TikTok What is this new social network and how does it work and do we really have to be there?

When talking about the main social networks, Internet users point to Instagram or Facebook, In most cases. However, with the development of new platforms, more solutions have emerged that attract people’s attention. One of them, certainly consists of TikTok which is a social network of Chinese origin created in 2016.

In that sense, although it emerged as an ideal platform for young people between 12 and 18 years oldthe truth is that today this social network has captured the attention of numerous people in the world, including over 30 years. Which, have lost the fear of participating in the famous “challenges” that resemble the operation of this website.

Thus, the popularity of TikTok has increased enormously and thanks to that, has more than 500 million active users in the world. For this reason, many are interested in knowing what this platform consists of and what can be done on it, as well as how it works and what are its advantages or disadvantages. Therefore, in this post, we will let you know this information.

TikTok What is this new social network and what can we do in it?

Basically, TikTok is defined as a social network based on music videos, since it allows you to create clips with a duration of 3 to 15 seconds that can be extended up to 60 seconds, at most. thus allows create short, funny and funny videos to share them with their great community. Well, they are clips that have background music that accompanies the user’s movements. As for its origin, we highlight that it refers to a Chinese social network that went public in 2016 called “Douyin”.

In Spanish, means “shake the music”. From this concept, in its first year of launch, TikTok got a total of 100 million users. However, the growth of its popularity was observed in 2018. Well, since then, it became known in more than 150 countries and in a total of 75 languages. Thus, it has managed to expand so much throughout the world that, now has over 500 million active users and has gained more than 1.5 billion downloads through the Google Play Store and the App Store.

In this way, people who decide to register with TikTok will have the opportunity to create video content to attract the attention of other Internet users, taking advantage of the advantages that this type of content provides by nature. But, beyond facilitating the creation of video, this social network of Chinese origin provides the necessary tools to create fun videos with background music, speed up or slow down, edits using filters, etc..

So, in short, this well-known social network has opted to ponder itself as a net entertainment platform and thanks to this, as long as users create eye-catching content, they will be able to expand their community. Likewise, only, corresponds to a video social network which is the type of content with the most attention for audiences. Thus, TikTok is characterized by being fun, modern, original and creative.

Learn step by step how to sign up and complete your profile on TikTok to start using the platform

By the great fury that TikTok has generated in the digital environment, there are many people who choose to start using this platform to upload video content. However, although many have already created their account there, the truth is that a large number of Internet users have not yet done so and for this reason, want to know how to sign up and create a profile on TikTok.

Which we will explain below:

Create Account

First of all it is essential that download the TikTok mobile app on your smartphone, tablet or iPad. To do this, you simply have to access the official application store of your operating system (Play Store or App Store)search for this social network and start the download process for it to install.

Then, to start creating your TikTok account, the steps to follow are:

• Once the app has been installed correctly on your device, you have to access it and choose the method you prefer to register on the site. Either with a phone number or email and even by Facebook,Google either Twitter (in this case, we will do it with a phone number).
• Subsequently, they will ask for your date of birth and, therefore, you must enter it correctly. Taking into account that this will not be publicly displayed on TikTok. When you do it, click on “Next”.
• Now, the social network allows you to select which form of registration you prefer, that is, by phone or email. To decide, press the indicated tab and fill in the requested data so that, tap on “Send code”.
• Following that, the social network system will send you a code through your phone number or through your email. which, you have to write in the indicated field to continue with the registration process.
• Next, you must create the password for your TikTok account. In this case, the platform recommends using between 8 and 20 characters that include letters, numbers, and special signs. done this, click “Next”.
• Once the above is done, you can proceed to create a username that will be the one that identifies you within TikTok. Once you write it there and it is accepted (because it doesn’t exist yet), press the “Register” button.

Complete user

After registering your new account on the social network, you will need to complete your profile in order to obtain a better user experience.

