The social media video app, Tik Tok, has been blowing up for teens around the world.
Users can create lip-sync videos, share their talents, or assemble short films. These videos can range from 3 to 15 seconds.
Tik Tok launched in September 2016, but really gained popularity in October 2018. As a matter of fact, Tik Tok was downloaded over 68 million times that month, according to businessofapps.com.
Tik Tok has taken over the once popular app, Musical.ly. ByteDance, who owned Tik Tok, bought Musical.ly in November 2017. They rebranded Musical.ly, and then Tik Tok blew up.
One of the most popular parts of Tik Tok is the For You Page. This is where users are shown other people’s content, and it develops an algorithm to show users what they enjoy.
Users often tag their posts #fyp, or #foryoupage in hopes of getting on the popular page. This would boost their follower numbers and gain them likes.
Many students at New Prairie use Tik Tok for entertainment.
“Tik Tok is just a fun way to mess around in my free time. I like to make videos with my friends, and I’ve even gotten on the For You Page a couple of times,” explained sophomore Michael Rodriguez.
Rodriguez has 38 followers, and some of his videos have received upwards of 80 likes. A couple have even gotten almost 2,000 views.
Tik Tok has blown over the past year.
“People enjoy laughing at other people’s videos as comedy.” said sophomore Shayla Harris. “Some people use Tik Tok just as a way to express themselves with creative content without the pressure of other people’s opinions.” she added.
Harris also enjoys making Tik Toks herself to show off to her 358 followers.
“It’s very enjoyable and I can make videos with my friends and post them and laugh about them afterwards. I also enjoy reading the comments on other people’s videos,” she said.
In spite of the fact that Tik Tok is made for enjoyment, some videos may be inappropriate.
This could include cyber bullying, PG-13 jokes, and sexual references.
Even though the minimum age to download the app is thirteen, children still get their hands on it.
To take control of this, Tik Tok has added privacy settings so users have to approve follow requests, as well as parental controls.
Senior Shaye Tolch drew attention to the fact that Tik Tok can be age sensitive.
“Tik Tok is a good entertainment source, but just for 13 year olds and up. Some of the content is a little inappropriate,” she voiced.
Many feel as if Tik Tok is the new Vine. After the popular app shut down in 2017, many Tik Tok creators have made similar content. The similar format make users reminisce about when they enjoyed Vine.
“Tik Tok has blown up because it’s taking Vine’s spot as one of the entertainment outlets that’s mostly positive and funny”, adds Tolch.
Whether you just like to watch other content, or make videos of your own, Tik Tok is sure to entertain for hours.