How TikTok Became a Global Phenomenon and a Marketing Powerhouse
If you haven’t heard of TikTok by now, you’re missing out on one of the most popular and influential social media platforms in the world. It is a video-sharing app that allows users to create and watch short videos, usually with music, filters, and effects.
The Platform has taken the internet by storm, with over 1.5 billion monthly active users as of 2023, and more than 3 billion downloads since its launch in 2016.
But what makes it so addictive and appealing?
How did it grow from a niche app for lip-syncing and dancing to a global sensation that rivals Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram?
And how can you use TikTok for online marketing and monetization?
In this blog post, we’ll answer these questions and more, as we explore the history, evolution, and future of TikTok.
We’ll also share some tips and best practices on how to leverage TikTok for your online business.
What is TikTok and How Does it Work?
TikTok is a short-form video app that lets users create and watch videos up to 60 seconds long (now up to 3 Minutes), with options to add music, filters, stickers, text, and other effects. Users can also browse videos by categories, hashtags, trends, or recommendations from the algorithm.
Known for its viral challenges, memes, dances, pranks, tutorials, and other creative content that showcases users’ talents, humor, and personality. Some of the most popular genres include comedy, beauty, fashion, fitness, gaming, education, and music.
A social network that allows users to follow, like, comment, share, and message each other. Users can also join live streams, duet with other creators, or collaborate with brands and celebrities.
TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese tech company that also operates Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok.
ByteDance launched the Platform in 2017 as the international version of Douyin, which was launched in China in 2016.
In 2018, ByteDance acquired Musical.ly, another popular lip-syncing app in the US, and merged it with TikTok.
How Did TikTok Evolve in the Past Few Years?
The Platform has undergone several changes and improvements since its inception. Here are some of the major milestones in TikTok’s evolution:
In 2018, TikTok introduced new features such as reactions, hashtags challenges, slideshow maker and video editor.
2019, they launched their first global marketing campaign, “It Starts on TikTok”, to showcase its diverse and creative community.
and in 2020, TikTok faced several controversies and bans in some countries, such as India, Pakistan, and the US, due to security, privacy, and censorship concerns.
However, the Platform also gained more popularity and users during the COVID-19 pandemic. As people turned to the app for entertainment, connection, and education.
In 2021, they announced several new initiatives and partnerships, such as TikTok for Business. A platform for marketers to reach and engage with users;
The Creator Fund, a program to support and reward creators for their content;
Creator Marketplace, a platform for brands and creators to collaborate on campaigns;
and
TikTok Resumes, a pilot program to help job seekers showcase their skills and apply for jobs through videos.
In 2022, they continued to innovate and expand its offerings, such as TikTok Radio,a live audio streaming service featuring curated playlists from popular creators;
TikTok Jump, a feature that allows creators to embed mini-apps into their videos; and Stories, a feature that allows users to post ephemeral videos that disappear after 24 hours.
Why Are Other Platforms Worried About TikTok?
The rapid growth and success have posed a serious threat to other social media platforms, especially Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram.
These platforms have tried to compete with or copy TikTok by launching similar features or apps, such as Reels (Instagram), Shorts (YouTube), and Lasso (Facebook, discontinued in 2020).
However, none of these rivals have been able to match the popularity and engagement, as TikTok users spend more time and watch more videos on the app than on any other platform.
Some of the reasons why TikTok is more appealing and addictive than other platforms are:
Their algorithm is more personalized and accurate than other platforms, as it learns from users’ behaviour and preferences and delivers relevant and diverse content that keeps them hooked.
The content is more authentic and creative than other platforms, as it encourages users to express themselves and showcase their talents,
rather than follow a polished or curated aesthetic.
With a more supportive and inclusive community than other platforms, as it fosters a culture of collaboration, participation, and positivity among users, rather than competition, comparison, or negativity.
How Can You Use TikTok for Online Marketing?
A Platform is not only for entertainment and fun, but also a powerful tool for online marketing and monetization.
Here are some of the ways you can use TikTok for your online business:
- Build your brand awareness and reputation by creating engaging and valuable content that showcases your products, services, or expertise.
- Grow your audience and reach by using relevant hashtags, trends, challenges, or collaborations to attract and retain followers.
- Drive traffic and conversions by adding links to your website, landing page, or online store in your bio or videos.
- Generate leads and sales by offering discounts, coupons, giveaways, or free trials to your followers.
- Earn revenue by joining the TikTok Creator Fund, Creator Marketplace, or Live Stream program, or by partnering with brands or advertisers for sponsored posts or campaigns.
How Much Effort Does It Take to Succeed on TikTok?
It is a competitive and fast-paced platform that requires a lot of effort, creativity, and consistency to succeed.
Here are some of the factors that affect your success:
Quality: Your content should be high-quality, original, and relevant to your niche and audience. You should also use the best equipment, lighting, sound, and editing tools to enhance your videos.
Quantity: You should post frequently and regularly to maintain your visibility and engagement. The optimal posting frequency depends on your goals, niche, and audience, but most experts recommend posting at least once or twice a day.
Timing: You should post at the best times when your audience is most active and likely to watch your videos. You can use analytics tools or trial and error to find out the best times for your niche and location.
Strategy: You should have a clear and specific goal for your account, such as building awareness, generating leads, or earning revenue. You should also have a plan for your content, such as the topics, formats, styles, and themes you want to cover.
Optimization: You should optimize your profile, videos, and hashtags for the algorithm and SEO. You should also monitor your performance and feedback and adjust your strategy accordingly.
Is TikTok a Valuable Way to Earn Money Online?
It can be a valuable way to earn money online if you have a large and loyal following, a unique and valuable niche, and a smart and effective monetization strategy.
However, it is not a get-rich-quick scheme or an easy way to make money online. It takes a lot of time, effort, and patience to build a successful TikTok account that can generate income.
Moreover, it is not the only or the best way to earn money online. There are many other platforms, methods, and opportunities that you can explore, such as blogging, podcasting, YouTube, affiliate marketing, online courses, e-commerce, and more.
The key is to find the best fit for your skills, interests, and goals, and to diversify your income streams.
FAQs About TikTok
Here are some of the most frequently asked questions:
Q: How do I download TikTok?
A: You can download from the App Store or Google Play Store on your smartphone or tablet. You can also access TikTok from your web browser on your computer.
Q: How do I create a TikTok account?
A: You can create a account by using your phone number, email address, or social media account (Facebook, Twitter, Google, or Instagram). You can also sign up with Apple ID on iOS devices.
Q: How do I make a TikTok video?
A: You can make a video by tapping the plus icon at the bottom of the app screen. You can then choose to record a video with the camera button, upload a video from your gallery, or use a template from the templates tab. You can also add music, filters, effects, text, stickers, and other features to your video.
In conclusion:
TikTok’s journey from a niche app to a global sensation and marketing powerhouse is a testament to its ability to evolve with the times and capture the essence of online culture.
As users continue to seek authentic and creative content, the Platform remains at the forefront of shaping the social media landscape, offering both individuals and businesses a platform to express themselves, connect with audiences, and unlock new possibilities in the digital age.
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