What is TikTok? How it works, terms, and quick, simple download

Dubbed the rising giant in the global social media race, TikTok with 1 billion users per month has made the name known to generations from old to young and even those who are not tech-savvy. Let’s find out what TikTok is and how to make money from this platform!

What is TikTok? Where is TikTok from?

In 2016, ByteDance launched the Douyin app, developed specifically for the Chinese market. According to that, this app only took about 200 days to develop but received a tremendous welcome from the Gen Z generation here. This success in part can be explained because YouTube and Facebook, the two largest social networking sites in the world, are banned in China.

After a short time, the attraction of famous people, the magical metamorphosis trends of the “ca ca, tỉ tỉ” in China spread dizzyingly and gradually became known by many people. Chinese music is also widely disseminated to young people around the world through that.

ByteDance recognized the potential and started developing a global app called “TikTok”. Accordingly, ByteDance also integrated the data of old users who had traveled with them and Muscial.ly before developing TikTok.

Currently, TikTok has more than 1.1 billion users over 18 years old and is always ranked very high in downloads on Google Play and the App Store.

What content does TikTok have?

TikTok has no restrictions on topics, you can find almost any content on this platform. However, popular videos often revolve around trends, ancient costumes, dance covers, reviews, travel, funny videos, … The maximum length of a video on TikTok is 10 minutes.

In addition to videos with millions of views, TikTok also has extremely unique and constantly updated filters, allowing you to freely take pictures and selfies.

The livestream feature of TikTok supports interaction with other users and as an effective online sales marketing method. This feature is further upgraded when in 2022, TikTok launched TikTok Shop, a store integrated into the app for convenient shopping right on livestream.

How does TikTok app work?

At the main interface of TikTok, it is divided into 4 main sections, including “Live”, “Friends”, “Following” and “For You”.

• Live: In the Live section, random users/KOLs who are livestreaming on this platform will be displayed. Friends are videos posted by your friends (people you keep in your address book or cross-follow).
• Following: It only displays videos from the people you follow.
• For You: Video will appear based on your preferences, search history, and viewing habits.

To start shooting your own video, you press the + mark below the middle of the screen and select a video with the desired length. Choose effects, music, and press the red button to start shooting.

How to download the latest TikTok app

Step 1: To start joining this popular social network, you need to download the TikTok app in the following 2 ways:

• Download TikTok for iOS
• Download TikTok for Android

Step 2: After downloading, you open the app and choose to register in one of the following 3 ways:

• Use phone number or email.
• Use Facebook.
• Use Google account.

Step 3: If you choose to register with a phone number or email, you will be directed to the OTP entry interface. At this time, an OTP code consisting of 4 digits will be sent to your SMS or email address. You enter the OTP code into the app.

Step 4: After successfully entering the OTP code, you will be taken to the “Set password” section, then enter your date of birth and choose the video topics you want to watch. You can also add an avatar, bio later because these are not required content.

Note that TikTok only allows users 13 years and older to join this social network!

In addition, you can use CapCut to edit photos/videos and publish them on Tiktok. TikTok also supports sharing videos on two current major social networking platforms which are Instagram and YouTube.

Risks to consider when using TikTok

Invasion of privacy

In fact, any social networking site or website will need to collect personal information data. Some use the data for personalizing the user experience, providing products/services that match the age, gender, and desires of users. However, these data can currently be leaked, leading to many annoying messages and calls.

Harmful content

Some Tiktokers specialize in producing harmful content such as environmental destruction, food waste, 18+ videos, or videos with accompanying disturbing content that propagates distorted ideas, causing young people to be distracted, easily imitate and form bad habits.

Negative effects on mental health

Using the phone continuously for many hours will affect eye health and the nervous system. Decreased vision, fatigue, and insomnia, plus using headphones to listen to full sound are not good for the tympanic membrane.

In addition, reading negative comments can make you more vulnerable, depressed, and fearful.

TikTok terms to know

What is a TikToker?

Since TikTok developed, those who participate in this social networking site are called Tiktoker. And those who become famous thanks to this social platform are called hot Tiktokers. Similar to how people call YouTuber or Blogger. This is currently a very popular profession among young people due to unlimited creativity, simple content, and independent earning potential.

What is a TikTok hashtag?

Similar to other social networking sites such as Facebook or YouTube, TikTok also has hashtags # to push up trends (trending). For videos that are not popular, the display and interaction rates will be very low, so if you attach hot trend hashtags, the appearance rate will be higher, and the video will be easier to find.

What is a TikTok ID?

Each TikTok user will have their own ID starting with “@” symbol, you can use this ID to search for users more quickly, instead of having to search by name.

What is a TikTok Coin 

Tiktok Coin is a form of virtual currency that can only be used on the Tiktok app. By converting real money into your TikTok account, you can use it to donate to favorite TikTokers when watching their livestream.

What is Duet on TikTok 

Duet is a feature that allows you to shoot a video with another TikToker. When choosing Duet, you will be able to choose parallel shooting styles such as: Left Right, Green Screen, React, and Top Bottom.

Conclusion

Above is all the information about the hottest TikTok social network. Hopefully, through the article, readers have a clear understanding of what TikTok is, how it works, how to download it, as well as useful information about TikTok app.