TikTok has gained an incredible number of users who have been creating and watching 30-second clips over the last couple of years. The app started off as Muscal.ly, but since its rebranding has become influential towards social activism, pop culture and music. Through the variety of trends flowing through the app, it has managed to bring popularity to a new generation of celebrities and content creators able to entertain their audience in under a minute.
Going back to its roots, TikTok had content consisting of dance clips and lip syncing to songs. Later creating a viral challenge with people sharing their rendition of “Renegade,” which gave popularity content creators who are now considered celebrities, such as Charli D’amelio and Addison Rae. Many different users have been able to gain a massive number of followers to the point of creating content houses or opening doors to a career in acting or singing.
Since many TikToks are accompanied by a song in the background, many previously unknown artists such as Megan Thee Stallion and Doja Cat have gotten recognition due to this feature. TikTok is becoming a promotional tool for artists and record labels, encouraging them to write songs that can fit a trend with the idea that it might gain popularity, and thus be the next song featured on the app that can chart in the Billboard 100.
TikTok has grown to have a massive impact on society today with it also being a platform used for social and political activism alongside dance trends. The younger generation has taken TikTok as their outlet to express political opinions and have create open discussions on social and racial injustices. The hashtag Black Lives Matter went viral as way for many users to raise awareness and find ways to support the movement. Another example being users of the app collectively reserving seats for a Donald Trump rally only to not show up as a form of protest. Political figures have also taken the time to create their own Tik Tok accounts as a way to appeal to the younger voters.
TikTok has been downloaded over 2.6 billion times worldwide, becoming one of the most used social media platforms. Its diversity in content can be one of the reasons for its massive popularity, all one has to do is scroll away for new entertaining videos ranging from comedy skits, makeup tips and never-ending new trends.
