Understanding TikTok: How the Platform Works and How to Use It

What is TikTok and what is it for?

TikTok, originally launched as Musical.ly, is a video-sharing platform that has gained prominence for its ability to allow users to create and share short videos, often characterized by music and creative performances.
Over the years, TikTok has expanded the maximum video duration to up to 10 minutes (since 2022), responding to users’ requests for more space for creativity.
Users can customize their videos with a wide range of filters, special effects, and playback speeds, making each creation unique and personal.

How Does TikTok Work and Why Is It So Popular?

TikTok has revolutionized the way people interact with video content.
The platform operates as a mix between Vine, Snapchat, and karaoke, focusing primarily on entertainment.
Users can follow other profiles, like videos, comment, and create a constant interaction environment.
What makes TikTok unique is its machine learning technology, which uses artificial intelligence to personalize users’ feeds, showing content that reflects their interests and previous interactions.

How to Use TikTok

To start using TikTok, follow these key steps that will guide you from installation to interaction on the platform.

Downloading the App on Android and iOS

To download TikTok, you can access the app store of your device.
On Android devices, open the Google Play Store, search for TikTok, and press “Install.” On iOS devices, visit the App Store, find TikTok, tap “Get,” and verify your identity.
To continue, enter your date of birth.
The age limit to use TikTok is 13 years.

Registering and Creating an Account

To create an account, you need to enter your email or phone number, or choose to log in via Facebook, Twitter, Google, or Instagram.
To set up your profile page, similar to Instagram, you can upload a profile picture, view videos uploaded, find new friends to follow, and access Settings.
Your profile displays the number of users followed, followers, and likes received.

Navigating Among Sections and Discovering Functions

Once you’ve created your profile, you can access the app’s main page, the Home, where a new video will be immediately displayed.
The toolbar at the bottom features sections like Home, trending videos, Create, Notifications, and Profile.
You can interact with videos by liking, commenting, adding to favorites, or sharing on other social networks.

Interacting with Other Users

You can interact with content and other users by liking videos, commenting, adding to favorites, or sharing on other platforms.
Follow accounts that share content of interest to see their videos in the “Following” section.

Understanding the Algorithm

TikTok’s algorithm customizes content based on your interactions.
Engaging with content through likes, comments, and shares is crucial to increase the visibility of your videos.

Creating a Video on TikTok

To create a video, familiarize yourself with recording tools and editing options available on TikTok.
You can record new videos, adjust speed, add sounds, text, stickers, and special effects, and customize your video cover.

Is TikTok Free? How to Increase Followers?

TikTok offers Personal and Business accounts, both free.
Personal accounts are suitable for daily use, while Business accounts benefit from advanced marketing tools.
To grow your followers, engage with quality content, use relevant hashtags, post at peak times, promote on other platforms, and end videos with a call to action.

Is TikTok Safe?

TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old.
Users can adjust privacy settings, filter inappropriate content, set accounts to private, and control who can view their videos.
With safety features in place, TikTok provides a platform for fun and creativity while prioritizing user privacy.