If you search for the best free apps on Android or iOS, you'll find TikTok in the top five. The platform reaches new heights with each passing day.
If you don't know much about TikTok, it is a social media platform where people create different kinds of short-form videos, primarily for entertainment purposes. People often paint TikTok in a bad light, overlooking its positive aspects.
TikTok's popularity is proof that it is doing something right. So, let's look at some of the reasons that make TikTok so good and popular.
1. TikTok's Unique Algorithm Brings Forth the Relevant Videos
TikTok has a unique algorithm that is different from its counterparts. The app uses machine learning to show you a personalized feed known as For You that is different for every user.
TikTok has a user-centric design and focuses on what you like and dislike. After considering these factors, TikTok recommends relevant videos that are usually pretty on point.
For example, if you watch an informative video related to health, you will find similar videos appearing on your feed. The similarity will not be at the category level only—the content of the videos will be similar too.
According to a research paper on the TikTok app by Jiang Xiao Yu, "Its content production and channel distribution relies on big data mining technology and recommended algorithm of artificial intelligence that push accurate information and provide customized services to the user."
2. Content By Common Folk for the Common Folk
Another thing that sets TikTok apart from other apps is that common people create most of the content and watch it. And those amateur content creators become celebrities over time due to their popularity among the common folk.
This platform is ruling the internet due to this relatable quality. There are many examples where ordinary people became internet sensations over time just because of the quality of their videos, not because of their previous fan following.
For example, Khabane Lame is an ordinary person from a common background. Still, he has a massive number of followers from all over the world on TikTok. It's because he manages to attract ordinary people to his simple Mr. Bean-like funny content that has a universal appeal to it.
3. TikTok Is User-Friendly
There is no doubt about the fact that TikTok is user-friendly. The interface used by the app is exceptionally effortless to use. It has an eye-catching theme, but at the same time, it also features some easy-to-use components like home, feed, search, inbox, and personal profile.
TikTok doesn't contain too many features or components that might not be required or make the app challenging to use. It keeps things simple so that even a kid can navigate through the app.
4. You Can Follow the Latest Trends on TikTok
TikTok community is a trendsetter. When a TikTok video goes viral, video creators all over the internet follow that concept. TikTokers also use this platform to create unique challenges, like dance challenges, which often become worldwide trends.
As far as fashion is concerned, people take inspiration from their favorite TikTokers and start dressing up and behaving like them. So, TikTok influences people in every walk of life, and it plays a significant role in setting the latest trends for this generation.
5. You Feel Like Being Part of a Community
While using TikTok, you'll feel like a part of a community whether you are following TikTokers or have followers of your own. It's because the platform promotes interactions among people, helping create a bond—a community.
This bond is further strengthened when TikTok influencers create physical events where people gather and interact. In this way, TikTok helps create one big happy family that you can become a part of and enjoy.
In 2020, many celebrities joined this community because they felt the need to interact with their fans in times of COVID. These celebrities include Reese Witherspoon, Snoop Dogg, Dua Lipa, and Kendall Jenner, among many others.
TikTok is an all-in-one platform where you will find videos related to anything and everything. The app provides you with many ideas to get your creative juices flowing.
If you are a fan of dance, you will find a vast collection of dance videos on the platform. If you are an art or nature lover, you'll find the most aesthetic videos on this video-sharing network.
Whether you are a pet lover or someone who enjoys listening to cover songs, you will find tons of content related to your interest on TikTok. The videos demonstrating life hacks are also gaining much popularity on the platform, and many of these hacks actually work, making them useful for the audience.
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7. TikTok Is One of the Best Sources for Memes and Funny Content
Everybody loves good humor and some comedy every once in a while. And that's a specialty of TikTok as it has some of the best funny videos and memes.
People with creative minds create unique content on TikTok that is sure to make you laugh. Many people tend to use TikTok after a long, tiring, and busy day to rejuvenate and refresh their minds and to get their daily dose of humor.
