TikTok: The New Frontier for Search and Business
TikTok is a social media platform that has exploded in popularity in recent years. It is not only dominating other social media platforms, but it is also starting to dominate search engines such as Google.
This shift in search habits among young adults and the new generation is being recognised by Google and businesses are now having to optimise their search results for TikTok and Instagram as well as Google.
The Rise of TikTok
TikTok, originally known as Douyin in China, is a short-form video-sharing app that allows users to create and share 15-second videos set to music.
The app was first launched in September 2016 by Chinese company ByteDance and quickly gained popularity among young adults and teenagers in China.
In 2017, the app was rebranded as TikTok and launched globally, quickly gaining traction in the United States, India, Australia and other countries.
The app's popularity can be attributed to its ease of use, allowing users to create and edit videos with just a few taps and the vast array of content available on the platform.
A lot of TikTok's success can also be attributed to its strong focus on music and dance.
The app includes a vast library of songs that users can use as a background for their videos, making it easy for users to create lip-syncing and dance videos.
Additionally, TikTok's algorithm is able to personalise content for users, which keeps them engaged for longer periods of time.
By 2018, TikTok had become the most downloaded app in the Apple App Store, surpassing other social media apps such as Facebook, Instagram and Snapchat.
As of 2021, TikTok has over 2 billion active users worldwide, making it one of the most popular and widely used social media apps in the world. What is the world population, again?
With its continued growth and popularity, TikTok is becoming an increasingly important platform for businesses and marketers to reach their target audience.
The Impact on Search
As TikTok and Instagram continue to grow in popularity, they are starting to have a significant impact on search habits.
According to a report by TechCrunch, 40% of Gen Z prefer to use the search function on TikTok and Instagram, rather than Google.
This shift in search behaviour among young adults and the new generation is due to the fact that these platforms have become an integral part of their daily lives and they are using them to discover new products, services and information.
This change in search habits is starting to be recognised by Google, the world's leading search engine. Google is now starting to incorporate TikTok and Instagram content into its search results.
This means that when users search for a particular keyword or phrase, TikTok and Instagram content will also appear in the search results alongside traditional web pages and other content.
This is a significant shift in how search results are presented and it highlights the growing importance of these platforms in the search landscape.
As a result, businesses and marketers need to adapt to this change and start to optimise their search results for TikTok and Instagram as well as Google.
This means creating TikTok and Instagram accounts and creating content specifically for these platforms.
Additionally, businesses need to ensure that their TikTok and Instagram profiles are fully optimised and that they are using relevant keywords to increase their visibility in search results.
By doing this, businesses can ensure that they are reaching their target audience and getting their message in front of the right people.
TikTok and Instagram are changing the way people search for information online and this is having a significant impact on the search landscape.
As a business, it's important to adapt to this change and start to optimise your search results for these platforms as well as Google to make sure that you're reaching your target audience and getting your message in front of the right people.
Businesses Adapting to TikTok
The shift in search habits towards TikTok and Instagram is having a significant impact on businesses. In the past, businesses only had to optimise their search results for Google, but now they also have to optimise their search results for TikTok and Instagram.
This means that businesses should create TikTok and Instagram accounts and create content specifically for these platforms in order to be visible to their target audience.
One way businesses are adapting to TikTok is by creating short-form videos that are tailored to the platform's audience. This can include lip-syncing videos set to popular music, dance videos and comedic skits that align with the brand's message.
Additionally, businesses are also incorporating popular trends and challenges on the platform to increase engagement and reach a wider audience.
Another way businesses are adapting to TikTok is by leveraging the platform's features such as filters, effects and editing tools to enhance their videos.
This can include using AR filters to make videos more interactive and engaging, using effects to make videos more visually appealing and using editing tools to make videos more polished and professional.
Businesses are also using TikTok and Instagram's paid advertising options to reach their target audience. This includes sponsored posts, branded hashtags and influencer marketing campaigns. These options allow businesses to reach a wide audience by targeting specific demographics and interests.
