TikTok is the fastest growing social media platform today [1] and shows no signs of slowing down. Every year, dozens of platforms come and go, but few reach the astronomical growth that TikTok has achieved in such a short time. As of 2022, TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users worldwide[1], up from just 55 million in January 2018. In the US alone, TikTok gained around 50 million monthly active users in a single year, reaching over 150 million in early 2023[1]. With its signature short-form videos and powerful algorithms that quickly determine a user’s interests and preferences, it’s no surprise TikTok has taken the social media world by storm. For brands, creators, and everyday users looking to reach wider audiences, TikTok presents a tremendous opportunity that can’t be ignored. Having your own TikTok account opens up possibilities for connection, entertainment, discovery, and even income that are nearly unprecedented for a platform this new. There’s never been a better time to join in on the excitement and get your own piece of the explosive TikTok phenomenon.
Reach a Massive Audience
TikTok has an audience of over 1 billion monthly active users globally, making it one of the largest social media platforms in the world. As of January 2023, TikTok has about 1.7 billion registered users, representing a 390% increase since 2018 (source). TikTok’s massive audience presents a huge opportunity to reach and engage potential customers.
With over 5.3 billion internet users worldwide, about 23% now use TikTok. TikTok’s audience skews young, with about 43% of users between 18 and 24 years old. However, older demographics are joining the platform too. About 11% of TikTok users are between 25 and 34 years old (source). TikTok’s audience is global as well, with large user bases across Asia, Europe, Latin America, and North America.
In summary, TikTok offers access to a young, large, and worldwide audience. It’s an unparalleled opportunity for brands to engage with new potential customers.
Viral Content Potential
One of the biggest benefits of having a TikTok account is the app’s incredible potential for creating viral content. TikTok’s powerful algorithm is designed to quickly identify and promote videos that gain engagement and views rapidly. As The Social Shepherd notes, the average view count for a viral TikTok video is over 500,000 views. Videos with the right combination of entertainment value, creativity, and relevance to trending topics or sounds can spread like wildfire on the platform.
TikTok makes it possible for anyone to have their 15 minutes of fame, with everyday users alongside big brands going viral constantly. Even if you don’t intend for a certain video to blow up, you always have the chance of TikTok’s algorithm picking up your content and showing it to millions of people. The app provides an unparalleled opportunity to reach a massive audience overnight and get your brand or message out there.
Authentic Community
One of the key draws of TikTok is the authentic sense of community that has developed on the platform. According to TikTok’s community guidelines, “To build a trusted community online, it is important that the behaviors and identities of accounts are authentic and truthful.”
Users are encouraged to express their true selves and embrace individuality. This has fostered an environment where people can connect over shared interests, values, and experiences in an authentic way. As TikTok notes in their integrity and authenticity policy, “We recognize that authenticity means something different to every community, but we are committed to supporting our community’s multifaceted identities.”
Rather than putting up a facade of perfection, TikTok users tend to keep it real. Showing your silly, weird, or imperfect side is embraced. This level of vulnerability enables genuine connections to form.
Low Barrier to Entry
Unlike YouTube or Instagram, creating high-quality content on TikTok does not require expensive equipment, advanced editing skills, or a large production team. The TikTok app makes it easy for anyone to record or upload short videos and add music, effects, filters and text overlays to enhance their content. Users can shoot and edit videos right within the app using just their smartphone camera. The straightforward tools allow beginners to make compelling videos as easily as experienced creators.
With its focus on authenticity and originality over high production quality, TikTok levels the playing field. The app empowers everyday people to become creators, gain an audience and get discovered – no influencer status required. As stated by TikTok’s support site, “all you need to make your first TikTok is your mobile device” https://support.tiktok.com/en/getting-started/creating-your-first-video. The platform’s simplicity allows anyone to join in on the fun and potentially go viral.
Discoverability
On TikTok, the discoverability potential for creators is high compared to other platforms. According to a 2021 Nielsen study, users find TikTok content to be more unique than on other platforms. This means there is opportunity for new and diverse creators to get discovered on TikTok, instead of competing with more established creators like on other platforms.
