tiktok

TikTok is a short-form video social media platform owned by the Chinese company ByteDance. It enables users to create, edit, and share short videos with music, filters, and effects. The service operates globally, while a separate Chinese version, Douyin, runs in mainland China with similar functionality but separate content and data servers. TikTok originated in 2017 after ByteDance merged Musical.ly with TikTok, and it was released internationally in 2018.

Core features include an algorithm-driven feed known as the For You Page (FYP), which recommends videos based on user interactions, video information, and device data. Users can like, comment, share, and follow creators, and they can use features such as duets and stitches to collaborate. Videos traditionally ranged from 15 to 60 seconds, with longer formats added later. The platform also supports live streaming and a range of editing tools, music tracks, and visual effects.

TikTok has a global user base across age groups, with a strong emphasis on younger users and frequent content creators. It has shaped music, trends, and online culture through viral challenges and sounds. The app is primarily ad-supported, with in-app purchases and monetization options for creators, including a Creator Fund, brand partnerships, and live gifts in some markets. It has also pursued e-commerce features and shopping integrations.

TikTok has faced scrutiny over data privacy, security, content moderation, and safety measures in multiple jurisdictions, leading to investigations, policy updates, and sometimes proposed restrictions.