Ever heard of TikTok? A platform for sharing short videos, it has revolutionised the way trends and fashions spread around the world.
Since its international launch in 2018, TikTok has gained meteoric popularity, particularly among the younger generation.
In a short space of time, the app has become a major catalyst for the emergence of new trends in fashion, music, dance, cuisine, and even certain social behaviors. In this article, find out how TikTok is influencing our lives and shaping today’s popular culture.
The story of TikTok, known as Douyin in China, is one of a lightning rise in the world of social media. Its impact is so strong that it can make or break trends as it sees fit. For example, the famous Plinko game would probably not have become so popular without the help of tiktokeurs, who showed just how financially interesting it was to play.
A decisive turning point in TikTok’s history was the acquisition of Musical.ly, a music video sharing app popular with teenagers, in November 2017 for around $1 billion.
In August 2018, ByteDance merged Musical.ly with TikTok, consolidating its user base and extending its influence internationally. This merger enabled TikTok to benefit from Musically’s large community and strengthen its market position.
A trendsetter
TikTok works on the basis of a powerful algorithm that recommends personalised content to its users, enabling videos to go viral in just a few hours. Challenges, initiated by users or by TikTok itself, play a crucial role in setting trends. Whether it’s synchronised dancing, innovative recipes or fashion transformations, TikTok challenges can propel an idea to global visibility almost instantly.
And all artistic trends are involved: fashion, dance, music, politics. Unknown artists have seen their songs go viral and launch their musical careers, while other trends born on TikTok have spread worldwide. The app has also been a vehicle for social activism, enabling young people to express themselves on subjects close to their hearts.
Influence on fashion and style
In fashion, TikTok has helped popularise previously unknown brands and designers. TikTok influencers, armed with their unique sense of style and creativity, inspire their followers to adopt new ways of dressing.
Videos showing fashion tips, shopping presentations and sartorial transformations encourage fashion consumption in a fun and accessible way. TikTok also has an impact on the life cycle of fashion trends, accelerating their emergence and, sometimes, their disappearance.
The app has also transformed the music industry. Many artists have seen their songs become global hits after being used in viral videos on the platform. TikTok dances, often associated with songs, themselves become global hits, replicated by millions of users. This phenomenon has led record producers to a new form of musical discovery, where popularity on TikTok can launch artists’ careers.
Lil Nas X is probably the most famous example of an artist whose career was catapulted by TikTok. His song Old Town Road went viral on the platform, contributing to its worldwide success. It broke records by staying at the top of the Billboard Hot 100 for 19 consecutive weeks, a feat never seen before.
Another example is Olivia Rodrigo’s runaway success with her song Drivers License, which quickly invaded TikTok after its release. Users created and shared thousands of videos using her song, contributing to its rapid ascent up the music charts. Drivers License broke several streaming records and solidified Olivia Rodrigo’s position as a rising pop star.
Challenges and controversies
Despite its success, TikTok has faced several challenges, including concerns about privacy, data security and censorship. Some countries have expressed concerns about the management of users’ personal information and the potential influence of the Chinese government on the app. These concerns have led to regulatory investigations and, in some cases, temporary or permanent bans on the app.
The future of TikTok
Today, TikTok continues to grow and evolve, diversifying beyond short videos to include features such as e-commerce, education and music streaming services. Despite regulatory challenges and increasing competition, TikTok remains a dominant force in the social media landscape, shaping the way future generations will consume and interact with digital content.
The app is undeniably a major force in defining and spreading contemporary trends. Its impact goes beyond entertainment to touch significant aspects of popular culture and social behavior.
By continuing to evolve, TikTok remains at the forefront of discovering tomorrow’s trends. Its role as a launching pad for new ideas and as a space for expression for the younger generation confirms its status as an essential cultural phenomenon.
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