With around 3 billion downloads and 1 billion monthly active users, the TikTok app has evolved into more than just a platform for passing the time.
It has become a powerful tool for expressing ideas and a platform for promoting and selling your goods.
To fully utilize the TikTok app, you need to understand its demographic and how that knowledge can benefit you.
Table of Contents
Why Is It Important to Understand TikTok Demographics?
If you want to become one of the most popular TikTok creators, it is essential to understand every detail about one of the most downloaded apps during the coronavirus pandemic.
Only those who can attract users to their videos will succeed among a billion monthly active users.
Therefore, we recommend checking our other articles about TikTok.
Now, let’s return to demographics.
Demographics are important because they can reveal various insights, from the optimal time to invest in TikTok digital marketing to whether an app is appropriate for your child.
With TikTok statistics and demographics, you can create a long-term TikTok strategy for your business, identify cost-effective TikTok content categories, or determine if there are more users in the same age group as your child.
Throughout the article, you will find numerous demographic categories that could assist TikTok users in various ways.
General TikTok Statistics
1. TikTok is the 7th most popular social media platform in the world
The TikTok app has approximately one billion monthly active users, placing it behind Facebook, YouTube, WhatsApp, Messenger, Instagram, and WeChat.
Keep in mind that the parent company ByteDance, which developed TikTok, has another app on this list—Douyin.
Specifically, Douyin is essentially the same as TikTok, but it is exclusively available to Chinese users.
In other words, it is the Chinese version of TikTok, whereas TikTok serves as its international version.
It has approximately 600 million monthly active users and is one of the most popular Chinese apps.
Combining Douyin and TikTok users places the app fifth on the list of the most popular social media platforms.
Therefore, the total number of 1.6 billion users is quite impressive.
Furthermore, be aware that TikTok is currently banned or facing restrictions in several countries with significant populations, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia.
These countries are primarily concerned about the influence of China that may be disseminated through TikTok and the possibility of espionage.
Additionally, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Indonesia have voiced their concerns regarding vulgar and pornographic content.
Armenia and Azerbaijan have both banned this social media platform during the same period due to their ongoing conflict.
TikTok is also on thin ice in the USA because Donald Trump has criticized the platform for its connections to the Chinese government.
However, TikTok currently has pending agreements with American companies like Oracle and Warner Bros Music.
Thus, the entire world, particularly American TikTok users, is awaiting Biden’s approval of the agreements.
If you would like more information about the privacy policies or origins of TikTok, please visit our link.
2. TikTok has approximately 3 billion total app downloads across around 200 countries
We have referenced these numbers, but we are prepared to reiterate them once more.
Billions of active users and downloads demonstrate that the app is rapidly evolving.
According to various data and studies, we know that Nigeria experienced the highest growth in users in 2021, while Canada demonstrated the most stable growth from 2018 to 2021.
Moreover, the growing number of TikTok users will be advantageous in the long term for ByteDance, potentially making TikTok the most downloaded app of all time.
3. TikTok is the third most searched term on YouTube
Various TikTok statistics indicate that the terms “song” and “songs” are the only queries more common than TikTok.
Many people search for “Tik Tok” instead of TikTok, so the statistics for the two terms are combined to determine how many people are seeking similar content.
However, common misspellings such as “Tik Tik” or “TikTik” are not included in TikTok statistics.
We can only imagine what the results would be if they were included in TikTok stats.
All this data demonstrates that people are even willing to watch someone else’s TikTok video on YouTube.
4. TikTok Faces Significant Competition
Social media apps like Instagram and YouTube are posing a significant threat with their short videos.
Specifically, there are countries such as India and Pakistan where the TikTok app lacks a strong reputation and does not hold a stable position.
Therefore, Instagram, YouTube, and even Snapchat have recently introduced Spotlight, a feed similar to TikTok, and are eager to capitalize on this opportunity.
While their short videos may not be as trendy as those on TikTok, there are gaps that the aforementioned social media platforms are attempting to fill, and they are currently doing so quite effectively.
For instance, short videos on YouTube receive approximately 3.5 billion views daily.
On the other hand, Instagram short videos are not a serious threat at the moment, but they could become one in the future.
5. TikTok is not the preferred app
While TikTok is the favorite app for many, there is no market where it is the overall favorite app.
