TikTok...the Media of Covid

 For me, TikTok was the social media I used most during Covid. I think many others of my generation can say the same. TikTok was released in China in 2016 and became worldwide in 2018. Then, it was the most downloaded app in 2019, 2020 and 2021. TikTok has one billion monthly users and 90% of those individuals use the app for an average of 52 minutes per day. A TikTok video can consist of a tutorial, dance or anything you want. The TikTok algorithm analyzes the videos people watch and customizes their FYP (For You Page) to show similar videos. Using hashtags, popular sounds, trending dances and unique content can generate more views and cause a creator to go "viral". TikTok also allows users to comment on videos, stream live content, participate in challenges and use various filters on their videos. One of the most exciting uses for TikTok is the ability for marketing on the app. Chipotle, Red Bull, Fortnite, Nike and many other brands utilize the platform to boost and promote their products. Brands can also partner with content creators to boost their products (often referred to as UGC (user-generated content). 

    Personally, I love TikTok. The platform is less focused on creators having perfect lives. TikTok is goofy and unique. I love that I do not have to follow certain people for intriguing content to show up. Most of the videos I see are fitness, food, animal or travel related. I never see toxic or inappropriate videos but I occasionally see videos that update me on what is happening in the world. This is a valuable feature because I rarely check the news. It is so intriguing to me that every person who uses TikTok has a different feed of videos. For example, my boyfriend rarely uses TikTok but his videos are primarily car videos. I would love to shadow a TikTok employee to see what content shows up for various people. It will also be interesting to see how long the platform stays popular or if it will die off in five years. 

    On another note, do you remember Musically? Musically was virtually the same platform as TikTok. People danced to videos and used popular sounds to gain views. However, Musically had much less variation. Fitness videos, car videos, tutorials and other videos were not popular on Musically. Did you guys use Musically? What is your favorite social media platform? Stay awesome and enjoy the beautiful weather!