Are you interested in the advantages and disadvantages of TikTok?
You’ve heard a great deal about TikTok, the short video-sharing social media app, but is it for you?
Is TikTok a place for your business?
This post discusses the advantages and disadvantages of TikTok so you can make an informed decision.
This guide shares 18 advantages of TikTok and 5 disadvantages of TikTok.
By the time you are done reading, you will know what TikTok and TikTok Plus are in addition to knowing the advantages and disadvantages of TikTok. Finally, you will be able to see examples of TikTok videos that show the pros of TikTok.
Are you ready to explore the advantages and disadvantages of TikTok?
UPDATE: May 2023
This post on the advantages and disadvantages of TikTok shares my opinions on the benefits and disadvantages of TikTok.
After publication, I logged in to Chat GPT and asked it to provide 10 good things about TikTok and 10 bad things about TikTok.
10 good things about TikTok
TikTok, a popular social media platform, has gained widespread popularity and has a number of positive aspects.
Here are ten good things about TikTok:
- Creative Expression: TikTok provides a platform for users to showcase their creativity through short videos. It encourages users to express themselves and share their talents with the world.
- Entertainment: TikTok offers a diverse range of entertaining content, including comedy sketches, dance routines, lip-syncing, and challenges. It can be a source of light-hearted fun and laughter for users.
- Global Community: TikTok has a vast and active user base from around the world. It allows people from different cultures and backgrounds to connect, share experiences, and learn about each other’s perspectives.
- Discovering New Content: The “For You” page on TikTok uses a sophisticated algorithm to personalize content recommendations based on user preferences. This helps users discover new and interesting videos from creators they may not have come across otherwise.
- Skill Development: TikTok has become a platform for individuals to learn and develop new skills. From cooking tutorials to art demonstrations, users can find educational and informative content that helps them acquire knowledge in various fields.
- Positive Communities: TikTok has fostered supportive and positive communities centered around shared interests. Users can find like-minded individuals, join communities with common goals, and engage in discussions that promote positivity and encouragement.
- Promoting Social Causes: TikTok has been used as a tool for raising awareness about social issues and promoting charitable causes. Users have leveraged the platform to spread messages, raise funds, and drive social change.
- Inspiring Stories: TikTok has showcased numerous inspiring stories of individuals overcoming challenges, pursuing their dreams, and achieving success. These stories can motivate and inspire users to strive for their goals.
- User-friendly Interface: TikTok’s user-friendly interface makes it accessible to a wide range of users, including those with limited technical skills. Its simplicity and intuitive design allow people to easily create and consume content.
- Breakthrough Opportunities: TikTok has provided opportunities for individuals to gain recognition and even launch professional careers. Many TikTok creators have garnered massive followings, leading to collaborations, brand partnerships, and even career opportunities in fields like entertainment and content creation.
It’s important to note that while TikTok has its positive aspects, like any social media platform, it also has its share of challenges, including potential negative content and privacy concerns. Users should exercise caution, be mindful of their online behavior, and ensure a healthy balance between screen time and other activities.
10 bad things about TikTok
While TikTok has gained immense popularity worldwide, it is not without its controversies and criticisms.
Here are 10 common concerns or negative aspects associated with TikTok:
- Privacy concerns: There have been several instances of privacy breaches on TikTok, where personal information and user data were mishandled or accessed without consent.
- Inappropriate content: TikTok has faced criticism for hosting a significant amount of inappropriate or explicit content, including sexualized dances, dangerous challenges, and potentially harmful trends.
- Cyberbullying: As with any social media platform, TikTok is not immune to cyberbullying. Users can be targeted, harassed, or subjected to hateful comments, which can have a severe impact on their mental health.
- Addiction and time consumption: TikTok’s endless scrolling feature and addictive algorithm make it easy for users to spend excessive amounts of time on the platform, leading to productivity loss and potential negative effects on mental well-being.
- Lack of content moderation: Despite efforts to improve content moderation, TikTok still struggles to effectively filter and remove inappropriate or harmful content, making it possible for users, particularly younger ones, to be exposed to content unsuitable for their age.
- Copyright infringement: TikTok has faced numerous copyright infringement claims due to the unauthorized use of copyrighted music and intellectual property by its users.
