This post was originally published on September 25, 2022 and updated on May 9, 2024.
Information in this blog post was obtained from the Moz.com , Techcrunch.com , Socialmediatoday.com , and Sproutsocial.com.
Originally launched in China, TikTok’s rise to fame began in the United States in 2017. In February of 2019, the app had reached one billion installs. By 2020, TikTok had become one of the leading social media applications. But will it stay? Currently, TikTok is under the microscope by the government. Many people are upset that the app is run out of the country and there is possibilities for privacy and information gathering. Despite what the government wants, TikTok continues to grow and is one of the most popular apps today in social media. Here is three ways that TikTok stand out among other social media platforms
#1. The Algorithm
The TikTok algorithm is unlike anything else in social media today. The algorithm can study what viewers are looking at, liking, engaging with, etc. There is potential for an account to blow up over night and be trending the next day. On the other side, TikTok can easily sweep videos under the rug and they will not show up on the for your page. The algorithm on other sites like Instagram and Facebook do not operate like this. Instead they are going in a different direction and giving users content that they don't even follow on their main feed. Because TikTok's algorithm is different than other social medias out there, their average time on the app is high than even YouTube! Data shows that people have reported users spend over 24 hours a month on the app.
#2. Information
TikTok has become popular for people because of the information they can obtain while scrolling. From at-home chefs sharing recipes to life hacks and tips, there might just be something for everyone's interest on this app. With a built-in for your page, viewers can scroll through suggested videos. This appears based on likes, trends and the algorithm. If viewers prefer, they can also just select who they are following and not have to see suggested content. TikTok is becoming the place to learn and discover new things and new products. "This positive content discovery experience has earned the users’ trust” (Infante).
#3. Other Apps Simply Just Can't Keep Up
Despite Instagram and Facebook being popular social media apps, due to little change they haven't stuck out to people. Tiktok has had new features such as the TikTok shop. You cannot do this on other applications. Not too long after Tiktok became popular, reels on Instagram was released but it does not have the same effect that Tiktok gives viewers. Metadata has seen a significant decrease in average time on Facebook and Instagram.
Conclusion
Overall, TikTok has swept the United States by storm since its take off in 2020. Despite its challenges of trying to get banned by the U.S. government, it has maintained its reputation for social fun across all generations. Whether you want to watch a funny video, learn how to cook a new meal, or go shopping, TikTok has changed the way we view social media. While its future may be uncertain in the eyes of the government, we know that the viewers cannot get enough.
Resources
Infante, L. (n.d.). Is TikTok going to replace Google? Moz. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://moz.com/blog/is-tiktok-the-new-google
Hutchinson, A. (2022, September 12). New report highlights the decline of Facebook and IG, as TikTok becomes the new home of entertainment. Social Media Today. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://www.socialmediatoday.com/news/new-report-highlights-the-decline-of-facebook-and-ig-as-tiktok-becomes-the/631694/
Rita Liao, C. S. (2020, December 29). TikTok’s epic rise and stumble. TechCrunch. https://techcrunch.com/2020/11/26/tiktok-timeline/
Sheikh, M. (2022, May 26). 30 TikTok stats marketers need to know in 2022. Sprout Social. Retrieved September 19, 2022, from https://sproutsocial.com/insights/tiktok-stats/
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