TikTok has become a global sensation that has captivated millions of users across the globe. From viral dances to eye-catching product videos, the short-form video platform has taken the social media world by storm. In this blog, we will explore the key reasons behind the platform’s extraordinary success and just how massive that success is.
WHY IS TIKTOK SO POPULAR?
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A SPECIFIC ALGORITHM
TikTok has one of the most advanced algorithms across all social media platforms which plays a crucial role in its success. Its unique and accurate algorithm exposes users to content that has been specifically tailored to them. For example, if you rewatch a video several times, the TikTok algorithm will take note of this and will show you similar content in the future. By analysing user preferences, interactions and user behaviour, the algorithm is able to discover what each user likes and provide a personalised experience of individual and engaging content.
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EASY TO USE AND ACCESSIBLE
TikTok is a free app and is currently available in over 200 countries, making it extremely accessible. Its user-friendly interface and easy editing tools make it accessible to users of all skill levels. The app offers plenty of scope for creativity with its wide range of editing options and endless sounds, allowing anyone to produce high-quality videos without the need for extensive editing knowledge.
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CREATIVE EXPRESSION AND USER-GENERATED CONTENT
TikTok provides a unique platform where users can showcase their creativity and talents through short videos. It has a number of editing tools that encourage users to experiment with their videos and create fun content. With this vast array of editing tools, users can create visually appealing content that resonates with their audience and can even find their content going viral when they leverage the latest trending tools.
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DIGESTIBLE CONTENT FOR SHORT ATTENTION SPANS
Even though TikTok now offers a 10-minute video feature, the platform primarily focuses on short-form video content (15-60 seconds long) which caters to shorter attention spans as well as long. It enables users to consume a large amount of content in a short period of time which makes it highly engaging and somewhat addictive.
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CONSISTENT INNOVATION AND ADAPTABILITY
TikTok’s success can be attributed to its ability to constantly adapt to ever-changing customer preferences and trends. The app remains relevant by consistently introducing new features and functions that keep its 1.60 billion user base engaged and excited about what is to come on the app.
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AN EVER-GROWING COMMUNITY
TikTok fosters a strong sense of community among all its global users by encouraging users to interact with each other through engagement features such as comments, duets and reactions. The interactivity within the app creates a social experience which encourages people to return each day to interact with other users. Moreover, this growing sense of community promotes a feeling of loyalty for users to regularly engage with each other and thus, return to the app.
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COPYRIGHT MUSIC INTEGRATION
Another one of TikTok’s advantageous features is that you are permitted to use copyrighted music in your videos, unlike other platforms such as YouTube. Its seamless integration with music allows users to add popular sounds to their videos, making them more entertaining and relatable. This music-focused approach has contributed to TikTok’s wide appeal, especially among younger demographics. In fact, the app is so massively associated with music that today’s music charts are heavily influenced by music trends on the platform.
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VIRAL CHALLENGES AND TRENDS
TikTok is coveted for its platform-specific challenges and trends. These trends quickly gain traction on the platform, encouraging participation from users and driving engagement throughout the platform. This keeps content fresh which ultimately leads to keeping users interested.
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AN INFLUENCER HOTSPOT
TikTok has cultivated a lively community of influencers who drive trends on the platform and produce content for millions of users. These influencers can collaborate with brands and leverage their popularity to promote products and services. Since the growth of influencer culture on the platform, it has become a popular marketing tool where 36% of Gen Z and 22% of Millennials choose to learn about products.
In addition, with the growth of influencer culture comes the potential for fame. Many recently established celebrities gained their respective fortunes exclusively through TikTok. This encourages more users to regularly utilise the app with the hopes of growing their own following.
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DIFFERENT FROM OTHER PLATFORMS
Everything that we have discussed in this blog demonstrates why TikTok is so unique in comparison to other platforms. This is a prevalent reason behind TikTok’s success as the platform provided an individual app that was new to the market and has been continually updated to keep up with technology advancements.
What’s more, the platform not only works as an entertainment app, but has other uses such as being a news outlet, communication tool and even a search engine of its own kind. In fact, 40% of young people now use TikTok to search for places to eat instead of using search engines. These attributes make the platform even more unique and contribute to its massive success.
TikTok’s rise to success can be ascribed to a combination of factors and the platform will only grow in popularity and success. Its impact on social media and popular culture is undeniable as the platform continues to evolve and captivate audiences across the globe.