THE
TIKTOK
ALGORITHM
RACHEL TABOR
TikTok may be known for silly dances, popular dance moves, and ungrateful influencers, but it can be a powerful tool for equity. In 2020 alone, over 700 million people were active on TikTok (Business of Apps). Of those users, 60% are women and 40% are men, and 60% are between the age of 16 and 24 years of age (Wallroom Media). To truly encapsulate the magnitude of TikTok’s influence, typically songs trending on billboard charts are also trending on the TikTok platform (Wallroom Media). It is well documented and abundantly clear that individuals, specifically Generation Z, are consuming TikTok at a very high rate compared to other social media networks. Anecdotally, I have noticed the majority of my college-educated peers enjoy TikTok, with some even having to control their screen time on the application because of their addiction. Although there are some questionable morals and issues concerning the application, there is no question to the influence and quick rise to fame it has had among society. Because of its young audience and unique For You Page, TikTok has rapidly increased in popularity. It is imperative that advocates for good understand the TikTok algorithm so they can enact the changes they wish to see by reaching their target audience.
Ti k Tok’s notoriety has grown due to a culmination of factors, but one most notable one being the distinctive ‘for you page’ which is a stream of videos curated to the user’s individual taste. This is done through an extensive algorithm that TikTok just recently declassified.