According to The New York Times, "Memers are taking over TikTok." This platform is currently one of the best sources for memes and funny content on the internet.
8. TikTok Has Content for All Age Groups
As discussed above, the content on TikTok has a universal appeal to it. Besides, the platform boasts so much relatable content that caters to almost all age groups.
There are children making videos on TikTok for their age fellows. At the same time, adults can also find thousands of hours of content related to their interests.
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According to Wallaroomedia, "TikTok has about 80 million monthly active users in the United States. 60% are female, 40% are male. 60% of the users are between the ages of 16-24. 26% are between the ages 25-44. 80% are between the ages 16-34."
9. You Can Learn About New Places and Cultures
TikTok has tons of content to learn about new places and cultures. This is because people from all over the world have joined TikTok, and you can get to know them and their culture, including their language, lifestyle, food, and more.
You can also discover new places as nature lovers and vloggers post videos taking you to different spots around the globe. You can enjoy learning about those places and even plan a visit.
10. TikTok Is a Platform to Showcase Talent and Reach the Masses
As discussed above, TikTok provides an excellent platform for showcasing your talent. If you have a unique talent and want the world to see it, you can easily create an account on TikTok and start posting your videos.
TikTok provides you with the tools you need to create solid content that highlights your talents. It also presents you with an opportunity to reach a worldwide mass audience. So, the sky is the limit here.
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Let's give you an idea of its reach. CNBC reported that according to its parent company, Bytedance, "It has 1 billion active global users, indicating steady growth of the short-form video app."
TikTok Is Great, Contrary to Popular Belief
TikTok is truly a unique platform that you can use for many positive activities. It has gained notoriety because some TikTokers have misused it at times.
However, instead of berating the service altogether, it is best to focus on its positive aspects. And with this positivity, you can unlock its true power and spread some good in your own way.
FAQs
Why TikTok is good for learning? ›
Use TikTok to compare and contrast ideas
By using TikTok in the classroom, students can enjoy the app while learning. Teach a topic and then have students create videos that compare and contrast the points made. This allows the information to sink in while also letting them explore the various sides to the point.
Since TikTok exploded so quickly, research is still being done on the effects it has on society and mental health. However, there are some things we do know about TikTok: it's addictive, it can negatively impact mental health, it sets unrealistic standards, and it's a hot spot for cyberbullying.
Can TikTok help students? ›Platforms like TikTok can help students identify project ideas, collaborate during the learning process, document that process, or curate and share any products or results of their project. As a philosophy, PBL promotes real-world skills, and in this digital age, that includes technological competency.
Is TikTok good for schools? ›Aside from its privacy concerns, TikTok only has a place at schools that are already performing well on other channels and desire to reach and engage with current and prospective students. When done right, TikTok can be an excellent recruiting and nurturing tool for younger demographics.
Is it important to have TikTok? ›Essentially, it's used largely for entertainment. But all that has changed. TikTok is now being used by businesses to advertise their products and promote their company to a global audience. If you're a company—big or small—you can benefit from using TikTok.
Is TikTok a good source of information? ›As it turns out, TikTok isn't a reliable search engine for news. Lots of people keep up with the important news of the day using social media, but if you're using TikTok to learn about current events, you may want to be more careful with the app's search results.
What age is TikTok made for? ›TikTok's Terms of Service state that users must be at least 13 years old to sign up for an account and have full access to the platform, in compliance with the U.S.'s Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
Is TikTok good for your brain? ›Brain scans of students who used the app regularly revealed addiction-like responses, and some research subjects lacked enough self-control to stop watching. “If you are watching TikTok for long periods of time, it may lead to problems with attention, concentration, and short-term memory.” Griffin said.
Is TikTok good for mental health? ›What to Know About Using TikTok as a Mental Health Resource. TikTok has become a platform for thousands of healthcare professionals, including psychiatrists, therapists, and mental health advocates. They use the app's widespread reach to talk to audiences about everything from depression to ADHD.
