Tiktok is a short-form video platform used by many people around the world. ByteDance, a Chinese internet technology company, owns Tiktok, and the Supreme Court has accused ByteDance of watching their American users. Their punishment for this crime is banning the app in America, unless ByteDance sold the app to an American owner. In response, ByteDance did not make an attempt to try to sell the app. The app’s final hearing declared it to officially be banned on January 19, 2025.
Tiktok users have been making videos pleading to have them sell it. When asked about whether TikTok should be banned or not, seventh grader Riley Schlenker said, “No, I don’t think it should be banned because it’s my only source of entertainment.”
Many users create videos to make money through the TikTok Creator Fund. This fund is based on how many views or likes their post gets. The more clicks the video receives means the more money the creator creates in revenue. Creators also use paid sponsorships to make an income. Brands will pay creators to give a good review on their product. This process is not specific to TikTok though. Many businesses use this tool on many different platforms, like Instagram and YouTube.
The third major way creators make a profit is through the TikTok Shop. Anyone with an account can sell on the TikTok Shop. Some items are better than others. Creators can choose the pricing of the items too, so some products are outrageously overpriced or extremely underpriced.When asked about buying items from TikTokShop, seventh grader Chloe Rounce stated, “Yes, I bought a tortilla blanket once.”
Something that is very popular on TikTok is the infamous “brainrot”. Brainrot is the overall term used to describe slang created by TikToks users. This slang is often stereotyped to be used by Ipad Kids, who are younger children who are obsessed with screens. Some of the most popular slang was developed from a YouTube series called “Skibidi Toilet”, featuring a toilet with a head sticking out of the middle who sang a song. The series developed new characters and plotlines, often featuring a man with a camera on his head. Kids were obsessed with this show and started to use the word “skibidi” to describe something cool or fun. Other popular brainrot terms are “rizz” and “sigma”.
There are many creators who made a living off of their TikTok accounts. The top three most followed influencers are Khaby Lame, Charli Damelio, and MrBeast. They have each made a lasting impact on not only TikTok but many social media platforms. When asked about favorite influencers, sixth grader Olivia Bell said, “Greta Wilson,” a lifestyle influencer with over one million followers.
TikTok was originally called Musical.ly. On Musical.ly, creators would do lip syncs to popular songs. This app was owned by two entrepreneurs who eventually sold Musical.ly to ByteDance, who rebranded the app to the TikTok that we know today.
The app was banned late Saturday night, and was gone for around twelve hours, then back online for users to enjoy. President Trump created an executive order to have the ban deadline extended for ninety days. The only difference is that the app is unavailable on the app store, which is expected to continue for the ninety day period. TikTok has made a lasting impact on many people around the world.
