TikTok has been one of the most downloaded apps worldwide for the past three years and has been recognised as the fastest-growing social media platform of all time.
How Huge is TikTok’s Userbase?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, many users found time to experiment with the platform and connect with their online audiences in new ways, leading to a surge in the popularity of the short-form video app. The meteoric rise of TikTok in the first quarter of 2020 caused it to surpass the previous quarterly record for social media apps by a wide margin.
After removing the Chinese version Douyin, which has 600 million users, this places TikTok ahead of LinkedIn, Twitter, Pinterest, and Snapchat to take seventh place among social networking sites.
Just what is it that makes TikTok so popular?
Using various filters and editing effects, users can create and upload videos that feature music and, optionally, show the user lip-syncing or dancing to the song. TikTok has been increasing the maximum length of videos, allowing 10 minutes by March 2022. Typical video length is 15 seconds.
While the format has become popular for dance challenges and lip-syncing, it is not limited to these uses. Creators on TikTok are tackling heavy topics, advocating for social change, and educating their audiences on everything from healthcare to accounting.
Who all uses TikTok?
Teenagers are early adopters of new social media platforms, and TikTok has found its largest audience among this demographic. Many of them have amassed thousands of followers over the course of a few years because they figured out how to use the platform early on and customise it to their preferences.
The platform’s user base, which includes both millennials and baby boomers, is not above making fun of its members for their own ineptitude with the app or the content they create. A lot of people say their teen children have pushed them to download the app or inspired them to try it out.
When is TikTok useful?
TikTok’s two most popular hashtags, #entertainment and #dance, demonstrate the app’s status as a go-to for entertaining content.
Pranks, fitness, home improvement, DIY, beauty and skincare, fashion, recipes and cooking, life hacks, advice, and pets are also extremely well-liked sections of the app.
What is the function of TikTok?
Through the use of hashtags and a custom algorithm, videos uploaded to TikTok can be discovered by other users. When a user logs into the app, they will be taken to a personalised feed known as the For You page. If you’re looking for fresh material and new people to follow, you’ve found the right place.
Based on signals detected by its algorithm, TikTok places content here that it thinks will be of interest to each user. Algorithmic considerations include:
- Your current locale, language, and device options
- Hashtags, descriptions, audio, and video type are all included.
- Actions taken by users, including the genres of videos watched, accounts followed, and people spoken with
- TikTok content has a high potential for going viral because the platform curates For You pages with content that it thinks will be of particular interest and engagement to each individual user.
How can businesses make use of TikTok?
With TikTok, brands can connect with young people all over the world in a fun and creative setting. TikTok is the birthplace of many viral internet trends, and brands can gain credibility by establishing themselves as early adopters of these movements. TikTok video content does not need massive budgets either, as content made on the fly in everyday settings stands just as good a chance of going viral. Many popular TikTok videos were shot in ordinary places like garages, backyards, and dorm rooms.
Four ways to use TikTok for business
1. Kick off a branded channel
Get started with content experiments by making a branded page. Producing content takes little time and requires no funding. Keeping up with popular hashtags and memes can help your brand become more relevant. Take advantage of the app’s in-built filters, effects, sound bites, and editing tools to produce and distribute original work.
2. Involve key opinion leaders in your project
TikTok can be used effectively by capitalising on influencer communities. The data on influencers shows just how influential they can be. The TikTok-focused influencers we know and love today have built massive fan bases on the back of consistently excellent content.
3. Create a hashtag competition
Brands can spark a new cultural phenomenon by issuing a challenge for users to complete. Millions of users will be inspired to make videos for the campaign if it is one of the best-performing challenges. For instance, the #eyeslipsface campaign by E.l.f. cosmetics was deemed the most successful TikTok marketing campaign ever because it received over 4 billion views and 5 million video contributions.
4. Use TikTok to promote your business
When compared to other platforms like Instagram, TikTok is one of the most exciting new advertising channels because of its massive user base and low advertiser saturation. Due to this, it may be less expensive to gain exposure and interest.
Banner ads on the app’s home screen, sponsored hashtag challenges, and in-feed advertisements are all options for marketers.
Master Social Media and the Video Sharing App TikTok to Get Hired
Video’s widespread popularity as a content type across social media platforms makes it an effective means of reaching out to potential clients. Learn how to grow and engage an audience on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Facebook with the help of DMI’s certified Social Media and Marketing course. You’ll pick up some skills in social research and multi-channel digital marketing as well.