To do this, you will need to perform the following steps:

• Select your interests: To receive fully personalized video recommendations, it is ideal to choose your interests on TikTok. Whether it’s comedy, daily life, entertainment, talent, animals, beauty and style, food, drama, education, family, love and dating, sports, fitness and greeting. Once you choose them, click on “Next”.
• Post a profile picture: When you access the social network, tap on “I” in the lower right corner and click on “Edit profile”. There, select the icon that says “Change photo” and choose between taking a photo or selecting from your device’s gallery. It is important that you show a good profile picturewith the highest possible quality.
• Show a main video: Just as you can feature a profile picture, TikTok also allows you to feature a video in the same section. To save any clip, Access the “Edit profile” option and select “Change video”.
• Add a description: If you want to optimize your TikTok profile even more, you can also opt for add a short description on it and thus, you will have greater possibilities of causing some interest in the other users of the social network. To add such a description, click on “Edit profile” and find that option.

Learn how to create and share your first video on TikTok with your followers

In view of TikTok offers a different proposal to those of the most recognized social networks (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, etc.), many people wonder what they have to do to create your first video on this platform of Chinese origin and share it correctly with your followers.

That is why we emphasize that in TikTok you can record videos and upload them directly or save them for latereven, this platform also allows make videos as a duo, keep them private or public, etc.. But well, to know what to do in these cases, it is worth going step by step.

Therefore, here we will explain the process to be carried out in order to upload your first clip:

Press the More button

The first step to follow to publish a video on this social network consists of find and select the “More” button. Which, you can locate it from the section “Start” at the bottom and center of the screen.

Basically, sample a “+” sign with the characteristic colors of this platform. On the other hand, once you touch said button, it is opportune that grant the necessary permissions to TikTok. Usually, such a site asks you to take photos and record videos, as well as record audio. In any case, you have to touch the “Allow” option and that’s it.

Record a clip or upload one from your gallery

After entering the corresponding screen, the platform allows you to carry out two actions: record a new video or select one that you have available on your device. If you choose to record a new video directly from the site, you will have the possibility to choose between three types of videos: 15 seconds (15s), 60 seconds (60s) or a potpourri of photos (MV).

At the time of recording it, you should only hit the record button and there they will indicate the process of the same to know how much is left to exhaust the selected time. In the case of “MV”TikTok supports up to 19 different combinations depending on the number of photos you want to share and their style.

On the other hand, if you feel more comfortable upload a video (previously recorded) from the gallery of your mobile, tablet or iPad; you have to choose the option that says “Gallery” and is located at the bottom of the screen on the right hand side. In that case, after uploading the video, the social network allows you to apply effects to make it look more fun (rotate image, speed up or slow down).

edit your video

Once you specify the clip you are going to share for the first time in your profile TikTokIt’s time to edit the same to get a good result. To do this, in the editing window, use the different tools that they offer you both at the bottom and at the top on the right side.

Which basically are:

• sounds: Allows you to search for music by name or through trends and playlists.
• effects: It consists of an option that has several categories to add effects to the video. Whether they are visual, transition, sticker-based effects, to speed up or slow down playback, etc.
• Text: From different fonts and colors, this utility offers you the possibility of adding text to your creation.
• stickers: If you want to animate your video for TikTok, you can access this section where you are provided with numerous stickers, GIFs, and emojis.
• Filters: In this social network there are numerous filters that manage to optimize the visual aspect of your videos. Which are grouped into various categories (portrait, landscape, food, intense, etc.).
• voice effects: These are effects that are applied to your recordings and the original audio. There are numerous options to choose from to achieve a more fun result (squirrel, baritone, microphone, megaphone, robot, drums, vibrato, echo, helium, etc.).
• Voice-over: From this tool, you can add other audio to your video. For that, they allow you to choose the section of the clip to edit in this way and directly record the new voice.
• Cut: In case your video has exceeded the allowed time or you do not like any part of it; you can use this utility to edit it by cropping it.
• Volume: Allows you to control the volume of both the original sound and the added sound (if applicable).

