TikTok has taken the social media world by storm, with over 800 million active users and 2 billion downloads on the App Store and Google Play. These impressive figures are even more astonishing when you consider that TikTok, launched in 2016, is a relatively new platform compared to social media giants like Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. So, how did TikTok rise to such popularity in such a short period of time?
Context – Musical.ly Merger and Going Global
TikTok started its journey as “Douyin”, a video-sharing social networking service created by Chinese tech giant ByteDance. In 2017, ByteDance acquired another app called Musical.ly, which allowed users to create and share 15-second lip-sync videos. The features of Musical.ly were then incorporated into Douyin, and in 2018, TikTok was introduced to the global market.
One of the key factors that set TikTok apart is its advanced algorithm, which quickly learns users’ preferences based on their engagement with the app. This personalized experience plays a significant role in attracting and retaining users.
Content – Variety Is The Spice of Life
While TikTok is often associated with dance and lip-sync videos, the platform offers much more. Its extensive music library, licensed from major labels like Sony Music, Warner Music, and Universal Music, allows users to create a wide range of content. Whether it’s comedy, baking, sports, or DIY, TikTok has something for everyone.
The app’s algorithm, showcased in the “For You” section, presents personalized content to users based on their interests and previous activity. This means that even creators with a small following have the chance to go viral if their content resonates with the TikTok community.
Community – Discovery & Engagement
TikTok’s global appeal is evident in its availability in 155 countries and 75 languages. It has created a vibrant and engaged community, with users spending an average of 52 minutes per day on the platform. TikTok videos are viewed a staggering 1 million times each day.
One of the key community-building features of TikTok is the “Duet” function, which allows users to record alongside existing videos in a split-screen format. This interactive feature encourages collaboration, response videos, and the creation of memes and challenges that quickly go viral.
TikTok also enables users to download and share videos on other platforms, expanding their reach beyond the TikTok ecosystem. Additionally, users can include links to their Instagram, YouTube, and Twitter accounts on their profiles, making it easier to build their online presence.
Conclusion
TikTok’s meteoric rise to popularity is a testament to its unique approach to content creation and community engagement. With its innovative algorithm, diverse content, and vibrant user base, TikTok continues to dominate the social media landscape.
Stay tuned for more articles where we delve deeper into the world of TikTok. Exciting insights are on the way!
Interested in other media marketing articles? Check out these articles:
- Soundtracks of Singapore Ads – Importance of Audio in Video
- Singapore Campaigns Gone Wrong – What We’ve Learned
- Local Digital Campaigns Every Digital Marketer Should Know
Here at Big 3 Media, we’re a Singapore video production company that offers a suite of services to market your business during these challenging times:
- Live Streaming Services
- Corporate Video Production
- 2D and 3D Animations
- Motion Graphic Videos
- Digital Experience (AR/VR)
If you are looking for content marketing options for your business, drop us an email or message and find out how Big 3 Media can help you!
