TikTok, the worldwide phenomenon that has taken the internet by storm, hasn’t always been the forefront of viral culture. However, since its merger with Musical.ly, the platform has experienced unprecedented success. So, let’s take a journey through the history of TikTok and see how it became the number one app in the world.
The Birth of Douyin – September 2016
Before TikTok, there was Douyin, a Chinese app created by ByteDance. Originally known as A.me, it was later rebranded as Douyin. In just one year, Douyin amassed an impressive 100 million users and boasted over a billion daily video views. Its rapid growth prompted ByteDance to explore the international market, leading to the launch of TikTok in September 2017.
The Acquisition of Musical.ly – November 2017
Musical.ly, the app that laid the foundation for TikTok’s features, was released in August 2014. It allowed users to create short videos, lip-sync to popular songs, and engage with others through trending sounds and hashtags. Recognizing its potential, ByteDance acquired Musical.ly for a staggering $1 billion in November 2017. The merger took place on August 2, 2018, with existing data and accounts merging to create a single app and a larger community. Thus, the era of Musical.ly came to an end, giving way to the rise of TikTok.
TikTok Reaches 1 Billion Global Downloads – February 2019
In February 2019, TikTok achieved a remarkable milestone, surpassing 1 billion global downloads (excluding Android downloads from China), as reported by analytics site Sensor Tower. The app gained immense popularity, especially in countries like India, which accounted for over 40% of total downloads in 2018. The merger with Musical.ly proved to be a game-changer, propelling TikTok’s growth to new heights.
India’s Ban on TikTok – June 2020
However, TikTok faced a significant setback in June 2020 when it was banned in India, along with 223 other Chinese apps. The Indian Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology cited concerns about national sovereignty, defense, and public order. This ban left a void in the Indian market, but it didn’t dampen TikTok’s global dominance.
The Rise of the Creator Fund – July 2020
Recognizing the platform’s potential, TikTok launched the Creator Fund in July 2020. This initiative provided monetary support to growing creators on the app, allowing them to directly monetize their video views. Initially valued at $200 million, the Creator Fund’s growth projections indicated a staggering $1 billion in the United States alone, and double that globally, in the years to come. This further empowered TikTok creators and strengthened the platform’s allure.
The Clash with Donald Trump – August 2020
In August 2020, former U.S. President Donald Trump sought to ban TikTok transactions within the country, citing national security concerns. He signed an executive order that demanded TikTok’s sale by ByteDance within 45 days, or else transactions would be prohibited. In retaliation, TikTok filed a lawsuit against Trump in September 2020, seeking to prevent the ban. Judge Carl J. Nichols halted the order, allowing TikTok to continue operating and defying the ban. The legal battle created an uproar, leaving many questioning the future of TikTok, despite its immense popularity.
Charli D’Amelio Breaks Records – November 2020
In November 2020, 16-year-old Charli D’Amelio achieved a remarkable feat by surpassing 100 million followers on TikTok, surpassing even TikTok’s official account. Her success stemmed from recreating popular TikTok dances and lip-syncing to viral songs, swiftly amassing a dedicated fan base. Following her rise to stardom on the platform, D’Amelio ventured into various ventures, including podcasting with her older sister Dixie, collaborations with notable brands, and even launching her own custom-designed mattress.
Pakistan’s Love-Hate Relationship with TikTok – March 2021
TikTok’s journey has been marked by various controversies, including bans and subsequent reversals. Pakistan, for example, initially banned the app in October 2020 due to concerns about indecent content. The ban was lifted ten days later but was reinstated on March 11, 2021, following similar complaints. Despite these hurdles, TikTok’s popularity continues to skyrocket, and its stars are increasingly becoming fixtures in mainstream media.
As TikTok constantly evolves and expands its influence, it seems poised to remain the driving force behind viral internet culture. From its humble origins as Douyin to its reign as the number one app in the world, the history of TikTok is nothing short of remarkable. Whether it’s propelling global hits, birthing new stars, or captivating millions with its engaging content, TikTok has cemented its place as the unrivaled leader of the social media landscape.