Is TikTok good for kids? ›While TikTok is great for socializing and can provide a creative outlet for your child, it can also have some harmful effects. Like with any social media platform, posting videos and pictures regularly leaves your child open to negative reactions and harsh comments.
Is TikTok OK for 7 year olds? ›
What age is TikTok recommended for? Common Sense recommends the app for age 15+ mainly due to the privacy issues and mature content. TikTok requires that users be at least 13 years old to use the full TikTok experience, although there is a way for younger kids to access the app.
What do people learn in TikTok? ›- Express themselves creatively.
- Teach people something new, life hacks, shortcuts, etc.
- Entertain people through comedy, dance, storytelling, magic, and more.
- Get people intrigued and wanting more.
- Tell stories that make an impact.
- Motivate and inspire others.
- And the list goes on!
U.S. lawmakers and federal regulators have criticized TikTok, citing practices and computer-driven promotion of content they say can endanger the physical and mental health of young users. The platform has an estimated 1 billion monthly users and is especially popular with teens and younger children.
Why do schools block TikTok? ›Most schools block TikTok because it's can be a real distraction that takes students' focus away from schoolwork. TikTok access is typically prevented via a network firewall that limits access to specific social media websites and apps.
How does TikTok impact your life? ›In a lot of ways, TikTok has had a positive impact of users. It provides users with an outlet for information, relaxation, and a way to connect with friends. You are also able to see the lifestyles and learn the mindsets of individuals vastly different from yourself. This enables you to expand your mind and beliefs.
Is it OK for an 11 year old to have TikTok? ›But with no proper way of determining the user's age, the app leaves your child vulnerable to mature content and sexual predators. So, it's best to keep your eye open before your 11-year-old gets too engrossed in making TikTok videos.
Who owns TikTok? ›TikTok, which is owned by Beijing-based tech giant ByteDance, is used by over 1 billion people worldwide every month.
Was TikTok made 5 years ago? ›TikTok is an international version of Douyin, which was released in the Chinese market in September 2016. It launched in 2017 for iOS and Android in most markets outside of mainland China; however, it became available worldwide only after merging with another Chinese social media service, Musical.ly, on 2 August 2018.
How successful is TikTok? ›The latest TikTok statistics show that, as of July 2022, the platform has over one billion monthly active users worldwide (DataReportal, 2022). That makes TikTok the seventh-most popular social media platform in terms of users, ahead of others that have been around much longer such as Snapchat, Pinterest, and Twitter.
How is TikTok different from other social media? ›The difference with TikTok is that it's hyper-personalized, and it's eerily accurate. It's so specific to your personal and professional interests that no two individuals' feeds are the same.
Is TikTok still good for growth? ›
Not only is the number of people using TikTok increasing, but the amount of time users spend on the app is also increasing. According to App Annie, the amount of time users spend on the app has been increasing by around 210% each year, and this usage growth is expected to continue into 2022 and beyond.
What does facts mean in TikTok? ›So, “fact or cap” is essentially another way of saying, “fact or fiction.” The phrase has become frequently used on TikTok as a phrase to prompt a sort of myth-busting video, in which a user duets or stitches another TikTok and tests whether the user's claim is “fact or cap.”
What is TikTok mostly about? ›TikTok is a social media platform for creating, sharing and discovering short videos. The app is used by young people as an outlet to express themselves through singing, dancing, comedy, and lip-syncing, and allows users to create videos and share them across a community.
How many users does TikTok 2022 have? ›TikTok will have 750 million monthly users worldwide in 2022, according to Insider Intelligence's forecast. It is now the third-largest of the Big Five worldwide social networks (Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and Twitter).
Who invented TikTok? ›Zhang Yiming (Chinese: 张一鸣; born April 1, 1983 in Longyan, Fujian) is a Chinese internet entrepreneur. He founded ByteDance in 2012 and developed the news aggregator Toutiao and the video sharing platform TikTok (Douyin/抖音), formerly known as Musical.ly.