TikTok has been through a rollercoaster of a month. Just when you thought the most downloaded application of 2024 had been through enough, January hit it with its biggest one yet: an official ban.
For much of last year, we all half-expected the day we’d open TikTok only to find it gone. But when that day finally came, it left its loyal creators and users devastated.
While TikTokers scrambled to find their next digital home, with some trying their luck on apps like Rednote, the situation took a surprising turn: TikTok made an unexpected comeback in mid-January.
There’s no denying it at this point, TikTok has become a cultural force that won’t go down easily. So, just how did this app sneak its way into our lives and take over the internet?
Now that the dust has settled (for now), it’s the perfect time to stroll down memory lane and explore how TikTok went from a little-known app to a global sensation during the pandemic, and how it keeps landing in hot water today.
From Musical.ly to TikTok
TikTok’s story began in 2016, when ByteDance, a Beijing-based company, acquired the lip-syncing app Musical.ly. With a fresh rebrand and a new direction, it was transformed into what we now know as TikTok.
Between 2016 and 2019, apps like Vine and Dubsmash had already paved the way for short-form video content, with millions of young Americans lip-syncing, dancing, and laughing their way into internet fame. It was a crowded space, and everyone wanted a piece of the action.
But TikTok was slightly different from its competitors. Its predecessor's popularity enabled it to combine its U.S. audience with its Asian user base. By 2019, Tikok had managed to turn into the application everyone was talking about (and scrolling for hours).
The Saving Grace During the Pandemic (2020-2022)
What turned TikTok from just another dancing app into the most downloaded app in the U.S.?
When the world went into lockdown, TikTok exploded into the spotlight. Stuck at home, people craved connection, distraction, and pretty much anything to break up the monotony. It became the go-to application for secluded Americans to feel a little less alone.
Families choreographed dances together, roommates turned mundane chores into skits, and random creators skyrocketed to fame overnight. Trends like the “Renegade” dance, whipped coffee tutorials, and DIY life hacks became cultural touchstones, uniting millions.
And let’s not forget its influence on music and brands during this period. Trending tracks like Lil Nas X’s “Old Town Road” brought otherwise nameless creators into users' screens. Brands jumped on the bandwagon too, crafting discrete ads designed to fit seamlessly into your For You page.
For many, TikTok transformed from an ordinary entertainment app into a way for people to stay connected and up-to-date with trends in real-time.
The Ticket to a New Life (2022-2023)
As lockdowns eased and the world slowly reopened, you might have thought that TikTok’s time had passed. But instead, the app evolved into something more than just another application to pass the time.
No longer just for dance challenges and trending music, TikTok became a space where people shared real-life experiences. With the freedom to explore the world again, users started documenting their first nights out, long-awaited vacations, and everyday routines. TikTok became a digital diary for a world rediscovering itself.
TikTok grew to support niche communities for virtually any interest, from luxury travel vlogs to DIY projects, providing a platform for anyone to thrive.
TikTok Today: Limitless and Personal
Today, TikTok feels like it can do it all. One moment, you’re lost in high-end travel vlogs, and the next, you’re diving deep into niche cultures like #bedrot. TikTok’s finely tuned algorithm understands you better than your closest friend, curating content that feels tailor-made to your interests.
But TikTok’s impact goes beyond personal content. It’s become a haven for business owners too. Brands and businesses use TikTok to promote their products, increase brand awareness, and attract new customers in organic and engaging ways.
Some brands like Duolingo and Chipotle, have gone all in on the TikTok marketing train. They’ve crafted content that blends easily with the app’s culture such as Duolingo’s unhinged, meme owl persona and Chipotle’s viral challenges. And judging by their massive engagement, it’s a strategy that’s clearly paying off.
With features like streaks and a growing sense of community among creators, it’s clear why TikTok is now an irreplaceable part of modern life.
As of now, TikTok has a 75-day extension to comply with regulations requiring it to be sold to an American company. The big question is: what happens next?
Whatever the future holds, one thing is certain—TikTok has left an indelible mark on our culture. Whether it continues to thrive or faces further challenges, TikTok’s story is far from over.
TikTok-Level Success
Back in 2017, no one could have predicted TikTok’s meteoric rise to become a cultural powerhouse. Despite all the twists, bans, and controversies, TikTok’s biggest strength remains unchanged: its ability to create raw, unfiltered connections in a way no other platform does.
But with a 75-day deadline to meet US regulations, TikTok’s future is hanging in the balance. If it shuts down, what happens next?
One thing’s for sure, brands and creators who know how to connect with their true audience will keep thriving; with or without TikTok. Jumper Media’s Social Media Management Services is prepared beyond just TikTok. Every platform has its own unique approach, and we’ve got the strategy to make each one work for you. If TikTok disappears tomorrow, we’ll make sure your business stays strong across all channels.
Let’s take your social media game to TikTok-level success.