TikTok Growth: When did TikTok Become so Popular

Teenagers in the West might remember Musical.ly, the app that allowed users to create and share short music videos. Meanwhile, in the East, Douyin had already captured a significant audience. In 2018, these two platforms merged to form TikTok, paving the way for the app’s astonishing rise in popularity.

TikTok’s user base has ballooned to an impressive 1.6 billion people worldwide. This surge is largely attributed to ByteDance's effective marketing strategies, which have placed TikTok at the forefront of youth culture by advertising on other popular social media platforms. Despite its widespread use among younger demographics, many people over 30 might still be unfamiliar with the app.

See just How Fast TikTok has Risen to Dominance

TikTok's journey to becoming a global sensation is nothing short of remarkable. With over 1.6 billion users in more than 150 countries, it has quickly climbed the ranks. The app has amassed more than 3 billion downloads worldwide, making it one of the most downloaded apps in multiple regions. TikTok has become a platform where 1 in 4 users don't engage with any other social media, allowing brands unprecedented access to new audiences.

A Brief History of Musical.ly

Musical.ly originated from China, where it was founded by Alex Zhu and Luyu Yang in Shanghai in 2014. Their initial venture was an online learning platform featuring short videos, which didn't attract enough interest to be sustainable. Fortunately, they had remaining funds and decided to shift their focus towards the entertainment industry.

The idea behind Musical.ly was to create a social network that combined video and music. Zhu and Yang aimed to simplify the process of creating and sharing music videos with friends. The app was launched in both China and the United States, but it gained significant traction among American teenagers. This demographic enjoyed making lip-sync videos, quickly propelling the app into the spotlight.

By July 2015, Musical.ly had amassed a notable user base and overtook major platforms like Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram in iOS popularity rankings. Users—who dubbed themselves "musers"—actively participated in creating and sharing content.

Key Milestones and Innovations

• 2014: Musical.ly was founded by Alex Zhu and Luyu Yang in Shanghai, China.
• 2015: Achieved significant popularity, particularly among American teenagers.
• 2016: Launched Live.ly, a live-streaming platform for real-time performances.

In May 2016, Musical.ly reached an impressive milestone with 70 million downloads. The platform captivated a music-obsessed youth and expanded beyond just lip-synching. Aspiring musicians uploaded videos of their original songs, and non-musical content like comedy skits began to appear, attracting a diverse user base.

One important factor behind Musical.ly's success was its ability to secure deals with major music companies. In 2016, they inked a deal with Warner Music Group, allowing users to stream licensed music without any legal issues. They replicated this model with other rights holders, enabling teenagers to upload short clips of themselves lip-synching copyrighted material freely.

Musical.ly continued to evolve, offering new features and expanding its user base. The introduction of Live.ly provided a platform for live broadcasting, which further engaged users and showcased their talents.

Musical.ly's growth was fueled by innovation and strategic partnerships, making it a favorite among young people seeking a creative and social outlet.

The success laid the groundwork for its eventual evolution into TikTok, which would become a global phenomenon in the social media landscape.

TikTok Before its Merger

Bytedance launched Douyin in China in September 2016. Impressively, the team developed the app within just 200 days. Within a year, the app had garnered 100 million users, who watched over 1 billion videos every day. In September 2017, Bytedance expanded Douyin to international markets, where it was rebranded as TikTok. By January 2018, TikTok had become the top free mobile app in several countries, including Thailand.

TikTok Buys Musical.ly

ByteDance acquired Musical.ly on November 9, 2017, for an estimated $1 billion. This strategic move was aimed primarily at expanding TikTok’s presence in the U.S. teenage market, which Musical.ly already dominated.

Existing accounts from both platforms were merged into a single application now known as TikTok, while Douyin, the Chinese version, was maintained as a separate entity. Douyin continues to be immensely popular in China with over 300 million monthly active users.

Despite the merger, TikTok retains the essential features of Musical.ly. Users can still upload and share 15-second videos, often set to music clips, staying true to the platform's origins.

The New TikTok Has Less of a Musical Emphasis

You will notice that TikTok now hosts a broad array of video categories far beyond the musical roots of its predecessor, Musical.ly. While the platform still has millions of users attempting to sing, you will also come across videos showcasing uncoordinated dancing, pranks gone awry, and other unconventional activities.

In addition to this, TikTok has expanded to include content such as dancing, cooking, magic tricks, playing with pets, and re-enacting comedy skits. The content diversity provides users with endless entertainment beyond just music.

The Rise and Expansion of TikTok and Douyin

TikTok first appeared in China, locally known as Douyin, in September 2016. This platform quickly gained momentum in its native market, encouraging its parent company, ByteDance, to launch an international version the following year.

Originally, TikTok was primarily used for short-form videos, especially lip-syncing and dancing. Today, it has expanded into a wide-ranging video service, appealing to diverse audience interests with various content types.

Why TikTok Prevails:

• Algorithm: One of TikTok's key strengths is its algorithm, which customizes video feeds to user preferences, keeping engagement levels high.
  
