If there is something that has shaped social media of late, it is TikTok. The app has hijacked the internet and is just not about to stop. For those that do not know:
TikTok is a video streaming and sharing app that allows users to create funny videos on an unlimited number of topics. Videos can be 15 seconds long, but not more than 60 seconds.
The app was initially launched in China, named Douyin, in late 2016. Within just a year, it’d reached the 100 million mark, something that prompted the founders to spread it to the international market as TikTok. And when Hollywood celebrities joined the platform, it was clear TikTok was about to hit big.
Statista reported that the app had half a billion users globally in October 2019, and the numbers are growing day by day. Why? Majority of the app’s users are people born in the last 15 years.
Here’s a guide on how to go about the app, if you are a beginner and have chosen to be part of the trend.
How to create a TikTok account
You should first download the app from Google Play or App Store. Then, tap the video on your screen, and a sign-up form will appear.
Go on to select your sign-up option: Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or Google account, or you can sign up with your phone or email – If you are registering with an existing social media account TikTok will use your name and profile photo which you can change later.
You will be asked to enter your birthday. This is because TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old. TikTok will automatically give you a user name; but you can change it once every 30 days.
How to create a TikTok video
To create a video, just tap on the central button with the “Plus” sign. You’ll be able to record 15 or 60 seconds video, with a lot of features. You can add sounds, filtered by categories. You have the browsing bar and you can also save the favourite ones. TikTok provides many special effects with the help of AI and lets you bookmark the ones you like the most.
A significant feature is that you can post the videos created on TikTok to other social media platforms such as Instagram feed or story, Facebook & Facebook Messenger, Twitter, Email, WhatsApp. This has helped to promote the app even more.
How to do a duet on TikTok
Here, two users who follow each other can make a common video.
To do this, the first user creates and posts a video, and then the second one selects the three-dot icon from the bottom right of the video and presses “Start the duet now.”
How to download a TikTok video
If you want to download a video you’ve posted or any other you like, tap for a few seconds on it and then select “Save video.”
If you don’t want people to download any of your videos, go to your profile, tap the three-dot icon, access Privacy and safety, and tap on the Allow download option. You can disable this option.
How to delete a TikTok video
If you decided to post a video but afterwards you aren’t so happy about it, you can delete it.
Go to your account, select the video you want to delete, and tap the three-dot icon and select “Delete”.
Just for a double check, TikTok will ask if you’re sure you want to delete the video. After this, it will be gone entirely – unless you’ve downloaded it.
How to add your Instagram profile to your TikTok account
- Click “Edit Profile”
- Click “Add Instagram to your profile”
- TikTok will ask if you want to save your Login info
- Done
How to add your YouTube profile to your TikTok account
- Click “Edit Profile”
- Click “Add YouTube to your profile”
- TikTok will ask if you want to save your Login info
- Done
How to find content made by people you’re following
By tapping the magnifying glass in the menu, you’ll find out what are the trending topics grouped by hashtags. You can type keywords, and you’ll be given a lot of options to choose from.
How to make your TikTok account private
If you decide you want to narrow down your audience for a while, you can make your account private quickly.
- Go to your profile page
- Select the three-dot icon located in the top-right corner
- Select “Privacy and safety” and switch for the Private account.
You can also set who can post a comment, who can create a duet with you, who can react to your videos and many other settings.
How to delete your TikTok account
In case you found TikTok not interesting or you want to create another account, you can opt to delete it.
- Go to your profile
- Select the three-dot icon
- Click “Manage my account”
- Make sure you have a valid phone number because, without it, you won’t be able to see the Thinking about removing your account option.
- Once it appears, tap on it and follow the instructions: add the verification code sent on the phone, select Continue, read and accept the information regarding deleting your TikTok account
- Click Continue and then complete the process by tapping on “Delete account”
If you created your account with your Twitter or Facebook account, you’ll have to tap “Verify and Continue” before your TikTok account is deleted.
