Just as fast-food chains offer quick and satisfying meals, TikTok provides users with bite-sized, highly addictive content that they can consume in seconds. It’s the digital equivalent of a delicious, on-the-go treat.
While TikTok is renowned for its amusing short-form content, it’s not just about entertainment; it offers many opportunities that extend far beyond the realm of fun and laughter. Over the years, it has evolved into a versatile space where individuals, creators, businesses, and organizations can explore various opportunities.
As exciting as being on TikTok is, staying on top of your presence on the platform and managing your online brand can be a challenging task. Creating and curating content, engaging with your audience, tracking trends, and maintaining a consistent online image requires time and effort. This is where a TikTok scheduler comes to the rescue.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the crucial facts about TikTok you should know in 2023. We will also tell you why social media management software is indispensable if you want to stay on top of your TikTok marketing strategy.
What is TikTok – Explained
TikTok is a globally acclaimed social media platform that has redefined the way we create, share, and discover short-form video content. Launched in September 2016 by the Chinese company ByteDance as Douyin, TikTok has rapidly gained unprecedented popularity, boasting over 1.5 billion monthly active users.
The platform’s hallmark feature is its user-friendly video creation and editing tools, allowing users to produce engaging videos typically lasting from 15 seconds to one minute. These videos can be enhanced with music, effects, filters, and text.
TikTok’s influence on music is noteworthy, as it has catalyzed the virality of songs and tracks. The platform utilizes machine learning to curate a personalized feed for each user, ensuring that content aligns with their interests.
As one of the most downloaded apps worldwide, TikTok has left an indelible mark on the social media landscape, serving as a hub of creativity, entertainment, and engagement.
Why Is TikTok So Popular in 2023?
Being one of the most downloaded apps globally, TikTok has established itself as a dominant force in the world of social media. Its popularity can be attributed to several key factors, including:
- Short-Form video content: Research shows that humans now have an 8-second attention span and with that, they prefer quick, entertaining content.
- User-Friendly Interface: The platform’s easy-to-use video editing tools and a wide variety of creative effects make it accessible to people of all ages, enabling them to create engaging content effortlessly.
- Algorithmic Feed: TikTok’s algorithm uses machine learning to understand user preferences and curate a personalized feed. This keeps users engaged by showing them content that aligns with their interests.
- Monetization Opportunities: TikTok has introduced ways for creators to monetize their content, including the TikTok Creator Fund and brand partnerships, making it appealing for those seeking to generate income.
- Virality: TikTok videos can quickly go viral, providing a sense of instant gratification and the potential for users to gain a substantial following within a short time.
- Diverse Content: TikTok hosts a wide range of content, appealing to a broad demographic, from dance challenges and lip-syncing to educational and informational content. This diversity attracts users with various interests.
- Creative Trends: TikTok has a unique culture of trends and challenges that encourage users to participate and engage with popular themes, music, and challenges.
- Music Integration: TikTok’s seamless integration with popular music tracks and its influence on the music industry have attracted musicians and music enthusiasts.
- Global Reach: TikTok has a global presence, transcending language barriers and cultural differences, making it accessible to a vast and diverse audience.
- Influencer Marketing: Many influencers and celebrities have joined TikTok, further popularizing the platform and reaching their existing fan bases.
While TikTok’s popularity has been firmly established, it will be intriguing to see how this social media giant will continue to evolve and captivate its ever-growing user base in the future.
TikTok Demographics: Who Uses TikTok
Research reveals that TikTok is particularly popular among teenagers. While the platform initially gained popularity among younger audiences, its accessibility and global reach have transcended language barriers and cultural differences, making it a cross-cultural and cross-generational phenomenon.
Here’s a breakdown of active users on the platform by age:
Further statistics show that women use TikTok more than their male counterparts, accounting for 60% of the users.
In terms of regions, the United States leads with the largest number of TikTok users, with over 143 million users. Indonesia takes the second position with approximately 106 million users. The third position goes to Brazil, with about 95 million people on the platform.
Key Features
To make the most of TikTok and leverage its potential, you need to be well-versed with its features and functionalities. This knowledge can enable you to create compelling content, engage with your audience, track your performance, and navigate the dynamic and competitive world of short-form video content effectively.
Here are the key features of TikTok that you should familiarize yourself with:
- Video Editing Tools: The app provides user-friendly video editing tools that allow creators to add music, special effects, filters, stickers, text, and more to their videos.
- Music Library: TikTok boasts an extensive music library, allowing users to select from a variety of songs and soundtracks to enhance their videos.
- Effects and Filters: The platform offers a wide range of special effects, filters, and augmented reality (AR) features to enhance creativity and engage users in different ways.
