What Is TikTok and How Does It Work?
What is TikTok, how does it work, is it worth spending your time on, and finally: what's the ultimate time to post on TikTok? Today, we’ll answer all the questions you might have about TikTok.
What is TikTok, how does it work, is it worth spending your time on, and finally: what's the ultimate time to post on TikTok? Today, we’ll answer all the questions you might have about TikTok.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a creative and trend-driven social media app for creating, sharing, and watching short video clips, that since its launch in 2017 has gathered a staggering 689 million monthly users. For both independent content creators, businesses, and brands, TikTok is a great platform to promote their work, products, personalities, and ideas in creative ways to a global audience.
TikTok is owned by the Chinese company Bytedance, which is considered one of the most valuable startups in the world. And did we mention that this beloved app is THE place for trending memes and humor in general? There’s simply no good reason not to hang out there.
Why is TikTok so popular?
Some reasons to explain TikTok’s popularity, especially among young people, are the common celebrity sightings, the super-smart algorithm, and the focus on localized content, like nationwide contests and such. However, the biggest USP with TikTok is how easy it is to create, share and take part of creative content globally. For those that haven’t tried out the social media giant yet, we might also add a note about just how addictive it is… Once you’ve started flipping through your For You page, there’s no turning back.
How to use TikTok
Start off by signing up for an account, either with your email address or by connecting to a third-party provider like Facebook. If you don’t create an account, you cannot post anything yourself, just watch. Speaking of watching, the app is divided into two main feeds. The default is For You, an algorithmically generated stream of videos that will be right up your alley. If you swipe left, you’ll find the other one - Following - which features uploads from people you choose to follow. Don’t want to see a certain kind of TikTok in your feed? Hard press on the video to reveal a Not Interested button.
Now, if you want to create and upload content yourself, here’s how you do it:
- Tap + at the bottom of the screen.
- Upload content from your device or use the TikTok camera.
- Add sounds, effects, filters, or other features.
- Start your video by pressing the record button.
- Record your content.
- Tap the checkmark.
- Make additional edits.
- Post your video!
TikToks can, as mentioned, be up to 15 seconds long, but you can also connect multiple clips together for up to ten minutes in total. You can also upload longer videos that have been recorded outside the app itself.
How to duet on TikTok
Once you’ve mastered regular TikToks, why not try experimenting with duets? Duetting on TikTok means the screen will get split in half and let you use the same sound as another creator - simultaneously. To make a duet, tap the share button on the original video, and then hit Duet.
What is the best time to post on TikTok?
According to a large study made by Influencer Marketing Hub, the times listed below are the best times to post when it comes to TikTok. These times are all in EST, and the bolded ones offer an even higher level of engagement, according to the study:
- Monday: 6 AM, 10 AM, 10 PM
- Tuesday: 2 AM, 4 AM, 9 AM
- Wednesday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 11 PM
- Thursday: 9 AM, 12 PM, 7 PM
- Friday: 5 AM, 1 PM, 3 PM
- Saturday: 11 AM, 7 PM, 8 PM
- Sunday: 7 AM, 8 AM, 4 PM
How was the study conducted? Well, they analyzed over 100,000 posts to find the highest engagement rates, so there must be some truth to it. However, there are several factors you have to take into account when deciding on a time to post.
How to go live on TikTok
First off, to even be allowed to go live on TikTok, you must:
- Be 16 years old or older
- Have at least 1,000 followers
Once you’ve ticked those boxes, this is how you go live:
1. Open your TikTok app.
2. Tap the plus sign (the Create button) at the bottom of the screen.
3. At the bottom, swipe to LIVE.
4. Select an image and enter a title for your live stream.
5. When you’re ready, hit the GO LIVE button.
Now, let’s go create some entertaining and very addictive TikTok content, shall we?!
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