- Public Versus Private Accounts: TikTok offers a “private” account option that restricts videos from being visible to the public. However, this option is not popular because it prevents the user’s videos from appearing on the “for you” page, which could hinder the user from gaining popularity.
- The “Algorithm” –Will this be the word of the year? How does TikTok determine what I will find interesting or funny? Here’s how it works: TikTok monitors and analyzes user engagement (how you interact with the videos it offers) to keep users engaged on the app. For instance, if a user quickly skips over a video, similar videos will be shown less frequently. However, if a user engages with a video by commenting, liking, sharing, or watching the entire video, more similar videos will be displayed on their ‘For You’ page.
- Reposts: TikTok now has a new feature that enables users to repost videos from other public accounts that they come across on their For You Page (FYP). This is often how videos start to go viral, as the FYP is made up of videos recommended to you by your algorithm (see #2).
- Short videos and short attention spans: TikTok is famous for its brief videos and endless scrolling. These videos are just long enough to maintain attention, and the constant flow of new content makes it effortless to stay entertained on the app.
- TikTok Shop: Expanding into the e-commerce side of the internet, users can now explore and shop directly within the TikTok app. Additionally, there are options for live shopping events where popular creators can host live events connected to the shop, selling items in real-time. TikTok creators can also add tags to their videos, making it easy for users to access their shops and earn commissions.
-iParent101 Team
BONUS POINT: TIKTOK TOK IN THE NEWS!
What is happening with the TikTok ban? For years, congress has been trying to ban TikTok. Does this mean that it will be directly removed from phones everywhere? No. If this bill is passed, it will give the company that owns TikTok nine months to sell their company, and if they fail to do this, that will result in a “ban”. Most likely, it is predicted that if this ban goes through, it will not be deleted from phones and will still be an app. However, the app could not be available in Apple/Android app stores, and TikTok itself will stop having app updates and bug fixes. Users can then run into more safety issues and possible viruses on the app.