If you’ve heard people talking about TikTok, but you’re not sure what it is or why everyone has suddenly decided to use it, you’re not alone! TikTok was originally released in China as Douyin, but it received such high praise from users that the developers were quick to translate the app into different languages and expand to other markets outside of China. This social media platform has quickly become one of the most popular ways to share videos across the world and make friends and connections from all around the globe.
What is TikTok?
TikTok, formerly known as Musical.ly, is a video-sharing app that allows users to create short clips of up to 15 seconds. These short clips can be accompanied by music either downloaded from other users or uploaded directly onto your account and shared with others. As a fun activity between friends, or just a way to kill time, TikTok has become increasingly popular in recent years; currently boasting more than 500 million users globally. And while some aspects of the app remain fairly self-explanatory, there are certain quirks that have spawned numerous misconceptions about how it works.
How To Use TikTok
TikTok (also known as Douyin) is a multimedia mobile app that allows users to upload, edit, and share videos. Created by Byte Dance (the same Reel Craze company behind popular app Jinri Toutiao), TikTok has gained massive popularity in just a few short months. Similar to other mobile video apps such as Musical.ly, musical.ly, or Instagram, the appeal of TikTok lies in its ease of use; users can create videos in under 60 seconds with minimal effort. It’s like moving photos from your phone onto Snapchat or Instagram Stories but it’s all done within one app for a streamlined experience that many millennials are sure to love!
How to Create an Awesome Profile
Make sure your profile looks professional by following these four steps: First, use a high-quality image for your profile picture. You can even go with a close-up of your face just to make sure you look good! Second, choose a fitting username that fits your brand or project (no exclamation points). Third, write an interesting bio (again, no capital letters) that conveys what you’re all about. Finally, be sure to add links to any other social media platforms where people can find more content from you. And don’t forget to link back to your website! For example, I linked my Twitter account in my bio and also added a link at the end of my posts in every week’s assignment.
Discovering New Music on This Platform
With any app, there are dos and don’ts. Below we’ve outlined a few tips to make sure you’re using TikTok to its fullest potential! If you have any further questions or suggestions, don’t hesitate to reach out in the comments below. Happy snapping!
Do’s and Don’ts on Using this App
With all of its popularity, there are many different opinions out there about how to use TikTok. It can be easy to get lost in all of these opinions, so here’s a quick rundown of some guidelines
that have helped others understand what makes up a good or interesting video (also commonly referred to as a TikTok).
Do’s include taking your time making your videos, which helps you think through
what your message might be and shows off your creativity. It’s also important to remain consistent with posting quality content
if you put out one great video today but then spend two weeks leaving comments instead of
posting another video, people will quickly forget who you are!
Don’t make excuses for lackluster content either. If you’re not proud of something, don’t post it. If someone else has already posted something similar, don’t feel like you need to follow suit right away.
In fact, if someone else has posted something similar recently, consider creating something even better next time around! Finally, don’t forget that having fun while using TikTok is key so make sure to do just that! The app isn’t intended to be used as a serious marketing tool or an avenue for self-promotion; rather it should be used as an opportunity to share some laughs with friends and followers alike.