- Manipulative algorithms: TikTok’s algorithm can be seen as manipulative, as it tailors content based on users’ preferences, potentially creating an echo chamber effect and limiting exposure to diverse viewpoints.
- Exploitation and predatory behavior: There have been instances of predators using TikTok to groom or exploit young users, taking advantage of the platform’s wide reach and interactive features.
- Influence on body image and self-esteem: The prevalence of idealized and unrealistic body standards on TikTok, coupled with filters and editing tools, can contribute to body image issues and negatively impact users’ self-esteem.
- Geopolitical controversies: TikTok has faced scrutiny from governments worldwide due to concerns over its ties to the Chinese government and potential data security risks, leading to bans or threats of bans in some countries.
It is important to note that while these concerns exist, not all users have negative experiences with TikTok, and the platform has also served as a source of creativity, entertainment, and community for many.
Now that we know Chat GPT’s opinion, keep reading to see if Chat GPT, the AI language model, agrees with my opinion on the advantages and disadvantages of TikTok.
UPDATE: March 2023
UPDATE: August 2023
The disadvantages of TikTok continue. TikTok’s ban has gained momentum.
TikTok will be banned in Montana in the United States starting in January 2024.
The liaison from the Chinese-based TikTok to the USA recently resigned. This indicates there isn’t much hope the residents of Montana can use TikTok in 2024 and afterward.
I label this a disadvantage of TikTok since the powers that be at TikTok should be able to counter the objects to the TikTok ban so the residents of Montana and the USA in its entirety can continue using TikTok.
What is TikTok?
TikTok is a popular video-sharing social media site.
Have you heard the myth that TikTok is just for teens looking for karaoke?
It is true that 43% of TikTok users are between 18 and 24 years of age. However, 32% of users are between 25 and 34 years of age (Source).
Over time, the length of the videos you can share has grown to 10 minutes.
TikTok boasts over one billion users and was the most popular download during lockdown and consistently since then. TikTok boasts over one billion users and was the most popular download during lockdown and consistently since then. With the surge in TikTok’s user base, the demand for innovative TikTok tools skyrocketed, amplifying its popularity even further.
TikTok is owned by the Chinese corporation ByteDance.
TikTok used to be called ”Musically.”
What is TikTok Plus?
TikTok Plus, TikTok++, is a version of TikTok that offers more features.
Advantages of TikTok
- TikTok is entertaining.
- TikTok is life-changing.
- TikTok videos are easy to repurpose.
- TikTok makes you happy.
- TikTok is a great distraction.
- TikTok is easy to learn.
- TikTok’s filters are amazing.
- TikTok’s editors are a cut above the rest.
- TikTok is a good time killer.
- TikTok provides free music.
- TikTok helps you promote causes.
- TikTok keeps reinventing itself.
- TikTok offers opportunities for increased organic growth.
- TikTok is educational.
- TikTok provides networking opportunities.
- TikTok boosts your self-esteem.
- TikTok helps marketers.
- TikTok helps shoppers.
TikTok is a great social media site for the following reasons. Look at all these advantages of TikTok.
TikTok is entertaining.
Isn’t ”entertaining” subject to opinion?
No!
The algorithm learns what interests you and only shows you that content.
You can see anything your heart desires on TikTok:
Singing, dancing, magic tricks, dog tricks, tarot card readers, stand-up comics, funny animals, cute babies, fitness tips, and esteem-enhancing positivity are just a few of the types of videos shared on the platform.
Many of these video makers host live events.
TikTok is life-changing.
“Life-changing” is a strong word I realize, but I don’t use it lightly.
First, users hear songs they haven’t heard in years and are reminded of days gone by.
Next, users hear songs they forgot they liked and rush to Spotify to add the songs to their playlists, so they can keep enjoying them.
Finally, new artists get discovered on TikTok with the help of the platform.
For instance, TikTok pushes out the songs of up and coming artists. Hashtags like #ClassicalMusic help make older genres popular.
Have you heard of popular TikTokker Charli D’amelio? Charli has over 141.2 million followers.
TikTok certainly changed her life. I saw her dancing on a television special event with established stars. Thanks to TikTok, Charlie is a celebrity.
TikTok’s videos are easy to repurpose.
Since TikTok’s videos are vertical, you can easily upload them onto YouTube Shorts which is also vertical.
