Before you ask, this is not a blog about clocks… although that could be quite interesting. ? No, this is a blog about lip syncing. And we’re not talking the old-school karaoke kind.
For those of you living under a rock (actually, for most people over the age of 16), TikTok is a social media app that enables its users to create short videos ranging from lip-syncing to comedies and dance videos.
Formally known as Musical.ly, the app was bought by Chinese company Bytedance Technology Co in November 2017 and later rebranded as ‘TikTok’ for all markets outside of China.
The app is simple. Pick a theme, make a 15-sec video, post it. Ta-da. Okay, so it’s not quite as simple as that, but you get the gist.
When creating a video, users have all sorts of tools at their disposal: filters as seen on Snapchat and Instagram, the ability to search for sounds to score their video and the opportunity to interact with other users through ‘response’ videos or ‘duets’.
What was once a small platform where tweens could lip-sync to their favourite songs, has now snowballed into one of the most popular social platforms among teens and Generation Z. And despite many preconceptions, it has proven to be more than a fad or fluke, with it staying on top of the “most downloaded iOS app” chart for five consecutive quarters and surpassing 1.6 billion downloads in 2019. That’s pretty good going.
For many, however, this app is still a bit of a mystery. A glaring jewel at the bottom of the ocean, that you want to touch, but are scared of what may unfold if you do. This angst has driven a lot of businesses to keep their distance (including us, admittedly). Yet, with the popularity of the platform only growing, it may become impossible to ignore.
Noted recently as a ‘sleeping social media giant’ by Forbes, like any social media app, TikTok has become an important marketing tool for businesses. The best part? As advertising on the app is still in its infancy, there are fewer competitors and lower costs involved in order to stand out on the platform.
So, maybe like us, you’ve finally succumbed to trying out the new app, but are unsure how to utilise it. Or maybe you still need a little convincing. Well, to help you out, we have compiled a list of the top benefits of using TikTok to market your business:
Unmatched virality
You know that time we said organic reach was dead? Well, we take it back (slightly).
TikTok is still a relatively new platform, and because of this it’s still learning, growing and deciding how best to present content to its millions of viewers. Much like LinkedIn, organic reach is actually rewarded, encouraging users to form real connections, with the possibility of going viral without spending a single cent.
Add some marketing spend into the mix and your reach potential will far outreach other, more established platforms, like Facebook. So get in quick before the algorithm monster gets you.
Speedy results
Content on TikTok is fast. Really fast.
What does this mean? A far better chance of making an impression on an audience in a short period of time. What this also means is that you can see your return on investment a lot faster than most traditional forms of marketing and even other social media platforms.
Flexible ads
Picture this – adverts that have little constraints, unlimited creativity and next to no rules. Sounds like a dream, right? Well that’s what you can get with TikTok.
Right now is an exceptionally exciting time in social media advertising. With this platform businesses have the ability to hop onto the platform and really experiment. To try new things, see what works and doesn’t, without all of the red tape and creative constraints.
Influencer marketing galore
From makeup to fashion, tutorials to cooking and everything in between, TikTok has a large number of influencers focusing on this space. Some of these influencers have millions of like-minded followers who can easily be targeted, especially with product placement.
Not only this, but by using sound, influencers are able to make connections that are much more meaningful than a hashtag. Users feel closer to the influencer and a part of something bigger. Due to this, companies that are using TikTok for influencer campaigns are seeing reach that exceeds both Youtube and Instagram combined.
It’s fun
With a mission to spark creativity and excitement in users, TikTok is a breath of fresh air in the social media space.
Due to the comedic nature of the app, users tend to add content that they wouldn’t feel comfortable sharing on other platforms such as Instagram or Facebook. There is less pressure to be ‘perfect’ or ‘TikTok worthy’, you can just goof around and have fun. Like the good ol’ days.
So go on, give it a go! Become a TikToker and be sure to follow us @likeablelab for some laughs and questionable dance moves (looking at you Likeable Phil).
