Feature Story

Gailani1

Maha Gailani

Feature Story Assignment

Is TikTok the New Thing?

Were you one of those people who were scrolling through Instagram and suddenly started seeing videos of people doing weird lip-synching? Yep, me too!

Analytics illustrates that demographic cohorts from the millennial to the boomers create short videos and share them with friends via Tik Tok. The online platform has gained popularity across the world because it aids users to share trending issues and challenges within society.

The social media network has realized vast membership globally due to increased interconnectivity through mobile technology in the twenty-first century. Tik Tok has created a platform for individuals, especially influencers, to learn about market trends and how to influence consumer choices. Tik Tok has become a phenomenal global discovery due to its ability to enhance the sharing of visual and audio messages on any topic across an extensive social media network.

But how does it work?

This platform has become one of the most popular global social media platforms because it has allowed individuals to create and discover short music videos making it the most popular application of 2019. The social media app has dominated the younger generation as they use the platform to express themselves through comedy, singing, and dancing. " I’m honestly amazed by the following I have " said Hannah McSorley, a 17-year student to after collecting thousands of tadpoles that attracted 535,000 followers on her account. Hannah’s ingenious activity on Tik Tok reflects heights that teenagers are willing to go to acquire popularity and following on the platform. Millions of teenagers spend most of their time creating videos and sharing them on their accounts to attract followers and enjoy the fandom. Also, the platform allows users to access diverse content from millions of users globally. Tik Tok causes addiction; according to Arshdeep Soni, a 24-year user said, "Sometimes I stay up until two or three in the morning”.

Tik Tok has gained significant success in the market because marketers use the platform to create awareness about their products. Influencer marketing uses social media platforms to endorse products or place them in the market. In line with this, influencers create visual content endorsing certain products to reach the market. An overwhelming membership among young adults has enabled marketers to reach various market segments by creating products that appeal to specific users. Tik Tok has become a significant influence in the music industry by transforming less known artists into stars. Aziz, a 17-year-old American makeup artist praised Tik Tok and said, " We can reach millions across the world ”. It is evident that emerging social media technologies have revolutionized the world by allowing people to share their ideas with their vast audience.

Tik Tok has revealed significant benefits, mainly when used to market products and share essential ideas to media users.

This App became a global success because its target market comprises of the young adults that have free time, love popularity and vast following on the internet. In addition, the social network platform gained popularity amongst teenagers and young adults because it made it possible for people to share personal ideas and opinions through dancing, comedy, and music.

The number of users on the platform has grown as people attempt to catch up with trending news. The platform is a major transformation to how companies will market and do brand endorsement of their products and services. However, Tik Tok like any other social media platforms presents a critical challenge in society that creates addictive effects among teenagers and young adults. “I will not stop using Tik Tok until people know me by name” said my 12 years old cousin.