Instagram Stories are vertical as well. After uploading to TikTok, you’ll be asked if you want to repurpose your video onto Instagram.
TikTok makes you happy.
This claim is based on research.
A study revealed viewers’ endorphins rose after watching TikTok videos.
With all the cute puppies and babies you find on TikTok, how could you not feel happy?
TikTok is a great distraction.
Life got you down? Try scrolling through content tagged with hashtags such as #FunnyVideos or #FunnyDogVideos and then see if you can recall what preoccupied your thoughts.
In the comments section, share what successfully distracts you and share if you consider the distraction one of the advantages or disadvantages of TikTok.
TikTok is easy to learn to use.
I do not consider myself tech-savvy. However, it felt like I was off and running the moment I started making my first TikTok video.
Do you want to see my first TikTok?
I am excited to report my first TikTok video received 1,376 views and 72 likes at the time of this writing.
Even TikTok’s analytics are easy to understand.
TikTok’s filters are amazing.
Since I was dressing my dog to walk on a cold day, I thought to have the snow come down on us. Even our commenter remarked how amazing the filter is.
TikTok offers seasonal filters like these snowflakes which I used in the winter. You don’t have to look far for seasonally appropriate filters since TikTok recommends them to you.
TikTok is a powerful time killer.
Do you ever find you have a few moments to kill with nothing to do? TikTok is an effective cure for boredom.
TikTok provides free music.
You can get free music for offline use when you do a TikTok MP3 download.
Free tools are available that allow you to download a portion of TikTok’s music.
TikTok’s editing features are a cut above the rest.
TikTok’s effects get more impressive as time goes on which says a great deal. I consider the effects better than Instagram’s or a third-party video editor. I don’t know how TikTok consistently tops itself.
Easily Splice video content together. Choose your desired length.
Seven seconds is a popular video length, so you won’t be engaged in video editing for too long.
The best part: When you use the native TikTok editor, TikTok rewards you with more visibility.
TikTok has inspiring music for every video’s mood. You won’t need to worry about a copy-write claim.
Remember to use text and captions which take viewers longer to read. For this reason, using text boosts your video watch time.
The result: TikTok shows your video to more people.
You can even use your still photos on TikTok which provides templates for you to use.
TikTok helps you promote causes.
You can effect positive change with your TikTok content.
For instance, American Idol contestant Taylor Fagins sang his original anti-racism song on TikTok in order to promote the #BlackLivesMatter movement.
TikTok keeps reinventing itself.
TikTok increased the length of video uploads.
TikTok is starting a live subscription program.
TikTok started live events.
TikTok is developing a monetization program for creators.
TikTok is developing a user-generated content program.
Organic growth is easier.
Growing on new social media platforms is easier than on platforms with more longevity.
For this reason, organic growth on TikTok is easier than organic growth on Instagram and on other social media sites where half of all marketers pay to promote their content and boost their visibility.
In addition, TikTok offers ways to easily grow on TikTok such as Follow Trains. TikTok has Follow Trains for all sorts of demographics. For instance, the author Follow Train is called ”BookTok.” Just search the Discover tab for #FollowTrains to find the demographic that interests you.
Also, TikTok offers metrics that are easy to understand. You can replicate the variables of your successful content in order to replicate your success. For instance, you can replicate the video length.
It gets better: You don’t need a boatload of social media followers to succeed on TikTok. You succeed on TikTok when you get waves of views. This occurs when the platform pushes your video to users’ For You Pages. Landing on the For You Page is how you get massive exposure.
TikTok is educational.
When Facebook and Instagram first experienced explosive growth, teachers took advantage of those social media sites’ appeal with students to use the sites for educational purposes.
For instance, I know a history teacher who had a Facebook page devoted to announcing homework, due dates, and tests.
Why should TikTok’s appeal be an exception?
Science teacher Greg Wolf does science demonstrations in TikTok videos. Is it any surprise that his videos are going viral?
Would you like to see it?
The best part is that teachers looking for ways to engage their students can also learn from his lessons.
Educational value on TikTok goes far beyond Mr. Wolf’s science lessons.
For instance, TikTok has hashtags for popular educational content such as #STEMTok (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) and #LearnonTikTok.
The #teachersofTikTok hashtag allows teachers to share ideas with students and each other. As you can see, instruction on TikTok is widespread.