- Duets and Stitches: Users can create “duet” videos, where they can collaborate with other users by recording side-by-side videos. “Stitch” allows users to incorporate segments of other users’ content into their videos.
- For You Page (FYP): The FYP is TikTok’s main feed, where users can explore trending and personalized content based on their interests and engagement history.
- Hashtags and Challenges: TikTok encourages the use of hashtags to categorize and discover content. Many challenges and trends are driven by specific hashtags, creating a sense of community and participation among users.
- Live Streaming: TikTok Live allows users to interact with their audience in real-time, answer questions, receive gifts, and foster a sense of connection with followers.
- Commenting and Engagement: Engagement and interaction are key components of the TikTok experience. TikTok allows users to like, comment, and share videos, as well as follow their favorite creators.
- Privacy Settings: TikTok offers privacy controls that allow users to make their content private, restrict who can comment on their videos, and control interactions on their accounts.
- Creator Marketplace: TikTok provides tools and resources for creators to collaborate with brands and monetize their content through sponsored campaigns and partnerships.
- Analytics: TikTok offers analytics and insights to users with a Pro account, helping them track the performance of their content and understand their audience better.
Leverage Social Champ to Keep Track of TikTok Analytics
Track analytics and insights of each TikTok post from a single dashboard.
What Makes TikTok Different From Every Other Social Media App?
TikTok stands out from other social media apps in several unique ways, making it a compelling and distinct platform in the crowded world of digital communication. Here are five key differentiators that set TikTok apart:
Emphasis on Short-Form Video Content
TikTok is the reigning champion of short-form video content. While other platforms offer various content formats, TikTok’s focus on bite-sized videos, typically ranging from 15 to 60 seconds, has transformed how users consume and create content.
The short-form video format ensures that every second counts, encouraging creators to be concise, engaging, and creative in a way that’s distinct from traditional long-form content seen on other platforms.
Discoverability through the FYP Algorithm
The TikTok “For You Page” (FYP) algorithm is a game-changer. It uses machine learning to personalize content recommendations based on users’ interactions.
This personalized discovery mechanism goes beyond the conventional feed, ensuring that even new users quickly find content that resonates with their interests. This unique algorithm has created countless viral sensations and turned users into overnight stars.
Music Integration and Soundtrack Culture
TikTok’s seamless integration of music is another defining feature. Users can easily add popular songs, soundtracks, and custom audio to their videos.
This feature has had a transformative impact on the music industry, with songs often going viral on TikTok before topping the charts. The app has, in a way, become a global jukebox and a launch pad for new artists, setting it apart from other social platforms.
Trend-Centric Culture
TikTok has cultivated a unique culture of trends and challenges. Users actively participate in and create these trends, leading to widespread engagement and a sense of community.
TikTok trends encompass a wide range of activities, from dance challenges and lip-syncing to comedy skits and DIY projects. These viral trends become shared experiences that are often mimicked, adapted, and celebrated, fostering a sense of belonging among users.
Cross-Cultural and Cross-Generational Appeal
TikTok transcends cultural and generational boundaries. While it initially gained popularity among younger users, it has expanded its reach to a broad demographic, including users of all ages and backgrounds.
The platform’s diverse content caters to a wide array of interests, ensuring that virtually anyone can find engaging and relevant content.
TikTok’s unique blend of short-form video, personalized content discovery, music integration, trend-centric culture, and a broad demographic appeal make it a standout platform that distinguishes itself from other social media apps. It has redefined how we consume and create content, becoming a global cultural phenomenon in the process.
Related Article: How to Use TikTok for Business & Grow Your Business
TikTok vs. Musical.ly
TikTok and Musical.ly were separate platforms before they were merged. Before the merger, Musical.ly was a standalone platform that originated in Shanghai, China, in 2014. Above is its logo:
ByteDance acquired Musical.ly in November 2017 and merged it with Douyin (whose international version is TikTok) in 2018. Since the merger, Musical.ly disappeared completely.
The next question is, does TikTok share any similarities with the app it wiped out? The answer is yes. The two apps shared several similarities due to their common origins and focus on short-form content. Like TikTok, Musical.ly would allow users to create and edit short-form videos.
Another similarity is that music played a significant role on Musical.ly like it does on TikTok. Moreover, the platform offered a variety of creative effects, filters, and editing tools that users could use to enhance the visual appeal of their videos.
The next question is, how different is TikTok to Musical.ly? Well, here are three aspects that differentiate the two social media apps:
Content Focus
While users could create original content on Musical.ly, the platform’s identity was strongly tied to lip-syncing to popular songs. On the other hand, TikTok encourages users to create content that goes beyond just lip-syncing to music. This highly popular platform is known for its diverse and creative content, spanning a wide range of categories, from comedy, dance, and lip-syncing to education, lifestyle, and challenges.
