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The Best Social Media App for 2024: TikTok
Zoe Williams
Published on October 10, 2023
We have entered 2024, a year where our digital connections are zippier, more personalized and more entertaining than ever! If you're curious about what's hot in the world of social media and why TikTok is getting all the applause as our best Social Media app of this year, you're in the right place.
First up, let's talk about the AI revolution in social media. It's like having a super-smart buddy who knows exactly what you like, from the funniest cat videos to the most awe-inspiring travel vlogs. Platforms, especially TikTok, have become scary good at serving up content that's tailor-made just for you. This smart curation has made TikTok a go-to spot for billions around the world, making it not just a platform, but a personal entertainment companion.
On top of that, the shift towards longer video formats and the focus on social SEO strategies have been pivotal. While TikTok is renowned for its bite-sized content, the increasing popularity of longer videos reflects a changing appetite among users for more comprehensive, story-driven content. The platform's adaptability in extending video lengths, coupled with its ability to leverage social SEO, has made it a powerhouse for both creators and consumers. This evolution signifies a broader trend in social media where platforms are increasingly recognized as primary sources for information, entertainment and even shopping decisions, with TikTok at the forefront of this shift.
Why TikTok is Best of Apps' Social Media App of the Year 2024
TikTok enters 2024 as a definite leader, earning the title of Best of Apps' Social Media App of the Year. This reward reflects TikTok's multi-dimensional growth and its profound impact on users' digital experiences.
At its core, TikTok has always been about giving voice to diverse content creators. In 2023, it excelled in this arena, becoming a vibrant hub where creators from all walks of life could shine. For instance, Puerto Rican rapper Young Miko brought a fresh flavor to the platform with her unique blend of music and style, resonating with a global audience. Similarly, makeup and fashion creator Alix Earle showcased her relatable and creative beauty tutorials, rapidly gaining a following. Alongside them, comedians, lifestyle influencers and many more found a home on TikTok, where their unique content reached a wide audience. This diversity not only enriched the user experience but also fostered an inclusive community where different perspectives and stories were celebrated. This broad appeal across various genres and demographics was key in TikTok's rise to prominence.
Innovation has been another cornerstone of TikTok's success. 2023 saw the platform introduce groundbreaking features like the 'Keyword Insights' tool, revolutionizing how creators and advertisers engage with audiences. This tool allowed for more targeted and effective content strategies, enhancing the relevance of the content for users. Furthermore, the introduction of TikTok Shop in the U.S. marked a pivotal step in blending entertainment with e-commerce. This integration of social commerce into the platform not only provided a seamless shopping experience but also opened new avenues for brands and creators to interact with their audience in meaningful ways. I will definitely be looking out for the next amazing things brought by Tiktok in 2024.
Finally, TikTok's transformation into a trusted source of news, particularly among younger audiences, signifies its expanding influence beyond entertainment. As highlighted by Pew Research, a significant proportion of young adults in the U.S. turned to TikTok for their daily news, marking a shift in how information is consumed in the digital age. This evolution into a platform where users can stay informed, be entertained and shop, all in one place, solidifies TikTok's position as a comprehensive and dynamic social media app. Its ability to adapt to the evolving needs of its users while continuously innovating makes TikTok not just a popular app, but a pivotal part of the digital culture to come in 2024.
Exploring TikTok: Trends, Creator Payout and Company Outlook in 2024
TikTok's trends in 2023 were as diverse and dynamic as its user base. The platform saw a surge in popularity for various songs and content creators who left a significant mark on the TikTok community. Hits like "What It Is - Solo Version" by Doechii and "La Bebe (Remix)" by Yng Lvcas & Peso Pluma were among the chart-toppers that dominated TikTok feeds. Content creators like Keith Lee, who highlighted small family-owned restaurants and Alix Earle, known for her makeup and fashion content, became standout personalities. These trends showcased TikTok's ability to be a springboard for diverse talents, bringing unique music and content to the forefront of global culture.
TikTok has revamped its system for paying creators with the new Creativity Program, which incentivizes users to make videos longer than one minute. Starting December of 2023, this program has replaced the existing Creator Fund in select countries. The Creativity Program allows monetization of content over one minute, aiming to offer creators potentially 20 times more earnings than the Creator Fund. However, it limits monetization to videos with royalty-free music. The response to this change has been mixed among creators, with some benefiting from the focus on longer content, while others find the shift challenging and the monetization rules restrictive.
Looking ahead to 2024, TikTok seems poised for continued growth and transformation. The platform is increasingly focusing on creative bravery, piquing global curiosities and flipping traditional storytelling methods. There's a strong emphasis on building deeper trust between brands and audiences, indicating a shift towards more authentic, user-driven content. TikTok's ability to engage users in more than just entertainment, but also in discovery and learning, suggests a broadening of its impact. As the platform embraces these new directions, it's likely to remain a significant player in the social media landscape, driving trends and influencing online culture.
Social Media App Contenders: 2024 Highlights
Discord: Initially popular among gamers, has expanded its appeal far beyond gaming communities. It's now a go-to platform for various topics ranging from dating shows to sports and even NFT and crypto discussions. Its focus on genuine connection and conversation offers unique opportunities for brands to build deep relationships and gain valuable customer insights without traditional advertising.
Twitch: Known for its live streaming content, has extended its reach beyond gaming. It has become a diverse platform for content ranging from cooking shows to musical performances. With millions of active streamers and billions of hours of content watched, Twitch offers unique opportunities for brands to engage with audiences through branded channels, partnerships with influencers or ads.
Patreon & Substack: These apps have emerged as prominent platforms for content creators seeking more ownership and control over their content and revenue. Patreon allows creators to earn money from subscriptions, providing subscribers with exclusive content, while Substack focuses on long-form, in-depth written content through newsletters and podcasts. These platforms signify a shift towards quality content and direct creator-audience engagement.
Lemon8: Lemon8 is a photo and video-sharing platform that merges elements of TikTok, Pinterest and Instagram. It features categorized content, including fashion, beauty, food, wellness, travel and home, in a Pinterest board-style format. Lemon8's rise in popularity, especially in the US, indicates a growing interest in platforms that offer a blend of lifestyle and aesthetic guidance.
Conclusion
As we wrap up our exploration into why TikTok reigns supreme as the Best of Apps social media app for 2024, it's clear that its journey is a hub of innovation, diversity and adaptability. The platform has successfully navigated the wild digital landscape, embracing new trends and transforming to meet the ever-changing needs of its global community. With its focus on longer-form content, its pivotal role in news distribution and the introduction of features like the Creativity Program for better creator payouts, TikTok has solidified its position not just as an app, but as a cultural phenomenon. It's a platform that continuously redefines the boundaries of social media, making it an integral part of our daily digital lives. As we move forward, TikTok's trajectory looks promising, with a potential for even greater impact and influence in the world of social media.
Zoe Williams
Verified Reviewer
Writer for since October 2023
Zoe Williams
Verified Reviewer
Writer for Best of Apps since October 10, 2023
