While most members enjoy using the smartphone app, not all devices can handle it due to cell phone specifications or low memory and storage space. Subsequently, in 2017, ByteDance expanded the reach of Douyin beyond China, launching it globally under the name TikTok. After three months, it was rebranded as Douyin. This app enabled users to create and share short videos. The origin of TikTok dates back to 2016, when ByteDance, a Chinese company, introduced an app called A.me. Even the sports sector has jumped on the bandwagon, and users can see the NFL leveraging this app to highlight game events and celebrity cameos. While its primary purpose remains short-form videos for teens and adults alike, businesses have used it to advertise developers, publishers, and other parties in the musical industry. The application has evolved to more than mere entertainment for social sharing.
In 2019, the number of United States TikTokkers reached 14 million. It has widespread appeal with its addictive features, with 40% of the members located in China and a further 20% in India.
It succeeded on mobile devices that ByteDance bought Muscial.ly in 2017 for $800 million.īoth applications are available for free under the TikTok label. Branded initially as Douyin for the Chinese market, the developer renamed it TikTok to appeal to international audiences. ByteDance sought to compete with Muscial.ly.