  
• Popularity: For the past three years, TikTok consistently ranks as the top downloaded app. In Q1 2020, it hit a peak with 318 million downloads, the most any app had ever achieved in a single quarter outside China.
  
  
• Global Presence: TikTok is available in over 150 countries and ranks among the most downloaded apps in more than 40 countries. With over 1.6 billion users, it’s a highly attractive platform for brands to reach a broad audience.
  
  

TikTok is distinct in that 1 in 4 users do not participate in any other social platforms. This unique quality offers brands a fresh opportunity to engage with new audiences. Whether your target audience includes teenagers or adults up to 55 years old, having a presence on TikTok can significantly enhance your reach.

Douyin's Dominance in China:

• User Growth: By 2025, it's expected that Douyin will have over 835 million users.
  
  
• Cultural Impact: Douyin has established itself as a leading platform for knowledge, culture, and art within China.
  
  

Thus, both TikTok and Douyin have not only revolutionized how short videos are shared and consumed but have also established themselves as dominant forces in both the global and domestic social media landscapes.

Celebrities Take an Interest in TikTok

As TikTok's popularity surged, it was only a matter of time before celebrities and high-profile individuals began engaging with the platform. Late-night comedian Jimmy Fallon played a pivotal role in TikTok's rise in the United States. In a November 2018 segment on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, he highlighted various TikTok videos and suggested viewers use the platform for sharing lip-syncing clips of standup comedy routines. He also introduced several challenges, such as the #TumbleweedChallenge, where participants roll around like a tumbleweed to an old western movie soundtrack.

Beyond Fallon, skateboard legend Tony Hawk has found a substantial following on TikTok. With a verified account boasting 3.5 million followers and over 22 million likes, his few, yet highly popular videos have captured the interest of many.

Another notable figure on TikTok is Arnold Schwarzenegger. Known for his iconic roles and fitness advocacy, Schwarzenegger joined TikTok in March and began sharing content centered around health and fitness. His dedicated hashtag, #likearnold, has become quite popular on the platform.

Other celebrities have also jumped on the TikTok bandwagon. Here are a few notable names:

• Jennifer Lopez
• Amy Schumer
• Paris Hilton
• Swae Lee
• Marshmello
• Jason Derulo
• Charlie Puth

These celebrities use TikTok to connect with fans, participate in viral challenges, and showcase their personal interests. From hilarious skits to impressive dance moves, their involvement has only added to TikTok's appeal, engaging a diverse and expansive audience.

The Emergence of TikTok's Leading Personalities

1. Khaby Lame (@khaby.lame) - 162.9M followers, 2.5B likes

Khaby Lame masters the art of visual humor by highlighting the absurdity of life’s simple tasks. His silent reactions to complex life hacks have turned him into an internet sensation, earning him a massive following.

2. Charli D'Amelio (@charlidamelio) - 155.5M followers, 11.7B likes

Charli D'Amelio is celebrated for her captivating dance routines and relatable teenage life. Her consistent uploads and engaging content have secured her spot as one of the most followed creators on TikTok.

3. Bella Poarch (@bellapoarch) - 94.1M followers, 2.3B likes

Bella Poarch gained fame through her lip-syncing videos and creatively crafted content. Her viral success on TikTok has led to opportunities in music and beyond, showing the platform’s power in launching careers.

4. MrBeast (@mrbeast) - 103.5M followers, 992.9M likes

MrBeast, known for his extravagant stunts and philanthropic endeavors, has captivated millions on TikTok. His large-scale giveaways and engaging challenges make him one of the most popular personalities.

5. Addison Rae (@addisonre) - 88.8M followers, 5.8B likes

Addison Rae’s energetic dance videos and engaging personality have made her a household name. Her influence on TikTok has also opened doors to acting and music, highlighting the diverse opportunities available to top creators.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Did the Merger of Musical.ly and TikTok Impact User Growth?

The combination of Musical.ly and TikTok played a pivotal role in TikTok's surge as a premier social media app. Post-merger, TikTok’s global user base expanded dramatically, reaching 1.6 billion users. This impressive growth was fueled by aggressive marketing efforts from ByteDance, which were particularly aimed at younger demographics.

What Kinds of Content are Popular on TikTok Today?

TikTok’s content landscape has diversified beyond its initial focus on music and lip-sync videos. Today, you can find a wide array of topics, including:

• Dancing
• Cooking
• Comedy and Pranks
• DIY Projects

This variety ensures that there’s something for everyone, supporting robust engagement and catering to a broad target audience.

How Does TikTok’s Algorithm Drive Its Success?

TikTok's algorithm excels in personalizing content for users, enhancing their experience. By analyzing viewing habits, the algorithm recommends videos tailored to individual preferences. This personalized approach not only keeps users engaged but also boosts user retention. High engagement levels are achieved as users spend more time on the app, thanks to the algorithm's knack for serving relevant content.

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