TikTok: A global cultural phenomenon in the era of short videos

In the wave of the digital age, TikTok has rapidly risen with its unique charm and become the world's most popular short video social platform. Since its launch by ByteDance Group in 2016, this platform marked by musical notes has not only changed the way people get information and entertainment, but also set off a revolution in the fields of culture, economy and even international politics.

1. From "Douyin" to TikTok: The journey of globalization

TikTok's predecessor was "Douyin" for the Chinese market. After going overseas in 2017, it was renamed TikTok and expanded rapidly with a more open international attitude. With its simple interface, intelligent algorithm recommendations and diverse creative tools, TikTok swept the world in a short period of time. From street dance in New York to popular makeup in Tokyo, from gourmet food exploration in Paris to handicrafts in India, users capture every creative moment of life through videos ranging from 15 seconds to 3 minutes. As of June 2025, its global monthly active users will exceed the 1 billion mark, covering more than 150 countries and regions, with a cumulative download volume of more than 3 billion times, becoming the absolute leader in the field of short videos.

2. Cultural bridge: creative resonance across regions

TikTok is not only an entertainment platform, but also a link for global cultural exchanges. On the platform, Chinese calligraphy enthusiasts share the beauty of calligraphy with British users, Japanese musicians gain international exposure through the "TikTok Spotlight" program, and Indonesian craftsmen use short videos to promote traditional skills to the world market. User @Lion Scroll received hundreds of thousands of likes for writing Chinese characters with a brush, and netizens from different countries in the comment area heatedly discussed the strength of the brush and the charm of the font; user @morganlefey6's calligraphy practice video made overseas audiences marvel at the elegance of Chinese culture. These interactions broke the barriers of region and language, allowing the beauty of culture to flow at fingertips.

3. Dual innovation of business and technology

TikTok's business ecosystem continues to break through traditional boundaries. TikTok Shop, launched in 2021, deeply integrates e-commerce and content, allowing users to directly purchase products while watching videos. From Indonesia to the UK, its GMV (gross merchandise volume) annual growth rate has repeatedly set new highs. In addition, TikTok integrates advertising resources through "TikTok for Business" to help small and medium-sized enterprises reach global consumers. On the technical level, TikTok continues to optimize algorithm recommendations and develop tools such as TikTok Live Studio to lower the threshold for creation, allowing everyone to become a content creator. This model of "technology empowerment + business innovation" has enabled it to remain invincible in the fiercely competitive market.

4. Challenges and games: the way to survive under global governance

However, TikTok's road to globalization is not a smooth one. Since 2020, the United States has repeatedly attempted to impose a ban on the grounds of "national security", and in 2024 it passed a bill requiring ByteDance to divest TikTok's control. In the face of political pressure, TikTok actively responded: setting up a global security team, cooperating with Oracle to ensure data security, obtaining ISO information security management certification in many countries, and defending its rights and interests through legal proceedings. A spokesperson for the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs once clearly pointed out that the bullying behavior of the United States will eventually backfire on itself. This game not only concerns the fate of the company, but also reflects the complexity of global governance in the digital age and the tension of the collision of multiple cultures.

5. Future Outlook: A Digital Universe of Infinite Possibilities

Standing at the node of 2025, TikTok is still writing a new chapter. Its latest data shows that the average monthly usage time of overseas users is as high as 19.6 hours, and user stickiness continues to increase; in emerging markets such as Latin America and Southeast Asia, derivative businesses such as short dramas and e-commerce are becoming new growth engines. Although challenges still exist, TikTok is gradually building a cross-border digital ecosystem with its huge user base, continuously iterating technology and open and inclusive cultural attitude. In the future, it may become a core hub connecting global creativity, economy and culture.

The story of TikTok is the symbiosis of technological innovation and humanistic spirit, and the collision of business wisdom and cultural integration. On this platform, every user is a storyteller of the world, and every frame is reshaping the possibility of global connection. It proves that when creativity breaks free from regional shackles and when culture flows freely in digital space, humans will eventually find a broader place of resonance.