Before the pandemic, TikTok was simply the sound a clock makes for a lot of people. The social media platform with over a billion active users was practically non-existent before people were forced into their homes with nothing to do.
TikTok, the short-form video-sharing app, has experienced meteoric growth in a relatively short period. You might find it surprising when you realize that the app has been around for a lot longer than that.
Where exactly was TikTok before we all discovered it and when did it happen?
The Early Days of TikTok as Musical.Ly
Before becoming TikTok, the app was initially known as Musical.ly. Launched in 2014, Musical.ly quickly gained traction among teenagers and young adults.
Its focus on lip-syncing and short, entertaining videos resonated with a generation seeking quick and engaging content.
By 2016, the app boasted a user base of over 90 million, establishing itself as a significant player in the social media landscape. The app was rubbing shoulders with big names like Instagram, Twitter, and Snapchat.
It even had a spin-off platform called Live.ly that focused on live-streaming content from creators. That app boasted over 40 million users, so it qualified as a hit in every sense of the word.
The TikTok Transformation
In 2017, Chinese tech giant ByteDance acquired Musical.ly, recognizing its potential to dominate the short-form video market. The merger and subsequent rebranding as TikTok in 2018 marked a pivotal moment in the platform’s evolution.
Several factors contributed to TikTok’s rapid growth to global popularity:
- Algorithm-Driven Discovery: TikTok’s sophisticated algorithm effectively curates content based on user preferences, ensuring a personalized and engaging experience.
- Diverse Content Ecosystem: Beyond lip-syncing, TikTok offers a vast array of content, including comedy, dance, education, and more.
- Creator Economy: The platform has fostered a thriving community of creators who can earn a living through their content.
- Global Cultural Impact: TikTok has become a cultural phenomenon, influencing trends, music, and fashion on a global scale.
The Explosion of Popularity
TikTok’s popularity surged dramatically in 2018 and 2019. The app became a cultural touchstone, with viral challenges, catchy songs, and memorable moments dominating social media conversations. Celebrities, influencers, and everyday users flocked to the platform, contributing to its explosive growth.
But it was in 2020 that Tiktok hit some unimaginable heights. TikTok had already solidified its position as a leading social media app, attracting a ton of downloads and boasting a massive user base, but the lockdown caused its popularity to shoot upward.
Stuck at home with nothing to do, people flocked to the app to ease their boredom and consume bite-sized videos featuring other bored people in their homes. Crazy, isn’t it?
Conclusion
While Musical.ly laid the foundation for TikTok’s success, it was the merger and subsequent evolution of the platform that propelled it to global stardom.
TikTok’s ability to adapt to user preferences, foster a creative community, and leverage technology has made it a cultural phenomenon. The pandemic didn’t hurt it either.
