TikTok Explained by a Teenager
The new social media platform, TikTok, has taken the app store by storm. It has seized the number one spot for the entertainment category in the iOS App Store, outranking Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and Amazon Prime Video. Now you may be wondering, what is TikTok and why is it so popular? As a 16-year-old, who has been a TikToker since 2018, I feel qualified to tell you why there is so much hype around this app.
The Basics:
In 2014, the app launched as Musical.ly, but rebranded as TikTok and rose in popularity in late 2018. The platform started as a place for creators to make funny and original videos within the one-minute time restriction. Since then, the app has exploded with over 800 million users (more than the total population of North America). Over time, the app has evolved to curate to all ages and personalities. Each user has their own “For You Page,” showing videos that appeal to them, with topics ranging from games, dances, pranks, jokes, recipes, and more; essentially anything you are interested in.
Creators and Content:
In the early days of TikTok, it was relatively easy to go “viral” on the app, getting maybe 1,000 views and a hundred likes, but with millions of users, there has been an upsurge of viral videos and creators. By far, the most prominent TikToker is Charli D’Amelio, a 16-year-old dancer with over 50 million followers on the app. She rose to fame in late 2019 after posting a video of her dancing to the hit song “Lottery” by K Camp, or better known as the Renegade dance on TikTok. Renegade is one of the earliest TikTok dances and will likely become known as a classic. Since then, there have been hundreds of dances created and people are gaining popularity on the app by simply doing these 15-second dances. Not only do creators get views, likes, and followers, they also generate income for every video they post. As a whole, TikTok has evolved from a small network to post funny videos to one of the largest platforms for publishing original content. TikTok has catapulted the life of many unsuspecting creators, instantly propelling them into the life of social media influencers. Some ordinary teenagers turned popular creators, formed a group called the Hype House, which included Charli and Dixie D’Amelio, Addison Rae, and LilHuddy. They all lived together in Los Angeles, collaborating on videos for their fans. There are many groups like this, who work together to create quality content for their followers, such as different political and sports houses. But for the normal TikToker, we aim smaller, to get over 1,000 views and maybe have one of our videos go viral.
Trends:
On TikTok, trends move fast, like really fast. For example, last week it was a trend to make fun of the movie Radio Rebel, and its star Debby Ryan. While simultaneously, it became mainstream to create videos asserting that Hellen Keller did not exist (I know she did). For a few weeks, users will be reenacting wikiHow tutorials and the next they are making videos depicting time travel and dressing up as VSCO girls and e boys. The trends are weird, random, and quick. They will pass through your For You Page a few times, and then they’ll be gone.
The Bottom Line:
You may be telling yourself TikTok is just a fad, it will eventually phase-out, or it's only for Gen Z, but it would be wrong to assume any of these. TikTok is here to stay. This app is a fun, new social media platform, unlike traditional Instagram, Snapchat, and Facebook. The app appeals to everyone because you can be your authentic self, without feeling the pressure to fit in. Additionally, with TikTok there is a larger opportunity to create a viral video, making it the perfect platform for people like me and you who crave fame and popularity. Ultimately, if you are debating whether or not to download TikTok, you should. This app deserves all the hype surrounding it. Your screen time might skyrocket to 8 hours a day, but you will be an official TikToker.