Tik Tok, the new social media app taking over all other platforms. Stemming from Musical.ly, the two apps merged into one back in 2018 and is now a sensation across all age groups.
What sets it apart from other social media apps, such as Instagram and Snapchat, is its ‘For You’ page, which boasts a personalized algorithm. The ‘For You’ page, similar to Instagram’s explore page, gives a good blend of videos by both frequent and infrequent users.
Tik Tok also features a ‘Following’ page, which is similar to the main feed on other social media apps like Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Instead of starting the user off on their ‘following’ page, Tik Tok starts the user off on the ‘For You’ page. This is fairly different from other social media apps, and it is what makes Tik Tok so addicting. Its endless homegrown content balances out with its manufactured content.
With there being such a focus on promoting other people’s content, practically anyone can become famous on the app–no matter one’s size, race, or sexuality. Some of it’s biggest influencers have been, in fact, gay. At some point in 2019, the internet could not get enough of the viral Tik Tok couple Benji and Jay Jay.
Songs such as “Bulletproof” by La Roux and “Stay” by Rihanna have also been revived after a trend sweeps them across the ‘For You’ page. There seems to be a new song revived from our early memories each week, giving a song another chance on the charts and, sometimes, making the song more famous than it was originally, such as Alt-j’s “Breezeblocks.”
With these songs come new trends. The trends range from cuddling with partners and dancing to songs to walking up steps. There are basically no limits to what you can find on Tik Tok.
The app has even gained attention across the staff here at C.K. McClatchy High School. One staff member, Mrs. Archuleta, says, “It’s funny and I like the dancing. I especially love the bhangra dance on the app.”
“I love learning new Tik Tok dances, and I also love watching all the drama with the hype house,” says Carlie Floyd (‘21).
However, the app can only vary so much from other social media platforms. Just like every other app, there is drama. From Chick-fil-A to racism to homophobia, the internet can not quite seem to agree. But, with a swipe, it all goes away.
Another CKM student states, “I love Tik Tok, period. It’s the best app ever. So funny and hilarious, lit-rally love.” (Aldina Kelecija ‘21)
From infecting the feeds of Instagram and Twitter users to people dancing along to “Renegade” in the halls, it’s impossible to say that Tik Tok has not caused you any amusement. If not, download the app and let the algorithm do its job.