Free video-creation and sharing
TikTok is a free social application for creating, editing, and sharing videos. While ByteDance developed it for the Chinese market on Android and iOS in 2016, it steadily gained popularity worldwide. You can also use the software on PC by downloading the file and installing it on a mobile emulator.
Popular program for sharing videos
Before TikTok came into existence, Muscial.ly dominated the social media lip-syncing video market. Launched in China in 2014, the mobile app let members create short videos for up to one minute while singing or performing to music. It became an instant hit with teenagers who wanted to showcase their vocal talent.
ByteDance sought to compete with Muscial.ly. Originally branded as Douyin for the Chinese market, the developer renamed it TikTok to appeal to international audiences. It had such success on mobile devices that ByteDance was able to buy Muscial.ly in 2017 for $800 million.
Both applications are available for free under the TikTok label. It has widespread appeal with its addictive features, with 40% of the members located in China and a further 20% in India. In 2019, the number of United States TikTokkers ranged up to 14 million.
The application has evolved to more than mere entertainment for social sharing. While its primary purpose remains short-form videos for teens and adults alike, businesses have taken to using it to advertise developers, publishers, and other parties in the musical industry. Even the sports sector has jumped on the bandwagon and users can see the NFL leveraging TikTok to highlight game events and celebrity cameos.
How to install and use TikTok
While most members enjoy using the app on their smartphones, not all devices can handle it due to cell phone specifications or low device memory and storage space. To overcome this challenge, you can download the TikTok file to your PC and use it on a mobile emulator. Bluestacks is a great option, which you can run on both Windows and Mac operating systems.Once you have the appropriate program installed and working, find the TikTok file you downloaded. Bluestacks lets you integrate and run valid files in its client lobby. As soon as you’ve installed the APK file in the emulator, you can create a new account or access your current one after starting the app.
You’ll have access to the same functions and any new features that the developer releases. The only difference is how you load new content, because you won’t be able to take videos like you would with a smartphone. The videos won’t save to your PC but instead to the Bluestacks media folder in the client software.
TikTok safety considerations
It hasn’t been sunshine and roses all these years for ByteDance. Many countries and organizations have banned TikTok from time to time due to security considerations. Since there are few restrictions on what you can share with the community, the most extensive anxiety lies with parents worrying about the safety of their children.
The developer hasn't stood still, though, addressing many of the highlighted dangers of TikTok, such as hackers breaking through its security protocols to access personal information. There are more stringent security measures in place to protect accounts.
Despite these reactive steps, many members are still citing concerns regarding the video-sharing social application. ByteDance attempts to adhere to the Network Enforcement Act known as Netzdg with a detailed Safety Center page. If you have any significant issues, you can register a report for a violation on its site as long as you follow the complaints terms and conditions.
Comparison with similar apps
Also developed in China, Likee expanded its reach in 2020, when it combined forces with Believe Digital, a massive music industry leader. It’s one of ByteDance’s biggest rivals, hosting most of the same features with additional special effects. However, many creators see Likee as a TikTok clone with ripped content.
Instagram is a well-known application for photo sharing that has advanced into the realm of video development with its new feature called ‘Reels.’ Unfortunately, it’s only entered the market with this tool recently, which means it still has a long way to go before it can be up to par with TikTok. The video-creation function also gets lost amid Instagram’s other content.
Of course, any application that lets you create and share videos will have to stand the test of time against Youtube. With the ability to develop hours of content in one video and share it live, TikTok falls behind with the wide variety of Youtube features available. When it comes to lip-syncing and related effects, TikTok takes the trophy.
Why TikTok is so addictive
The video-creating and social-sharing application’s popularity boils down to the myriad of old and new features. First of all, many members praise its algorithm that detects what you enjoy watching and then adjusts future content on your feed. The long list of trending views based on your preference makes videos easy to access, increasing the addiction to the app.
The short length of the videos is appealing since you can watch several of them within a few minutes. It’s perfect if you don’t have time to watch a full-length video, which is why brands that advertise developers and services love the software. It’s also entertaining for creators that making video memes for daily fresh content.
Video creation and sharing from your PC
TikTok has reached worldwide acclaim with its short video, letting you share across other applications like Whatsapp, Facebook, and Instagram. While there have been some security and safety concerns over the years, it hasn’t stopped teenagers and adults from taking full advantage of lip-syncing to the hottest hits. ByteDance takes these complaint terms to heart while also addressing Netzdg policies.
There are plenty of special effects and music for you to enjoy. The latest features will also assist brands with expanding their reach with the ability to customize videos to their needs.
PROS
- Tons of special effects
- Short-form videos
- Easy to use
- Trending music for lip-syncing
CONS
- Few parental controls
