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What is TikTok?

Need to know the answer to What is TikTok? Stick around and we'll get you updated with all you need to know about hit viral video app.

What is TikTok: An image of a phone with the TikTok logo on the screen.

What is TikTok? You’ve likely heard of the extremely popular iOS and Android app, but if you’re not sure what it is, don’t worry. Taking over the legacy that Vine left on the internet, ByteDance’s spiritual successor provides users with a daily selection of endless memes, hilarious clips, and more all in the palm of your hand. So, let us take you through everything you need to know about TikTok.

We can also lend a hand with many other popular apps out there. Seriously, we’ve got all the guides you need, with our what is Instagram, what is LinkedIn, what is Trello, what is Microsoft Teams, what is Zoom, what is Hulu, what is Slack, and what is Netflix guides. Yeah, that is a lot of ‘whats’, so remember to take a break with our best portable gaming console guide for all the latest handhelds on the market.

It’s time to figure out ‘what is Tiktok?’

What is TikTok?

TikTok is a video-sharing platform where users can edit, upload, and share short-form videos with the world. With the help of TikTok’s video editor, you can collate photos and videos together with colorful filters, awesome effects, and even some music to lift the mood. The best part is that making a TikTok video is super easy, as all head to the TikTok app and hit the plus sign in the middle of the bottom of the screen.

From there, you can either record footage straight into the TikTok app, or import media from your phone’s library.

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What is TikTok live?

TikTok live is a live-streaming feature within ByteDance’s app. Similar to Twitch or YouTube streams, TikTok live streams allow you to see users participating in various activities at that very moment. Whether it is gaming, showcasing musical talent, or cooking scrumptious meals, there are plenty of TikTok live streams to tune in for. You can find live videos by pressing the live button in the top left corner of the home feed.

Alternatively, if you feel like going live yourself, you can go live on TikTok by pressing the plus button at the bottom of the screen. From there, select ‘live’ in the bottom menu, and you’re good to go.

What is a TikTok duet?

A TikTok duet is a fun way for users to pair videos together. You may want to respond to a fellow TikTok user’s video, or maybe, just maybe, show off your singing talent in a traditional duet. If you fancy making your own TikTok duet, all you need to do is find the post you’d like to duet with, press the share arrow, choose duet, and add your own video.

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What is a TikTok stitch?

TikTok’s stitch feature lets you incorporate footage from other TikTok videos into your own. To make your own TikTok stitch, find the video you want to use footage from, press the share arrow, choose stitch, and then start making your video and adjusting the settings.

Is TikTok safe?

If you’re concerned about how safe TikTok is, especially in the hands of children, the app offers numerous safety features to make use of. We’ve listed them below, but you can also head to the Safety Centre for more information.

TikTok safety features

Restricted mode

TikTok’s restricted mode is designed to stop inappropriate content from appearing on the video feed.

Family pairing

You can pair your account with your child’s account, giving you the ability to limit how much time they spend on the app and who they interact with.

Private account

You can make an account private on TikTok, ensuring only approved people can see their profile. Any users under the age of 16 automatically have accounts set to private.

You can also limit who can message and who can comment, whether it’s friends only or no one at all. Head to the TikTok Guardian’s Guide to learn even more.

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Now that we’ve answered the question ‘what is TikTok?’, why not learn even more tech stuff with our what is Paramount Plus, what is Spotify, and what is Apple Arcade guides.