In 2020, approximately 47 countries took part in the poll regarding their favorite social media platform.
The results for the TikTok app were disappointing.
None of the countries has selected the TikTok app as the most popular.
WhatsApp is the most popular in 22 countries, while Facebook holds that title in 18.
Social media users in other countries have opted for apps such as VK, WeChat, and Instagram.
The biggest surprise for those who do not follow TikTok statistics or demographic trends is that the previously mentioned Douyin is not the most popular app in China.
Specifically, WeChat has been selected by approximately 50% of surveyed social media users as their preferred social media app.
We are awaiting new surveys as we believe the situation has changed.
The number of teenagers and young adults using TikTok will undoubtedly enhance the positioning of this social network in upcoming polls.
6. TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is the most valuable startup in the world
ByteDance has done an impressive job.
They invented Douyin, the Chinese version of TikTok, in 2016.
They then created TikTok, which, as mentioned, is Douyin for the international market, in 2017.
However, they aimed to enhance their app (TikTok) by merging it with Musical.ly, which has already achieved success in the USA.
And that is how TikTok, as we know it today, has been created.
Today, TikTok’s parent company, ByteDance, is the most valuable startup in the world.
It is valued at approximately $100 billion.
7. TikTok is the only platform with a predominantly female audience
Approximately 56% of TikTok’s global users are women and girls.
This positions TikTok as the only major social platform with a predominantly female audience. The platform has a distinct female demographic, with most active users being women.
Additionally, the activity rate of female users on the platform is higher.
Many TikTokers prioritize creating quality content over merely attempting to be funny. Certain categories, such as well-being, tutorials, and art-making videos, have performed exceptionally well on the platform.
This content appeals to the female audience that TikTok aims to attract, according to Tidio.
TikTok Usage Statistics
Why do people use TikTok?
First and foremost, TikTok users love this social platform because it allows them to express themselves and discover new trends from around the globe.
However, it is not the sole reason.
According to various sources, including the well-known App Ape, the vast majority of TikTok users are seeking entertainment.
They are seeking entertaining and humorous content.
Other reasons include sharing or posting content and staying current with TikTok influencers.
After analyzing these statistics, we can conclude that the most effective way to sell goods is by creating humorous and engaging content.
Therefore, if you want to enhance your company’s digital marketing, be innovative and creative.
How much time do TikTok users spend watching TikTok videos?
We all access the app several times a day.
After a while, we even lose track of time and our sense of the average duration spent on the app.
However, thanks to iOS and Android devices, we can track how much time we spend checking our feeds on TikTok.
According to various sources, the average TikTok user spends approximately one hour each day watching TikTok videos.
In contrast, popular Android users who stream regularly spend an average of 13.3 hours streaming each month.
No data is available for iOS TikTok users.
What cultural movements are popular on TikTok?
TikTok users frequently post and share content related to political parties, as well as social and cultural movements.
Political and social activism on this app was clearly evident during the BLM (Black Lives Matter) protests.
Specifically, videos that include #BLM in their description have been viewed approximately 26.1 billion times!
However, controversies arose over TikTok’s alleged attempts to hide videos featuring BLM hashtags or to suppress content related to the BLM protests.
Users in the United States were deeply concerned, but after a while, TikTok apologized and stated that the issue related to those posts was due to a technical error.
Another issue arose shortly thereafter.
Specifically, African American active users encountered unequal compensation and recognition on TikTok.
As a result, the TikTok board has launched an incubator program named TikTok for Black Creatives.
This program focuses on advertising campaigns and financial support for promising black content creators.
Is it worthwhile to advertise your company on TikTok?
Is the Pope Catholic?
Certainly, it is worthwhile!
Specifically, TikTok is currently akin to a wild west for advertising.
Active users can view virtually everything related to advertising, from clothing to affordable restaurants.
However, we would like to highlight one intriguing example of an unintentional marketing boom.
Specifically, when Nathan Apodaca (this guy @420doggface208) was commuting to work on his skateboard while drinking juice and filming himself, he could not have anticipated the kind of reaction his video would elicit.
His TikTok video was incredibly soothing to everyone who watched it, and as a result, he now has around 7 million followers.
Moreover, the juice brand featured in his video has experienced an increase in sales.
Most importantly, that was not a paid commercial; it all occurred spontaneously.