Post the result

When you are satisfied with the editing process carried out, you can proceed to publish your video on TikTok. For this, first of all, press the “Next” button which is located in the lower right corner of the screen in question. The system will then process your video and before posting itYou can put some description, add hashtags or tag friends, decide who can see your creation (that is, if the video will be public or private).

Also allow comments or not, allow duets or not, allow “paste videos” or not, save to your device or not. In addition to that, here you can also automatic sharing on other platforms (WhatsApp, Instagram, Instagram Stories or Facebook). So when you customize all this, just subtract click on “Publish” . In case you prefer to share it at another time or another day, select the “Drafts” option.

Learn the steps to configure the privacy of your TikTok account and make it more secure

Because TikTok it has shown accelerated growth around the world and every day, there are millions of users who generate content on this platform, access it and register; it is important to have optimal privacy.

Since, due to its degree of overcrowding, could be a powerful site to carry out illicit actions against users. As a consequence, it is worth knowing how to configure the privacy and security of your TikTok profilein order to protect your integrity and avoid risks in these terms.

Next, each step and/or recommendation to follow:

Enable restricted mode

Fortunately, TikTok has a tool known as “restricted mode” which offers the possibility of limit the display of inappropriate content. Thus, from this, you will be able to avoid any contact with individuals who do not execute a relevant user experience in the social network.

As for the steps to follow to activate this utility, they are:

• Access your social network account and tap on the “I” section located at the bottom. After, click on “Settings and privacy” which is located in the upper right corner and contains an icon of three vertical points.
• Next, in the section Content and activitypress on “Digital Detox”.
• Now, they will show you a small menu and in it, you will find the option to “restricted mode”. So you must select it for this Click on “Enable Restricted Mode”.
• After that, for Activate this utilityyou have to create an access code which will be the same code for mode “Screen Time Management”.
• Finally, enter this code and confirm it to finish of enable restricted mode.

Disable downloading of your videos

While it is true, TikTok allows you to download the videos of any user, freely. However, it also provides the option for them to disable this possibility in their profiles in order to achieve full control over what they share from the platform.

So, for security, it is recommended to prohibit downloads of your videos as follows:

• First of all, go to your profile and select the “Settings and privacy” option in the upper right corner (the three dots icon).
• Next, to configure the indicated option, focus on the section of “Bill” and click on “Privacy”.
• Next, through the section on Security, press the option that says “Allow the download of your videos”.
• Once you access the mentioned option, it’s time to deactivate it just by touching “Deactivated”.

Choose who can send you direct messages

Other interesting security and privacy settings in tiktok, lies in control over who can share direct messages with you. This is a pertinent option to avoid contact with unknown users who possibly have some illicit action in mind against you.

So, to establish an optimal configuration, it will be necessary to do the following:

• From your account, go to your profile of TikTok Y choose the three vertical points located in the upper right corner.
• Then press the option “Privacy” which is in the section Bill.
• Now, through the Security section, select “Who can send you direct messages”.
• Finally, choose the option of your preference. As a recommendation, it is best to choose “Friends” in this section.

Block users who make you uncomfortable

If Someone bullies or harasses you from TikTokyou can choose block him from your account and report his behavior for the platform to take action on the matter. In this way, you will ensure that they can never contact you through this social network again. I didn’t watch your movements.

Now, in order to block a user on TikTok, you will have to enter their profile and then do the following:

• once you are within the user profile of said person, press the three dots in the upper right corner to see the different options available.
• Following this, a small box will appear at the bottom of the screen and in it, you can select the “Block” option.
• Once the above is done, it is time to confirm the action clicking on “Confirm”. In this way, said user will not be able to contact you or see your content from now on.

Now, if for any reason you want to unlock it later, you will need to enter the Settings and privacy menu in your profile. To do so, press the option “Privacy” in the Account section and search “Blocked Accounts” in Security. From this window, you can unblock the person by pressing this option.

