TikTok is a video-sharing application first launched in 2017, followed by musical.ly, a global phenomenon and extremely popular in recent years. The simple interface of the application has been a huge hit. It is now attracting attention from everyone, from regular users to businesses and bloggers, celebrities, and other people.
Before TikTok, social media applications were regarded as the most popular entertainment option for teenagers and adults. The idea behind social media apps is now so popular that they attract companies from all over the globe and prompt mobile app developers to create an app that could draw millions of users across the globe. The incredible success of TikTok has stunned the world and inspired many to create an app similar to TikTok.
The History of TikTok
TikTok is a relatively new mobile app. However, over the years, it has gone through many different names. Let's look into the tale of the way TikTok was created.
In the following year, it was rebranded to Douyin. In its first two years, Douyin has acquired 100 million active users.
TikTok ranked #1 among free apps available on App Store and Google Play in Thailand and other countries. In August 2018, TikTok joined Musical.ly to form the world's biggest video community.
What is the TikTok App?
TikTok is a short video creator and video-sharing application that lets users record and share three to fifteen seconds of video using its distinctive filters and effects. You can perform comedy, dance, and fun, send an update, or just anything with these videos. TikTok is solely an entertainment application software. It's all about showing your talents and your skills to others.
About TikTok App
Created by: ByteDance
Global CEO: Vanessa Pappas
Founding Year: 2016
Headquarters: Culver City, CA
Valuation: $ 60 billion
Users of TikTok recommend that their family and friends make use of it to have fun and enjoy themselves. You can also view its content across all platforms through the sharing feature. Additionally, content creators must require their family and friends to sign up for the platform and to like their content. This is why TikTok boasts more than 800 million active monthly users, up 300 million since January 2019.
It has now become a familiar name for all. However, it is not without exceptions so let's take an overview of the features of TikTok. The idea was born with Musical.ly, video-making, streaming, sharing, and creating an application. Using lip sync, it lets users dance to music or make humorous or entertaining videos. The app had more than 100 million users in the year 2018.
In 2018, a Chinese firm, Bytedance, took over the app and transferred users to an application known as TikTok. The popularity of TikTok is due to the features that allow users to not just lip-sync or dance to music; however, they are now permitted to make their content. This liberation has made TikTok popular, and its creator, Zhang Yiming, is $16 Billion rich and the 13th highest-paid individual in China.
TikTok Statistics
TikTok had an active user count of 500 million worldwide.
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The app has been downloaded over 1.5 billion times in the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
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The Chinese music video app was downloaded from the Apple App Store with 33 million downloads.
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More than 41% of people are between the ages of 16 and 24.
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Around 52 minutes each day are spent on the app.
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The app is currently available in 155 countries.
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90% of users use the app every day.
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In just the last 18 months US adults have grown 5.5 times, and are now 5.5.
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In 2018, over one billion TikTok videos were viewed daily.
The numbers speak for themselves. Enough to explain why TikTok was not known much before becoming an icon on social media platforms.
Some characteristics have made the TikTok application with millions of uploaders, downloaders, and uploaders who could be short.
Read More: How to Develop an App in 9 Easy Steps (2023 Guide)
Essential Features to Consider While Developing an App Like TikTok
What is it that makes TikTok so popular and unique? Here are a few essential features that can help you create an app similar to TikTok:
Making Profiles
Users need to sign up and create profiles to use TikTok. The app permits users to sign in using other social networks.
Making Videos and Uploading Them
Uploading and creating videos is the primary function of this application. Videos are the most engaging content since users can view, listen to, feel, and see the experience. This is precisely the way TikTok did well. It does not only allow users to record videos but also to be the star of the show.
Editing Video Editing
TikTok also lets users edit their videos quickly. Therefore, you don't need to download any other video editing applications and then do the editing. Editing is easy to create a video that appears like it was made by a professional in just one or two minutes. You'll get the best product in less than half an hour.
Filters and Effects
Regular videos always look dull. Therefore, TikTok allows users to apply several amazing effects, such as reverse zoom and more, to create an image with special effects.
AR Filters
This feature can be added to your video app that is TikTok-like as well. Include an object in the video, and you can include characters, alter the video background, or engage with the characters. Additionally, you can use AR filters to shoot ad videos. This can aid in building brand recognition.
Adding Soundtracks
The feature allows you to showcase your dancing and acting skills worldwide. You can use the film's theme song or even add excellent background music to your videos.
Social Media Shares and Likes
This feature is what makes TikTok a well-known social media channel. Every artist needs the support and encouragement of others, and this feature provides the same. Users can use the heart button to like videos and the sharing button to share videos with other users.
Making Slideshows
TikTok isn't only about creating videos; you can use your photos to create a fantastic slideshow. In addition, you can make use of various effects, filters, or background tunes.
Duet Video
Video creators can collaborate via this feature. TikTok lets you make videos with someone who is in a faraway place. You can use the duet feature to share part of your screen with your companion and create videos with them at any time.