Video Length
Like TikTok, Musical.ly was all about short-form content. Nevertheless, the short videos were generally limited to 15 seconds.
Conversely, TikTok allows users to create videos with a duration typically ranging from 15 seconds to one minute. This format encourages a broader range of content and creative expression.
Algorithm and Feed
TikTok introduced the “For You Page” (FYP) algorithm, which personalized content recommendations for users based on their interactions. This feature has played a significant role in the platform’s success, ensuring that users see content aligned with their interests.
On the other hand, Musical.ly had a more straightforward chronological feed, which did not offer the same level of personalized content discovery.
TikTok’s growth and transformation from Musical.ly have made it far superior in terms of content diversity, personalized content discovery, and video length. These factors collectively make TikTok a more compelling and influential platform for users and content creators.
How to Start With a TikTok Account?
Whether you’re a budding content creator, a social media influencer, or a digital artist, TikTok provides an engaging space to showcase your creativity and reach a broad audience. Its viral nature and music integration can help you grow your online presence.
Here’s what you should do:
- Download the TikTok App
Visit the App Store (for iOS devices) or Google Play Store (for Android devices) on your mobile device. Search for “TikTok” and download the app.
- Open the App
Once the app is installed, open it by tapping the TikTok icon on your device’s home screen. On the app’s home screen, you’ll be presented with the option to either “Sign Up” or “Login.” If you’re new to TikTok, select “Sign Up.”
TikTok offers several ways to sign up, including using your phone number and email address or linking your account with an existing social media platform like Facebook, Google, or Twitter.
- Complete Registration
Follow the on-screen prompts to enter the required information, such as your date of birth, username, and password.
- Agree to the Terms of Service
- Profile Setup
Once registered, you’ll be asked to complete your profile. You can add a profile picture, write a short bio, and connect your Instagram and YouTube accounts if desired. A well-crafted profile can help you attract followers.
- Explore TikTok Content
After setting up your profile, you can start exploring TikTok content by scrolling through the “For You Page” (FYP), which is the default feed showcasing popular and personalized videos.
These steps will get you started on TikTok, and as you continue to use the platform, you’ll become more familiar with its features and community dynamics. Remember to stay creative, authentic, and respectful while interacting with other users and creating content.
Related Article: TikTok Marketing: An All-in-One Guide for Marketers in 2025
How to Post a TikTok Video with an App?
Are you ready to create content and share it with the TikTok community? You’ll be relieved to know that posting a TikTok video using your mobile app is pretty easy.
Here are the steps for creating and posting a TikTok video with a mobile app:
- Create Your First Video
To create your own TikTok video, tap the plus sign (+) button at the bottom center of the app’s screen.
- Allow Access
Click the “Allow” button to allow TikTok access to your camera and microphone, take pictures, and record video.
- Record Video
Record your video by holding down the red recording button.
- Edit Your Video
After recording, you can edit your video by adding effects, text, and stickers, and adjusting the video’s speed. You can also use TikTok’s music library to add a soundtrack.
- Set Privacy Settings
After recording and editing your video, click “Next.” In the next section, you can choose to make your video public (visible to all) or limit its visibility to your friends or specific groups.
- Post Your Video
Once your video is edited to your liking, you can click “Post” to share it with the TikTok community.
Voila! You’ve learned how to create and post a TikTok video.
Be sure to explore, like, comment, and create content to engage with the TikTok community. Consistency in creating content and participating in trends and challenges can help you grow your presence on the platform.
Related Article: How to Schedule TikTok Posts Directly for Free
What Is a Good Time to Post on TikTok?
You see, in the world of social media, timing is akin to magic. Posting when your audience is most receptive ensures your content doesn’t get lost in the chaotic whirlwind of cat videos and dance challenges.
Here are some general guidelines to consider when determining the optimal times for posting on TikTok:
- Peak Usage Hours
TikTok tends to see higher user activity during specific times of the day, which can vary by region and time zone. Common peak usage hours include early morning (7:00 AM to 9:00 AM), lunchtime (11:00 AM to 1:00 PM), and evening (7:00 PM to 9:00 PM).
- Weekends and Holidays
Weekends and holidays can be good times to post, as more people may have free time to engage with TikTok content. However, competition may also increase during these times.
The most important thing to do is to know your audience first. Consider their demographics and daily routines so you can know the best time to post your TikTok videos.
For instance, if you’re targeting a younger audience, posting after school hours and in the early evening might be effective. For professionals and adults, lunchtime and evenings may work better.
Another important thing to consider is the time zones. If your target audience spans multiple time zones, consider scheduling posts to cater to various regions. This can ensure that your content reaches a global audience.
