The Rise of TikTok: How the App Became a Global Phenomenon In the ever-changing landscape of social media, few apps have experienced a meteoric rise like TikTok. Launched in China in 2016 under the name Douyin, TikTok has evolved from a niche video-sharing platform to a global phenomenon, captivating the attention of over a billion users worldwide. TikTok's Early Days TikTok's early success in China was largely attributed to its unique format, which allowed users to create and share short-form videos up to 15 seconds. The app's algorithm used AI-powered technology to learn user preferences and serve content that was both entertaining and addictive. As the app's popularity grew, its parent company, ByteDance, set its sights on international expansion. Global Expansion In 2018, TikTok merged with (link unavailable), a social media app popular among teenagers, and began its rapid ascent in the global market. The app's catchy name, colorful logo, and addictive content r...