After observing the reactions of active users and noting that Nathan has gained a few million followers, companies such as Dunkin’ Donuts and Walmart have encouraged their employees to share more videos from work.
Other companies have recognized the significance of TikTok ads.
Therefore, we recommend that if you wish to advertise on TikTok, you proceed with it.
Songs on TikTok?
The number of TikTok downloads is continually rising due to the dynamic nature of the videos on this platform, which boast an above-average engagement rate.
Songs are essential for the dynamics of the video.
As a result, some songs receive more plays on TikTok than they do on Spotify or YouTube.
Nathan Apodaca, mentioned earlier, has played Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” in the background of his video.
After some time, the song that was originally released in 1977 has garnered a few million views.
Thus, it is evident how crucial it is for artists to frequently appear on TikTok.
TikTok User Statistics (USA)
1. The TikTok user base primarily consists of young people
Data published by the Pew Research Center indicates that approximately 48% of young Americans, aged 18 to 29, use TikTok.
Thus, it is evident that most of TikTok’s users are teenagers and young adults.
Following them, 20% of individuals aged 30-49 use this social network.
Finally, 14% of users are between the ages of 50 and 64, while only 4% are 65 or older.
As we all know, the USA is a vast melting pot, so the results could easily be applied to the entire world.
2. TikTok is recognized by 89% of Americans
Due to the recent controversies surrounding the relationship between TikTok and the U.S. government, TikTok has disclosed the facts regarding the app’s status in the United States.
And, indeed, they are recognizable.
Whether you like it or not, they have established themselves as a prominent social media app in the USA.
According to Morning Consult, nearly 89% of Americans are familiar with the app or can at least recognize it.
3. 100 Million Americans Use TikTok
The USA has a population of approximately 330 million people.
Nearly one-third of users utilize TikTok!
This social media platform is utilized by everyone from ordinary individuals to celebrities like Jimmy Fallon, Tony Hawk, Gordon Ramsay, Reese Witherspoon, and many others.
The number of TikTok users grew by 800% between 2018 and 2020.
4. American TikTok Users Are Unconcerned About Bans
Younger users (Generation Z—born from 1997 to 2012) will be more inclined to use the app if it is prohibited.
Specifically, 1 in 4 will be more inclined to use it if the official ban is implemented.
The majority would continue to use the app in the same manner, without concern for legal consequences.
In other words, they do not care whether it is legal or not; they only want to watch and post videos.
This is the result of the poll conducted by Morning Consult.
TikTok Business Statistics
1. TikTok users spend significantly
It appears that TikTok is positioning itself as the preferred social media platform for businesses.
Why is that, you may wonder?
According to the Google Play Store and iOS, TikTok ranks just behind Tinder in terms of consumer spending.
An average TikTok user may spend more than a YouTube or Disney+ user.
2. Appeal to Emotions
Male and female users are more inclined to purchase from or support your company if they perceive something positive or emotional about it.
Therefore, you need to strike an emotional chord.
Create advertisements that are relatable or filled with positivity, as they tend to be more appealing to the average TikTok user.
3. The initial seconds of your video content are critical
The surveys have confirmed that TikTok users can determine whether they like something or not after just three seconds of viewing.
Almost 63% of surveyed individuals indicate that they want to see the product advertisement they are watching after 3 seconds.
If they do not recognize that, they will not watch the entire video.
4. Communicate directly with your followers
Regardless of whether you have a million followers or just a few, make sure to communicate directly with them from time to time.
Specifically, 33% of the most popular ads feature a person who speaks directly to users.
Moreover, it is sometimes easier to be more entertaining when you are directly engaging with your followers on TikTok.
One of the brands that has employed this strategy is the Washington Post.
As you can see on their TikTok account, nearly all of their videos feature a guy speaking directly into the camera.
And the manner in which he speaks.
Come on, we anticipated dull politics, but instead, we have a one-man show that might even convince people to subscribe to tedious news.
We believe that content like this boosts the number of TikTok downloads.
People seek entertainment, even from the Washington Post, and the members of their marketing team have recognized this.
Conclusion
As you can see, it is essential to understand the trends, particularly regarding the most downloaded app during the pandemic—TikTok.
TikTok provides numerous opportunities for you and your business; you simply need to download it from Google Play or the App Store, and you’re all set.
You are responsible for understanding how to utilize the available data and further enhance your account.