In addition to creating content and advertising, businesses are also optimising their profiles on TikTok and Instagram.
This includes using relevant keywords, creating a consistent brand message and ensuring that their profiles are fully filled out and include contact information.
In conclusion, the shift in search habits towards TikTok and Instagram is having a significant impact on businesses. Businesses are now creating TikTok and Instagram accounts and creating content specifically for these platforms to be visible to their target audience.
Additionally, businesses are also leveraging the platform's features, paid advertising options and optimising their profiles to increase their reach and engagement on these platforms.
Brands You Know That Do TikTok Well
So, we’re officially breaking the misconception that TikTok is just for individuals; it's also a great platform for brands to connect with their audience.
Many well-known brands are using TikTok to showcase their products, create brand awareness, produce hilarious skits and, ultimately, drive sales. Here are a few examples of brands that are doing TikTok well:
Duolingo (@duolingo)
Duolingo, the popular language-learning app, has a TikTok account where they create short and fun videos to educate and promote their app. This is probably one of the funniest TikTok accounts you will ever come across.
From their comments on other people’s videos to the creative skits of Duo the Bird they produce, they have amassed a huge community of 5 million waiting to see all of their new videos.
It’s official. Duolingo has officially become unhinged on TikTok.
Oreo (@theoreoofficial)
Oreo, the popular cookie brand, has a TikTok account where they create fun and engaging videos that showcase their products in a creative, hilarious way. They also use the platform very creatively to showcase their products and to participate in popular, funny TikTok challenges.
They use a variety of techniques such as animation, stop-motion and humour to create content that is both informative and entertaining.
Gymshark (@gymshark)
Ever come across those videos of gym junkies or personal trainers videoing their exercise regime? A lot of these people actually get sponsored by Gymshark and other similar brands.
Gymshark, a fitness apparel brand, is one of the many companies that have successfully leveraged TikTok as a marketing tool. They have built a strong community on the platform by collaborating with influencers, reposting content from their community and creating engaging content of their own.
So much so, that their videos reach millions of views very frequently.
Steven Ho (@steveioe)
If you haven’t already seen the hilarious skits that this doctor produces, you’re seriously falling behind. Steve is a full-time doctor and part-time TikTok genius who has generated over 11 million TikTok followers.
His videos mostly consist of describing certain scenarios of patients being admitted to the emergency room, explaining how people can handle these particular situations whilst also throwing in a couple of funny instances to avoid when coming into the ER.
Even as a conservative doctor, Steve has found an ingenious way to showcase his work, his role and present to patients via TikTok how he can help people. And, the likeliness of one of Steve’s TikTok videos coming up next time you search anything doctor or ER-related? Exponentially high.
These are just a few examples of brands and individuals that are killing it at TikTok, and the best part? There are many, many more.
These brands are using the platform in creative and engaging ways to connect with their audience, promote their products and services and drive growth for their business.
As a business, it's important to keep an eye on how other brands are using TikTok and to think about how you can use the platform to reach your target audience and drive growth for your business.
And, if we haven’t already convinced you by this point, well…
Introducing TikTok To Your Business
As a business, it is important to stay ahead of the curve and adapt to the changing digital landscape. With the rise of TikTok and Instagram, businesses need to optimise their strategies for these platforms in order to reach their target audience and drive growth.
However, with the ever-changing nature of social media, it can be difficult to stay on top of the latest trends and best practices.
That's where we come in.
Our team of experts specialises in social media marketing and we have the knowledge and experience to help your business succeed on TikTok and Instagram.
We can help you create a comprehensive social media strategy, develop engaging content and leverage paid advertising options to reach your target audience.
Additionally, we can help you optimise your profiles, create effective influencer campaigns and much more.
Don't let your business fall behind, contact us today to learn more about how we can help you optimise your business for TikTok and Instagram.
Our team is ready to help you take your social media presence to the next level. We can help you reach your target audience and drive growth for your business.
Want to know more about how to optimise your business for TikTok and Instagram? Contact the team at The Growth Division today!
