How it Started
 
          Tik Tok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms globally and has a unique start-up story. Before Tik Tok became the social network we know today, it had three different names. In 2014 an app called Musical.ly was created in Shanghai, China. ByteDance, a tech giant based out of China, launched Douyin, an app inspired by Musical.ly, two years later. As users and popularity grew, ByteDance, decided to buy Musical.ly in 2018 and create a
new media platform, Tik Tok.

 
How to Access the Platform
 
          Tik Tok is a social media platform where you can share videos, interact with friends,
and create content. The app is available in 155 different countries to IOS and Android
phone users. To use Tik Tok, you must have access to a mobile phone or laptop, an
email address, and a Wi-Fi or cellular connection. After creating your account, you can customize the settings and profile. Users then have the option to follow friends, like videos, and share content.
 
          Those interested in watching Tik Tok videos but do not want to create an account or download the app can visit                                               Here you can view and search for videos or accounts and share videos to other social networks or messaging platforms.
 
What is Tik Tok? 
 
          Tik Tok is a social media platform that allows you to share videos. You can create videos on your device and upload them or record videos using the app. Tik Tok restricts video to be under three minutes. You can also connect with friends and discover new users on the For You Page. This is where Tik Tok plays videos that are trending or that may interest you. Users can like, share, comment, go live, and duet videos.
 
2020's Version of the Social Media Blog 
 
          About 41% of Tik Tok's users are between the age of 16 and 24, making Gen Z the predominant generation to use the app                               Tik Tok is Gen Z's first app to have made popular; it was Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook for Millennials. New trends, public figures, and video content have set Gen Z apart from past generations and how they used social media. In the early 2000s to 2010s, social media was used as a form of communication, whether for business or personal use. The new generation has moved on from using platforms to post about their trip to the beach accompanied by a funny one-liner or inspirational quote and thought outside the box about how they can discuss politics, climate studies, art, cinema, and so much more.
 
Embracing the Mundane and Ignoring the Extravagant 
 
          It is no secret that a lot of what we see on social media is fake. For so long, influencers have profited from sharing their extravagant and luxurious lifestyles with their followers. They may post about driving expensive cars, wearing designer clothing, and traveling to the nicest hotels. While it may be intriguing to follow these people and see how they live their lives, it has ultimately caused a belief that influencers must live perfect lives because they only post about the good. The belief is not only false but extremely harmful as well. With Tik Tok on the rise in popularity, more and more videos tagged "A day in my life" have become increasingly popular. Tik Tok users capture and sometimes commentate in these videos as they complete the simplest tasks like going shopping, doing their hair, and making dinner. It may seem boring, but it has brought a sense of reality that has been missing back to social media.
 
Social Media Platforms Collide

          Tik Tok allows its users to share their content or other users content to different social media platforms. If you were to visit your Instagram's explore page, you might see Tik Tok videos appear. Many popular Instagram pages and users share viral Tik Tok videos or content from their Tik Tok account to their other social media pages. As Tik Tok became more popular, the videos spread and went viral on other platforms. Tik Tok has made sharing content with others and non-users easier than ever.
 
Marketer's New Best Friend

          More and more businesses have been joining Tik Tok with hopes to reach a younger audience. Small businesses have become popular by posting about their operations, staff, and history. Many have noticed that consumers are more likely to purchase their products if they post about themselves and how their businesses play a role in their lives. Larger businesses have also seen increases in popularity after posting funny videos or commenting on other's videos. Companies such as The Washington Post, Saturday Night Live, and the NBA have taken to Tik Tok with hopes to reach new consumers.
 
Art Taking New Paths

          Tik Tok has given users the ability to
experiment with their creativity. Painters,
sculptors, video editors, dancers, singers, and so

many more have been given a platform to share

their passions and talents with a larger audience.

Tik Tok has also made it more accessible for

artists are to connect and collaborate with

other artists. 
 
The End

        Other social media platforms are noticing Tik Tok's growing popularity. It is no surprise that companies like Instagram and Facebook have added new features inspired by Tik Tok. Features like IGTV and Reels on Instagram and Watch on Facebook are similar to Tik Tok's For You Page. Tik Tok has reinvented the social media network, and its effects are just beginning.