – Users pose nude behind a red filter, then transition the filter away to reveal themselves in lingerie. This sensual challenge took TikTok by storm in early 2021.
The Flip the Switch Challenge – Partners swap clothes when Drake’s song “Nonstop” cues the lyric “I just flipped a switch.” A fun opportunity for creative costumes and gender-bending looks.
The Savage Challenge – Users create choreographed dances to Megan Thee Stallion’s hit “Savage.” Became a huge craze across celebrity and influencer TikTok profiles.
The Blinding Lights Challenge – Individuals showcase creative dances and transitions to The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.” Spurred thousands of imaginative interpretations.
Challenges like these spread widely due to TikTok’s duet and stitch features that allow users to piggyback off each other’s videos. TikTok challenges capture the imagination and bring joy to millions, cementing their place as a pillar of the platform.
TikTok Trends
TikTok is known for its viral trends that take over the platform. Some of the most popular TikTok trends include dances, challenges, effects, songs, and memes that users recreate or participate in.
One of the biggest drivers of trends on TikTok are viral songs and audios. Songs like “Say So” by Doja Cat and “Savage Love” by Jason Derulo sparked widespread dance challenges. More recently, songs like “About Damn Time” by Lizzo and Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” gained popularity through TikTok dances and lip-syncs.
TikTok effects like the Wipe It Down challenge, where users wipe a mirror and transition into a new outfit, also went viral. Other augmented reality effects like Cartoonify, Time Warp Scan, and Green Screen were widely used in videos.
Memes and comedy skits often spread quickly on TikTok as well. Trends like the Mugshot Challenge, Flip the Switch, and acting out the Silhouette Challenge took off as users put their own spin on them.
Some key elements of TikTok trends are their simplicity, replicability, and adaptability. Songs with catchy beats or dance challenges like the Renegade that are easy to recreate make for great TikTok content. The app’s powerful editing tools allow users to put their own stamp on existing trends too.
By tapping into current popular TikTok trends and creating content in that space, creators can boost their visibility and connect with a larger audience. The fast pace of trend turnover on the platform means there’s always a new viral meme or challenge emerging to try out.
References:
https://medium.com/@importimagemedia/tiktok-trends-that-can-boost-your-earnings-c9f137a96db1
https://www.galaxymarketing.global/instagram/tiktok-trends-in-2023/
TikTok Celebrities
Some of the most followed creators on TikTok include Charli D’Amelio, Addison Rae, Bella Poarch, and Khaby Lame. Charli D’Amelio is currently the most followed person on TikTok with over 150 million followers (Source). She initially went viral for her dancing videos. Addison Rae is another top TikTok star known for her dances, and she has over 100 million followers. Bella Poarch garnered fame for her lip-sync videos and currently has over 90 million followers. Khaby Lame creates funny reaction videos without speaking and has risen rapidly with over 160 million followers (Source). Other top stars include Will Smith, Zach King, and the D’Amelio family.
Conclusion
In summary, TikTok is a popular short-form video app that allows users to create, share, and discover entertaining videos. With its intuitive interface and addictive algorithm, TikTok has become one of the fastest growing social media platforms in recent years.
Downloading and using TikTok opens up a massive world of creative short videos. You can get lost for hours browsing through the different content categories like comedy, animals, food, music and more. The app makes it easy for anyone to create their own videos, try out viral challenges, and connect with other users.
While TikTok can be highly engaging, it’s important to be mindful of how much time you spend on the app. Set limits for yourself and take breaks to make sure TikTok doesn’t become too addictive. Overall, approach TikTok as a fun way to be creative and get entertained, while maintaining a healthy balance with the rest of your activities.