Note that consistency in posting is often more important than the exact time you post. If you can establish a regular posting schedule (e.g., daily or on specific days of the week), your followers will come to expect and anticipate your content.
Nevertheless, you should try to avoid posting at the exact same time as major influencers or popular creators in your niche, as this can result in your content getting lost in a crowded feed.
How to Schedule Posts on TikTok with Social Champ
Imagine this: You’ve just crafted the perfect TikTok video—a mesmerizing dance, a hilarious sketch, or a how-to guide on baking the perfect brownies. You’re brimming with excitement to share it with your audience.
But there’s a catch: the ideal time to post is when you’re either in the middle of a work meeting, enjoying your beauty sleep, or attempting the world’s most complicated yoga pose. Here’s where Social Champ swoops in like a superhero.
With Social Champ, you can schedule your TikTok posts to go live precisely when your audience is most active and engaged, even if that’s at 2 AM on a Tuesday. Here’s how to schedule TikTok posts with this powerful social media scheduler:
- Log into Social Champ and click on “Add New Social Account.” Use either of the buttons indicated below:
Schedule TikTok video – Step 1 - Authorize Social Champ to access your account by clicking the “Authorize” button.
Schedule TikTok video – Step 2 - A window will appear stating you’ve successfully added TikTok for direct scheduling.
Schedule TikTok video – Step 3
Your TikTok account will appear on the dashboard. See below:
- Click “Publish Content.”
Schedule TikTok video – Step 4 - Under “Publish to,” select a social account by clicking on your TikTok account.
Schedule TikTok video – Step 5 - Write a caption and add emojis and hashtags. You can also add the first comment to accompany your TikTok post.
Schedule TikTok video – Step 6 - Add a video by clicking the camera icon.
Schedule TikTok video – Step 7 - Click “Browse from PC” and choose the video to add to your TikTok post.
Schedule TikTok video – Step 8 - Click “Upload” to add your video.
Schedule TikTok video – Step 9
Once you click “Upload,” your video will add to your post. Check below:
- Under “When to post,” choose “Schedule.”
Schedule TikTok video – Step 10 - Choose the date and time to schedule, and then click “OK.”
Schedule TikTok video – Step 11 - Click “Schedule.”
Schedule TikTok video – Step 12
That’s it! But remember that Social Champ doesn’t just offer you a one-way ticket to the future; it’s your all-in-one social media command center. You can plan your content calendar, draft witty captions, and even use its analytics tools to monitor your TikTok performance—all from a single dashboard. It’s like having a personal digital assistant who ensures that your TikTok posts go live with perfect timing, giving you the freedom to focus on what you do best: creating fantastic content.
A Social Media Management Tool for All
With the vibrant dashboard, Social Champ makes it easy to schedule your social media posts at the best time of the day.
Conclusion
With its ever-evolving features and trend-centric culture, TikTok continues to shape digital content creation and the way we connect online. To make the most of your TikTok presence, relying on a reliable TikTok scheduler is essential to ensure your content reaches the right audience at the perfect time, maximizing your impact and engagement
With its bulk scheduling prowess, Social Champ is not just about posting; it’s about posting right on time, every time, and making your mark on the TikTok cosmos. It’s your ticket to TikTok stardom, one perfectly timed post at a time.
FAQs
1. How can Brands Leverage TikTok?
Brands can leverage TikTok by tapping into the platform’s immense reach and engaged user base. With creative and authentic content, they can participate in trending challenges, create brand-specific challenges, collaborate with popular TikTok influencers, and showcase their products or services in engaging ways.
2. What is TikTok Now?
The suitable question here is: what was TikTok Now? To answer the question though, TikTok Now was a feature that was a close copy of BeReal. After activating the feature, users would receive a daily prompt to capture a static photo or a 10-second video to share what they were up to. On June 26, 2023, TikTok announced it would discontinue the feature, and it sure did.
3. What is #FYP in TikTok?
The FYP is the default feed where users discover content that is personalized for them based on their interactions and interests. When users add the #FYP hashtag to their video captions or comments, it’s often seen as an attempt to get their content featured on more users’ For You Pages, potentially increasing its visibility and engagement.
4. What is Stitch on TikTok?
Stitch is a feature on TikTok that allows users to incorporate a segment of another user’s video into their own. It’s a way for users to respond to or build on existing content, adding their own twist or commentary to the narrative.
5. Can You Make Money on TikTok?
Yes, you can make money on TikTok. TikTok offers several avenues for users to monetize their presence on the platform. They include brand partnerships and sponsored content, live gifts and donations, merchandise sales, TikTok creator fund, affiliate marketing, and more. While opportunities for monetization exist, it often requires effort, consistency, and a strong understanding of your audience and niche.
