TikTok has been in use since 2016 and is now among the most
popular social media platforms. The platform adapts an original approach to the
overall social media experience, where users are encouraged to create short,
but entertaining videos for their followers. This approach made TikTok one of
the most popular online platforms, and the community continues to grow. But
what makes TikTok unique and encourages users to continue their use of the
platform?
What Makes TikTok Unique? A Genuine and Clean Algorithm
TikTok made its launch relatively later compared to previous
platforms such as Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube; but secured a very popular place in the eyes of its users
regardless of this fact. The platform implements a highly modern and innovative
approach to social media algorithms and allows its users to enjoy their time on
the app through exploration. To benefit from the platform effectively, read this.
So, what makes TikTok unique, and how does its algorithm
function to provide users with an unparalleled social media experience?
1. Rapid Data Collection
Implementing an original algorithm is essential for social
media platforms, but not every platform is as successful at it as TikTok, and
there are valid reasons. Platforms such as Twitter and YouTube have to sort out
larger sizes of data; as the written and visual content on this platform often
comes in long texts and videos. Contrarily, TikTok’s algorithm follows and
learns from shorter videos and captions, enabling a smoother learning phase.
Ultimately, this results in a more personalized experience
for users, as they are more likely to see and enjoy content
they are more interested in. This is among the elements that make TikTok
unique, and so far, it has been fairly successful.
2. Organization of Users into Groups
Similar to the algorithms of other social media platforms,
TikTok’s algorithm is highly successful regarding the organization of users
into groups. Through elements such as hashtags, captions, and likes, the
algorithm learns which group of users react to certain content on the app. This
helps the algorithm to bring more relevant videos to users’ feeds and improves
their overall experience.
3. The Opportunity for Exploration
One of the most appealing elements of TikTok’s algorithm is
how much the algorithm encourages the users to explore. A report on the habits
of TikTok users proved that it is very common for
users to interact with videos that are shown as “recommended”. This means that users can broaden their
perspectives by not sticking to the content created solely by the people they
follow. You can also enjoy unique and entertaining videos created by many
others on the platform.
In short, it is safe to assume that its algorithm is among the key elements in making the platform unique, and its
success has enabled TikTok to thrive since the platform’s launch back in 2016.
Exploring TikTok: Content Tailored for Modern Users
As can be seen above, TikTok’s algorithm is key to the
platform’s success. However, the app has already surpassed everyone’s expectations
regarding popularity and authenticity; and this success cannot be limited to
the algorithm.
TikTok hosts users of various talents, interests, and
origins; and therefore, allows users to enjoy content across many different
genres and topics. Let’s investigate how TikTok directs its content to be more
appealing and convincing for the younger generation.
1. Short and Entertaining Videos
According to numerous studies and reports, the attention
span of newer generations is significantly shorter compared to previous
generations. This causes people to watch and read shorter and more precise
content; as it appeals to their way of content consumption. TikTok is arguably
the best social media platform when it comes to adapting to this new way of content
consumption.
Although platforms such as YouTube and Twitter were popular
before TikTok’s launch, the content that was readily available on these
platforms consisted mainly of longer themes. This caused the newer generation
with shorter attention spans to lose their attention to the content on these
platforms and look for newer and more modern platforms.
TikTok met these expectations very successfully and managed
to direct its users to a shorter method of content creation, resulting in more
young people choosing TikTok as their main means of content consumption. This
further pushed platforms such as Instagram and YouTube to implement similar
adaptations such as “Reels” and “Shorts”, in an
effort to match the popularity of TikTok.
2. A Broad Spectrum of Videos
In addition to being highly successful with the length of the content, TikTok is also unmatched
regarding the availability of content categories. The platform is unique in
content diversity, as users share content on topics as different as sports,
current events, trends, fashion, music, and so on. The algorithm will ensure
that you see the most relevant content on your feed, but rest assured, as
different content is always available if you decide to broaden your spectrum of
content consumption and creation.
F.A.Q.
1. What Type of Content Goes “Viral” on TikTok?
There is no single response to this question, as TikTok
contains content related to many different topics and genres. You might want to
keep the length of your videos in check, though, as the users of the platform
opt to consume shorter and more engaging content and may use interest in your videos
if you keep it unnecessarily long.
2. How Can I Interact with Other Users of the Platform?
By being more active on the app! The vast community of
TikTok is among the elements that make the platform unique, and you are right
to wonder how to best interact with this community.
The platform allows users to interact via captions, likes,
and comments. By commenting on content you like, you might get a chance to
communicate with the creator of the video and other users who enjoyed the same
content as you.
