Updated October 2026: refreshed for the current app. TikTok’s ownership and availability have been subject to government reviews in several countries, so check local news for the latest status where you live.
TikTok is a short-video app made by the Chinese company ByteDance. It launched internationally in 2017 and merged with the lip-sync app Musical.ly in 2018. In China, ByteDance runs a separate app called Douyin. TikTok passed one billion monthly users in 2021.
How TikTok works
TikTok opens on the For You feed, a stream of videos picked by its recommendation system based on what you watch, like, share and skip. Because recommendations depend on behaviour rather than who you follow, new creators can reach large audiences quickly.
Main features
- Sounds: music and audio clips anyone can reuse, which drive trends.
- Duet and Stitch: respond to other videos side by side or by clipping part of them.
- Effects and filters for creative editing in the app.
- LIVE streaming with gifts from viewers.
- TikTok Shop in supported countries, for buying products directly from videos.
- Direct messages and a Following feed for accounts you choose.
Using TikTok safely
- Set your account to private if you only want approved followers.
- Control who can comment, Duet, Stitch or download your videos.
- Teen accounts have stricter default settings, including screen time limits.
- Use Family Pairing to link a parent account to a teen’s account.
Related: how to download TikTok videos and the best TikTok downloaders.
FAQs
Who owns TikTok?
TikTok was created by ByteDance. Its ownership arrangements have been reviewed by governments in some countries, so check the latest local status.
What is the For You page on TikTok?
The main feed of recommended videos, chosen from what you watch, like, share and skip.
Is TikTok free?
Yes. It is free with ads; viewers can optionally buy coins to send gifts during LIVE videos.
What is the difference between TikTok and Douyin?
Douyin is ByteDance’s separate version for China; TikTok is the international app.
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