TikTok provides networking opportunities.
As with all social media sites, TikTok enables you to find people with common interests.
Click ”Discover” to find what’s trending.
For example, in late May, ”coffee” was trending. I love coffee. Over 30 billion videos were uploaded with the hashtag. Do you see how easy it is to use TikTok to find people with similar interests?
If you have an interest that isn’t trending, in other words, surging in popularity, search for it using the search bar.
TikTok boosts your self-esteem.
Regardless of followers, any video can outperform your others at any time.
I know I felt great when one of my videos received over 5,000 views, especially after only a short time on the platform.
Also, I don’t normally consider myself creative, but when I see the results of my video-editing efforts, I feel pride.
That boost of self-esteem doesn’t have to be short-lived either.
You can post up to three TikTok videos at the top of your profile. This way you and people who view your profile can see your video creations.
Marketing is easier.
The data in this infographic clearly shows the effectiveness of TikTok marketing in contrast to other forms of social media marketing.
The Duolingo language learning app started the TikTok marketing trend. Now TikTok marketing is widespread.
TikTok helps shoppers.
You have plenty of opportunities to make purchases on TikTok.
In the bottom-left corner of the video screen, you will see the word “sponsored.” Then you know the items described in the video are for sale.
Disadvantages of TikTok
One of the disadvantages of TikTok is the possibility of getting your TikTok account suspended. Click Play to discover more information about the TikTok suspension.
- TikTok use results in vandalism.
- TikTok stories are disappointing.
- TikTok is a time-waster.
- TikTok’s algorithm is hard to predict.
- TikTok Plus has weaknesses.
TikTok results in vandalism.
Last fall, TikTok users posted content challenging users to destroy school bathrooms. Bathrooms everywhere were vandalized.
TikTok stories are disappointing.
TikTok stories don’t hold a candle to Instagram stories.
TikTok wastes your time.
At times, the advantages and disadvantages of TikTok can be the same.
I realize I indicated using TikTok to pass the time is an advantage of TikTok. However, if you are using scrolling through TikTok to procrastinate, then spending time on TikTok becomes wasting time on TikTok which is a disadvantage of using TikTok.
TikTok’s algorithm is hard to predict.
Let’s say you make a video that overperforms. Even if you make a similar type of video, the same length, with the same hashtags, and post it at the same time, you cannot necessarily expect the same results.
One important note: I find the more consistently I post, the better my videos do. TikTok does not seem to want to push my videos out to people’s For You Page if I am an inactive user.
TikTok Plus has weaknesses.
TikTok++, a version of TikTok, has extra features. However, according to my research, the app keeps crashing. For this reason, I have been discouraged from trying TikTok++.
Advantages and Disadvantages of TikTok: Frequently Asked Questions
What are the advantages of TikTok for students?
Although there are both advantages and disadvantages of TikTok for students, TikTok definitely has an educational benefit. Science teachers, for instance, are using TikTok videos to demonstrate science experiments. In this way, they educate their students and share best practices with other teachers.
What are the negatives of TikTok?
Although there are both advantages and disadvantages of TikTok, there are definitely disadvantages to using the site. For instance, TikTok is a huge time waster. People spend hours scrolling and can’t figure out where the time went.
Wrapping Up: Advantages and Disadvantages of TikTok
Now you know both the advantages and disadvantages of TikTok.
By reading this guide, you found descriptions of TikTok and TikTok Plus. You also explored 18 advantages and five disadvantages of TikTok.
Finally, you saw videos that show examples of many of these advantages and disadvantages of TikTok.
Readers, please share so that people considering using TikTok discover this guide.
I look forward to your views in the comments section. Can you suggest more advantages and disadvantages of TikTok to add to the discussion?
Janice Wald is the founder of MostlyBlogging.com and co-founder of the Mostly Blogging Academy. She is an ebook author, blogger, blogging coach, blogging judge, freelance writer, and speaker. She won the Best Internet Marketer Award and the Best Blogger Award at the 2021 Infinity Blog Awards. Wald was also nominated as 2019 Best Internet Marketer by the Infinity Blog Awards and in 2017 as the Most Informative Blogger by the London Bloggers Bash. She’s been featured on Small Business Trends, the Huffington Post, and Lifehack.
