What is TikTok?

TikTok is a free social media app where users can create, share, and discover content, usually short videos. It’s one of the most downloaded apps in the world, especially popular among teens and young adults. But now, people of all ages use it to learn, laugh, and connect, by creating a culture of trends, challenges, and audio reuse that drives community participation.

TikTok revolutionized social media by prioritizing entertainment value over social connection, focusing on content discovery rather than friend networks. It normalized authentic, less polished content creation with built-in editing tools.

On Tiktok, users scroll through videos on the For You Page (FYP), a personalized feed based on your likes and interests. You can like, comment, share, or follow creators you enjoy.

A Short History of TikTok

• TikTok was launched by a Chinese tech company called ByteDance in 2016, originally under the name Douyin in China.
• In 2018, ByteDance merged TikTok with Musical.ly, another popular video app, to grow its audience outside Asia.
• Since then, TikTok has become a global hit, known for its trending dances, viral challenges, and creative content.

Key Features of TikTok

• For You Page (FYP): The main feed where TikTok suggests videos based on what you watch and like.
• Sounds & Music: Add popular songs or funny audio clips to your videos.
• Filters & Effects: Use slow motion, green screens, face filters, and more.
• Duets & Stitches: Collaborate with or react to other people’s videos.
• Trends & Hashtags: Join popular challenges and discover what’s trending.