On March 7th, 2022, TikTok will introduce new policies, and several users are worried that this could impact their accounts. In the past, certain dates posted on the website have gained widespread attention. Users joined in on the trend that the world was going to end on August 27 of last year.
The date March 7 has been trending in a lot of TikTok videos recently, and it’s making people nervous. TikTok, the short-form video app, has been a subject of global attention since its international launch in 2018.
While the app is primarily known for its entertainment value, it has also raised numerous questions about data privacy, national security, and even its impact on other social media platforms like Instagram.
In this article, we’ll explore the facets of TikTok, including what could happen if it’s banned, who owns it, and much more.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a social media platform that allows users to create and share short-form videos. Owned by the Chinese company ByteDance, it was launched internationally in September 2017. The app features a variety of content, from comedy and dance routines to cooking and educational videos.
The 7th of March: What’s Going on with Tik Tok?
On March 7, 2022, TikTok will roll out a new version of its community guidelines. The result has been widespread speculation among TikTok users that specific soccer accounts are going to be blocked for copyright violations.
Video clips from other channels are frequently reposted by several of these accounts. A Twitter user speculated that all football accounts will be suspended for copyright violations and wrote as much.
Another user said, “It seems like TikTok is removing any football-related videos or accounts.” Thirdly, “Football accounts are getting banned on that day,” was written.
At this time, however, it is unclear whether or not these accounts will actually be banned by TikTok. The new rules seem to target potentially dangerous sports stunts and challenges, as reported by Sportskeeda.
What are TikTok’s New Community Guidelines?
The latest set of TikTok’s community guidelines is aimed squarely at problematic online behaviours and trends including those associated with eating disorders. There is no mention of the new copyright restrictions in the policies, although they are being modified to better protect kids.
Some accounts may have gotten warnings that they may be banned, but TikTok has made no such announcement. While March 7 may be a difficult day for some soccer fans, it won’t be the end of the world as some have made it out to be. While soccer fans may need to find an alternative platform, the app itself will likely remain unchanged for a large user base.
What Will Happen if TikTok is Banned?
There have been ongoing discussions about the potential ban of TikTok in various countries due to data privacy and national security concerns. If TikTok is banned:
- Users will lose access to the app.
- Content creators may lose their primary platform for income.
- A vacuum may be created in the social media space, encouraging the rise of alternative platforms.
Will TikTok Be Closed Down?
As of now, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that TikTok will be closed down entirely. However, it has faced temporary bans in countries like India and Indonesia. A ban in a major market like the United States could seriously impact its global standing.
How Long is the TikTok Break?
The phrase “TikTok break” commonly refers to taking a short break from the app either due to personal reasons or following the trends. There isn’t a set “break” period for TikTok as a platform.
Is TikTok Beating Instagram?
In terms of user engagement and time spent on the app, TikTok has shown remarkable growth, often surpassing Instagram. However, Instagram remains dominant in user base and revenue, partially due to its longer existence and broader feature set.
Who Owns TikTok?
TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based tech company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming. ByteDance also owns a variety of other content platforms, including the Chinese version of TikTok, known as Douyin.
Is TikTok Banned in China?
Interestingly, TikTok itself is not available in China. The Chinese market has Douyin, a similar but separate platform that complies with local internet regulations.
Who is the CEO of TikTok?
As of September 2021, the CEO of TikTok is Shou Zi Chew, who is also the CFO of parent company ByteDance.
Why TikTok is More Popular Than Instagram
Ease of Content Creation
One of TikTok’s strongest suits is its user-friendly interface that enables even the least tech-savvy individuals to create engaging content. With pre-loaded filters, background music, and special effects, TikTok has democratized content creation.
In contrast, Instagram often requires a higher level of skill in photography and editing to create aesthetically pleasing content, making it less accessible.
Algorithm Advantage
TikTok’s algorithm is designed to show you more of what you like, based on your interactions, making it incredibly personalized. The “For You Page” serves as a perpetual stream of tailored content, keeping users hooked for longer periods.
Instagram, although improving its algorithm, still heavily relies on the ‘Follow’ mechanism, limiting the discoverability of new content.
Audience Reach
TikTok provides an unparalleled platform for ordinary people to reach millions. The app is especially popular among Gen Z, but it has a diverse age demographic, allowing for broader audience reach.
Instagram has a more segmented audience and its algorithm often makes it difficult for new creators to reach a broad spectrum of users quickly.
Authenticity and User Engagement
TikTok fosters a culture of authenticity that resonates with users. While Instagram has often been criticized for promoting a curated, unrealistic portrayal of life, TikTok celebrates realness and imperfections.
This has led to higher user engagement rates on TikTok, where users not only consume content but also interact through likes, comments, and shares.
Versatility and Inclusivity
From dance challenges and cooking clips to educational snippets and social justice campaigns, TikTok offers a platform for a wide variety of content.
This versatility makes it inclusive and appealing to a diverse user base with varying interests, something Instagram has struggled to achieve to the same extent.
The ‘Viral’ Factor
The concept of going ‘viral’ is more achievable on TikTok than on any other platform. A single video can garner millions of views overnight, thanks to TikTok’s algorithm and the app’s culture of sharing and collaboration. Instagram, on the other hand, has a more incremental approach to content popularity.
Conclusion
As of March 7, 2022, TikTok will implement new Community Guidelines “to help maintain TikTok friendly and engaging for creators and viewers alike.” Many users are understandably worried about the impending update to the Community Guidelines, but the business has yet to provide any details.
Soccer pages in particular are worried that the upgrade may lead to their profiles being blocked. Many users fear that TikTok may start policing accounts that reproduce content from other sources without permission.
TikTok continues to be a significant player in the social media landscape, captivating users with its short-form video content. While the app faces various challenges, including potential bans and competition with platforms like Instagram, its rapid growth suggests a robust future.
With its expanding user base and increasing influence, TikTok is undoubtedly a phenomenon that merits attention. Whether you’re a user, a content creator, or just an observer, understanding the intricacies of this platform can give you a comprehensive view of the modern digital landscape.
