Since its release to the international market in September 2017, TikTok has taken social media by storm. This application (app) is the brainchild of Chinese platform Douyin and lip-syncing app Musical.ly. Now, the app has accumulated one billion monthly active users and continues to attract more each day, making it one of the most popular video-sharing platforms out there. So, why has TikTok gained so much popularity?

In today’s generation, everything is easily accessible and is given with light speed. Want to binge a television show? Turn on Netflix. Want to order food? Open Postmates. Most daily desires can be easily and quickly satisfied thanks to technological advancements. This has, in turn, shortened our attention span and reduced our level of patience, thus psychologically making apps like TikTok more successful. Because all videos posted are within 15 seconds or 60 seconds, users can become satisfied with the content in a single video fast before simply swiping to the next post. 

Additionally, there are many features on this app that attract both viewers and creators. With its variety of effects, filters, and video editing techniques, users can tailor their videos into their desired products to the extent of their imagination. With an explore page, similar to Instagram, viewers can click on trending hashtags to watch videos that pertain to the one they chose. Furthermore, there are multiple “genres” of videos that people can see, from theatre-based content to comedy. There’s something for almost everyone on TikTok, which explains why the app has reached such a wide audience. 

The increased popularity of this platform has given many users a chance to reach stardom, or become “TikTok famous.” Now, there are creators on this app such as Charli D’amelio who have amassed followings of millions, which has sparked meet-and-greets, merchandise, and other activities pertaining to social media influencers. 

Although this app is relatively new, its exponential popularity has made it one of the most popular social media platforms right now. Although we are unsure of what future social media has, TikTok has definitely earned its place.