TikTok’s algorithm is able to quickly determine relevant interests for each user, allowing them to discover engaging content from accounts they may not already follow. Even accounts with very few followers can go viral, giving small creators a chance at building an audience.
Additionally, features like Duets and Stiches make it easy for users to interact with and share content from smaller accounts. This viral potential gives creators high discoverability compared to platforms like Instagram or YouTube where larger accounts dominate.
Monetization Opportunities
One of the most exciting reasons to have a TikTok account is the potential to earn money as a content creator. TikTok offers a variety of monetization features to help creators get paid for their videos. According to TikTok, creators can start earning as soon as they meet the basic eligibility requirements, including being 18 years or older, having at least 10,000 followers, and having posted at least 3 public videos in the last 30 days (TikTok Help Center).
Some of the main ways creators can monetize on TikTok include TikTok LIVE subscriptions, gifts and tips, the Creator Fund, brand sponsorships and promotions, affiliate marketing, selling merchandise, and more. With its massive audience reach and engaging content, TikTok offers significant money-making potential for entertaining and influential creators. Overall, the platform’s diverse monetization features make it appealing for those looking to profit from quality video content.
Branding Potential
TikTok offers an incredible opportunity for brands to build awareness and connections with new audiences. The platform’s massive reach, especially among Gen Z and young millennials, makes it a prime place for brands to establish their presence. According to research, TikTok was the most downloaded app globally in 2022, with over 1 billion monthly active users (SOURCE: https://blog.hootsuite.com/tiktok-stats/).
By having an active TikTok account, brands can organically reach potential customers who may not be accessible through other platforms. The short-form, entertaining video style on TikTok allows brands to showcase their fun side and make meaningful connections through creativity. As audiences see brands actively engaging on TikTok with relevant content, it strengthens brand affinity and recall.
Several big brands have successfully built their presence and grown their communities on TikTok. For example, Chipotle’s TikTok account has over 1 million followers and consistently posts creative and viral content that engages users (SOURCE: https://www.tiktok.com/@chipotle). The account gives Chipotle’s brand personality while promoting their products in an authentic way.
In summary, TikTok provides a powerful way for brands of all sizes to organically build awareness, relationships and loyalty with the next generation of consumers.
Entertainment Value
TikTok provides a massive source of enjoyment, laughter and creativity for its users. The app is designed to showcase short-form videos that are funny, quirky, or display impressive talents. As one article points out, “TikTok in and of itself is a very fun and creative platform. TikTok has built-in filters, text, sound, and music effects that users can add to their videos to make them more entertaining” (Why Is TikTok So Popular? 10 Reasons for Its Success).
A big part of what makes TikTok entertaining is the wide variety of content. From dancing videos to comedy skits to life hacks, there’s something for everyone. The app’s algorithm is designed to quickly learn a user’s preferences and serve them content tailored to their tastes. This creates an endless stream of amusing, engaging videos.
Additionally, the collaborative nature of TikTok encourages participation and creativity. Trends and challenges give people an opportunity to put their own spin on viral content. Duets allow users to react to each other’s videos. Overall, TikTok provides a lively, stimulating form of entertainment that keeps bringing users back.
Conclusion
In summary, there are many compelling reasons for individuals and brands to have a presence on TikTok. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok provides access to a massive global audience. The platform makes it easy for anyone to create viral content that gets widely shared. TikTok fosters an authentic sense of community, allowing people to connect over shared interests in a positive environment. The low barrier to entry means anyone can start creating content, without advanced skills or expensive equipment. TikTok’s powerful algorithm makes it easy for new creators to get discovered and gain followers. There are also tremendous monetization opportunities through the Creator Fund, brand sponsorships, live streams, and more. Using TikTok allows brands to connect with younger demographics, showcase products, and drive traffic. Many find TikTok entertaining and joyful, appreciating the short-form videos across every genre. With compelling reasons spanning audience reach, creative expression, community, discovery, and revenue, TikTok is a platform worth leveraging.