Live Streaming
TikTok allows you to go live to interact and communicate with your followers. But, users must have at least 1000 followers to access live streaming. Furthermore, anyone who is 16 is not allowed to stream live. Live streaming is an added benefit for those who are 18 or older.
QR Code Scanner
All TikTok users get a unique QR code after registering. You can use the QR code to search for an individual or scan it to add a user. In addition, they can share someone's QR code to suggest them to others.
Customized Feeds
The #ForYou feed is a customized feed available to every TikTok user. The feed shows videos that match your preference. The algorithm on TikTok will be able to determine your preferences and suggest videos that you'll love. The app provides a personalized experience and ensures users don't get bored.
Geolocation
This tool helps you find nearby video bloggers streaming live. If you like their content, click to watch their live stream.
All of these are reasons for the enthralling popularity of TikTok. It is possible to create a more successful application than TikTok through distinctive features and an attractive interface.
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How to Make Money from Social Video-Sharing Apps Like TikTok?
Whatever the level of application you're trying to create, the objective is to know how you can make a profit by selling the app. The rate of growth of TikTok is incredible and has been acknowledged by the likes of Facebook. From the moment it was launched, it began to hit the market and is currently attracting over 500 million users. The app has also leapt from 6th to 4th place in the worldwide ranking of downloads for apps in 2020.
Here are a few methods to earn money from an app for social videos such as TikTok; however, here we've provided a brief overview of the resulting methods of monetizing apps:
In-App Purchase
TikTok currently offers all its content for free. However, in-app purchase is the best way to make money from. In-app purchases are when you pay an additional amount to access exclusive features or unlock specific features for an additional fee.
Paid Version
This is a simple method of monetizing that allows access to the platform by paying and signing up costs.
Freemium
Through this model of business, customers can download your app for free. However, they will have to pay a cost to upgrade their account in the future or use premium features.
Mobile App Advertising
If the options above don't appeal to you, then use mobile app ads by focusing on the target audience per age group, geographic location, and liking and disliking. Advertising can be carried out in various ways, such as Cost Per Click, cost per installation, and many more.
Fundraising
According to reports, the most prestigious investors have contributed to TikTok, exceeding $3 billion. Fundraising is an effective method to collect funds and generate profit. If you've decided to launch your app or your app is running well, fundraising can make a significant difference to your app. So, you don't have to worry about money to develop your app or any other thing.
How to Build an App Similar to TikTok?
Here are the steps to take to create an app similar to TikTok:
Conduct a study on People You Want to Reach
It is essential to think about the user when creating an application for making videos, such as TikTok. If you can understand your customer's needs, you can create the app faster and have the best product. Conduct your research using these methods:
Behavioral Trends: Discover what factors reduce the need for the user to download an app, what reduces their security expectations, and much more.
Demographics: Examine your users' age average, their gadgets of choice, where they live at all times, and more.
Choose a Business Revenue Model
The next step is to choose the business model of revenue. When you know your client's requirements and what they want, you will know the amount they'll pay.
Hire a Professional App Development Company
Choosing a well-known and experienced mobile app development company to collaborate with is recommended. The initial development phase includes:
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A business assessment.
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The development of the tech specs.
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The evaluation of the cost of app development.
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The planning of the app's development.
Before starting to develop your app the team will create an outline of the app development process, choose the essential features to be included in your app, and then develop an idea for the app. The development team will create goals for the project and work to create the MVP.
Create an MVP
Building an app similar to TikTok is not easy, so you're advised to start an MVP first and then check its technical and business capabilities in a wide range. Using an MVP technique, you will determine what users prefer and do not like about your application. Additionally, you can think about users' feedback and enhance your app.
What does TikTok do?
The app brings videos, songs, and tunes that are now popular with users. Users can use lip-sync on it to make videos. They can also dance along to the music, add effects and filters, and perform various creative things to create better videos than other videos. Additionally, TikTok is an interactive platform that allows you to connect with other users because you can upload your videos and look through the videos uploaded by other users.
Making your video after installing the app is a straightforward procedure. Even if you're new to the application, you can make a fun video popular with the masses in just a couple of days.
The features that helped make the app popular within a short time include:
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Share videos on social media
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High-speed image capture
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Broadcasting music videos
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Incredible effects and filters
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A music library that includes every day's selection by the editor
Cost of Developing an App like TikTok
Many factors determine the price of developing an app like TikTok, like features, technology, the distribution of resources, and the list. If you're planning to develop an app similar to TikTok, costs can range from $60,000 to $80,000.
This is the base price and can rise based on the needs and the additional features you'll be integrating, including Artificial Intelligence, Blockchain, and advanced animations to improve user experience. Additionally, the hourly rates could differ based on the location of your business.
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The Key Takeaway
To develop an app for streaming videos, You must ensure that your users can create content quickly and easily. Get celebrities and brands involved to choose the appropriate market, and then offer users the possibility of earning money.
To develop an app similar to TikTok, it is necessary to select the revenue model, employ an expert development team, and create an MVP to test the functionality of the app.
TikTok is well-known for its firm value offer. Therefore, instead of making a TikTok replica, you should draw inspiration from the app and develop ideas for building an application that streams videos.