Use 2-step verification

For acquire an extra layer of security in your TikTok accountit’s recommended activate the “2-step verification” option also known as “Two-Factor Verification” which is useful for protecting your account beyond the supplied password. Thus, even though someone knows your password, this functionality will prevent said individual from entering without any permission.

In order to enable it, follow the following process:

• Sign in to your TikTok account and select “I” in the lower right corner.
• Next, press the three dots located in the upper right corner of the section in question.
• Through the section Bill, proceeds to select the “Security” option.
• Subsequently, among the available options, tap on “2-step verification”.
• To conclude, it only remains to choose the way in which you would like to receive the verification code (by SMS or by email) and so, proceed to click on “Enable”.

Optimize your account visibility

Another interesting point when it comes to improving the security and privacy of your TikTok account, is to optimize your visibility. Well, by default, these profiles are saved as public when creating an account. Nevertheless, you can make it a private account to controlbetter yet, who will see your movements made on the platform.

Therefore, here we show you how to use a private account:

• starting section “Me” in tiktok, search and select the option “Settings and privacy” which corresponds to the three points located in the upper right corner.
• Then, through the section Account, choose the “Privacy” option.
• Next, from the section Visibility, proceeds to activate “Private account” by making use of the switch available there.
• So once said switch is displayed in greenit means that your account will be private from now on.

Filter the comments your videos receive

With the purpose of avoid SPAM, offensive or unwanted commentsyou can make use of this filter provided by the platform TikTok. In this way, you will be able to control all your videos at a higher level, in order to show your followers what you really want and, in addition, prevent your content from being the product of any conflict by other users of the social network.

To use comment filters, run the following process:

• Initially, through the “I” sectionenter the Settings and privacy menu, pressing the three points located in the upper right corner.
• After that, choose the “Privacy” option through section Bill.
• A then go to the bottom of that section and click on “Comment filters” which is available in the section Security.
• Now, you will find two options that you should Activate, according to your requirements. By default, it is recommended enable the “Spam and offensive comments” filter.
• Also, with “Filter by keywords” you can make sure that the comments that have some specific words in your videos are hidden. That way, you will be able to customize these filters depending on what you prefer.

Do we really need to be on TikTok? Pros and cons of this new platform

In addition to all of the above, it is also necessary to know what are the main advantages and disadvantages that TikTok guarantees. Since, as it is a social network that has grown abominably since 2018 and currently has so many millions of users; it can be intuited that it offers numerous pros.

However, since not everything is perfect, it also has some limitations that it is essential to know. Therefore, based on these points for and against, you will be able to determine if you really want to open an account on this new funny video platform or not.

Next, we help you define it:

Advantage

• Is about a completely free social network And yet, it does not include advertising or add watermarks to your videos.
• It offers many tools to edit videos professionally and without having to make a significant effort.
• Thanks to its excellent utilities, the video editing processes it’s fast, easy and attractive.
• It has a huge music library that they simplify the creation of content to bring your ideas to life.
• It has a little complex algorithm and, therefore, it is more feasible to gain greater visibility and grow organically.
• Fortunately, it distinguishes itself as a platform that can be monetized. This means that, organically, it allows you earn money.
• Since it has over 500 million usersprovides a great avenue to reach people around the world and grow quickly.

Disadvantages

• Does not allow posting long videos. Well, the maximum time it admits it’s one minute.
• It only allows posting content in video formatthat is, it is not possible to publish photos or other visual elements that capture the attention of the public.
• Users only have the possibility to promote themselves organically. As, No there is payment promotion on TikTok so far.
• In terms of privacy, this social network has been heavily criticized because, apparently, it appropriates the private data of the devices on which it is installed and sends them to a central server.
• Lots of content added with a remarkable sexual load and in view of this, the social network can be harmful for the smallest of the house (that is, for the main audience of TikTok).
• According to experts, this platform is implementing the sexualization of children and adolescents. Which works as an ideal bridge for sexual predators active on TikTok.