TikTok is considered to be one of the most powerful and fastest-growing social media platforms right now. However, that kind of impact could also lead to its downfall.
For years, several countries have been trying to ban the platform due to its alleged risk to national security and the mental health of the users. India, Australia, Belgium, France, and New Zealand, are just some of the places where TikTok has been shut down.
In the U.S., TikTok's fate could also be coming to an end unless the company agrees with the condition of selling the company.
TikTok Expands Popularity During Pandemic
TikTok, originally known as Douyin in China, was launched in 2016. The company was merged with a similar platform called Musical.ly which was also popular during its release.
The social media platform was known for its algorithm which is mainly responsible for its sudden popularity, especially among teenagers and young adults. TikTok's algorithm can quickly analyze the users' preferences and show them content that is in line with their interests. This helps in retaining the users to use the platform for hours.
The COVID-19 pandemic further boosted TikTok's rise to fame as people were stuck at home. People quickly adapted to the sight of content creators just to ease boredom which fueled user activity.
TikTok Hones Influencer Culture
TikTok is known for fostering an influencer culture that already exists on other social media platforms. Some users quickly gained followers by playing with the algorithm and following challenges or trends. Getting viral is also quickly achieved in the platform making it easier for people to appreciate it.
In addition, celebrities, brands, and advertisers quickly looked to TikTok as a medium to promote their products and services through short-form videos or collaborating with viral creators.
TikTok Faces Moderation, Regulatory Concerns
TikTok has been facing scrutiny from various governments over data privacy and security concerns. Primarily, the issue stemmed from its parent company, ByteDance, which is a Chinese-owned company.
In addition, like many social media platforms, TikTok is constantly bombarded with moderation issues. The platform has been used to spread misinformation, cyberbullying, and inappropriate content. These issues raised concerns among users and regulators, calling for stricter policies within the platform.
TikTok vs. Monetization
Due to its popularity among content creators, TikTok launched monetization options as a support. The company introduced the TikTok Creator Fund and allowed brand partnerships with creators.
However, some creators and advertisers found it challenging to navigate. According to them, TikTok's policy and ecosystem in advertising are making it more difficult to monetize their content, instead of helping them.
TikTok Ban
Although the platform is still hugely popular, the company would continue to face getting banned in countries that have a sour relationship with China. In the U.S., the issue quickly escalated despite being a useful tool for campaigning in the 2024 elections.
In addition, some countries are also looking for major changes and security upgrades from the company that would ensure that no appropriate content or misinformation will be shown on the platform.
