Under the Digital Services Act, very large online platforms have to pay fees for their supervision. Meta and TikTok had filed a lawsuit against this. The court declared the implementing decisions null and void. However, the companies still have to pay.
By Corinna Visser
The Chinese app TikTok is conquering the globe. In the world of social media, the platform has particularly stood out and fascinated and inspired the younger generation in particular: with its explosive popularity, TikTok has revolutionized the way people consume and create short videos. From dance challenges to lip-sync videos and comedy sketches, TikTok offers a variety of content that is constantly setting the latest trends. Read all the important and latest news about TikTok from the Table.Briefings editorial team. What is TikTok? The social media platform allows users to create and share voice-overs and short videos of people dancing of up to one minute in length. The app was first launched in China in 2016 under the name Douyin and later became known internationally as TikTok. The short video platform was developed by the Chinese company ByteDance. TikTok quickly attracted global attention and has become one of the fastest growing social media platforms. With more than one billion active users worldwide, TikTok is one of the best-known and largest apps. TikTok is particularly popular with young people. Initially under the name musical.ly, the app was acquired by Bytedance at the end of 2017 and integrated with TikTok, whereupon the app also became known in Germany. TikTok in China Although TikTok is known internationally, it is interesting to know that the app is operated in China under the name Douyin. Douyin has achieved immense popularity in China and has become one of the country's most popular social media platforms. With more than one billion users worldwide, TikTok has had a huge impact on digital culture, especially in China, where the app originated. What is the difference between TikTok and Douyin? TikTok is called Douyin in China (short for Douyin short video抖音短视频 Dǒuyīn duǎnshìpín ). However, it is not just the names that differ, but also the content of the two applications. While Douyin is a pure entertainment app in China on which political content is censored, TikTok is a version for the global market. However, there have already been cases of censorship on TikTok, such as the reduced reach of videos from the LGBTQ community. What connects TikTok and the Chinese government? During Donald Trump's time in office, TikTok was blacklisted in the USA. The reason for this was the accusation that the Chinese government was influencing TikTok. Although the planned ban of the app in the USA was stopped, it became known shortly afterwards that the Chinese government owns shares in TikTok. This gives it the opportunity to exert pressure on the company. Due to the recent tech crackdown in Beijing, private companies such as ByteDance must also take care of their image and comply with the Chinese government's demands. TikTok trends and challenges An integral part of the TikTok experience are the trends and challenges that constantly pop up and encourage users to participate. These trends can range from specific dance moves to funny skits to DIY projects. The challenges are often initiated by other users and then spread virally when they are imitated by many people. Some of the most popular TikTok trends and challenges have the potential to popularize entire songs, dances or even certain gestures. TikTok dances TikTok has played a big role in popularizing dances by providing a platform where users can show off their dancing skills. New dance challenges are often created from short snippets of a song or a particular dance move. These are then picked up and interpreted by other users, resulting in a multitude of variations. Some of these dances become so popular that they are taken up by professional dancers and integrated into music videos or stage performances. TikTok music Music plays a central role in TikTok culture. Many of the viral trends and challenges are accompanied by certain songs that quickly gain popularity. Often songs are created specifically for TikTok or discovered by up-and-coming artists supported by the platform. The use of music in TikTok videos has also helped to place songs in the charts and give artists more exposure. TikTok photos and videos Apart from dance challenges and music, TikTok also provides space for other types of content, including photos and videos. Users can unleash their creativity by using visual effects, filters and transitions to create engaging content. From comedy sketches to travel vlogs to makeup tutorials, there is a wide range of content on TikTok that reflects the diversity of user interests. TikTok songs Another interesting aspect of TikTok is the way in which certain songs can gain popularity through the platform. Often songs used in TikTok videos become hits and reach millions of streams on various music platforms. Artists and record labels are increasingly recognizing TikTok's impact on the music industry and are using the platform to promote their songs and reach a wider audience. The future of TikTok Overall, TikTok has sparked a unique cultural movement that has fundamentally changed the way we consume and create short videos. From China to the rest of the world, TikTok has spawned a multitude of trends and challenges that have shaped the digital landscape. With its innovative platform and global reach, TikTok will undoubtedly continue to play a significant role in the world of social media. The Table.Briefings editorial team reports on what's next for TikTok and has all the news, analysis and background on this topic.
