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tiktok

/ˈtɪkˌtɒk/
noun★Intermediate
informal

A social media platform where users share short videos, often set to music or voiceovers, with features like filters, effects, and challenges.

TikTok has become a hub for creative content creators.

TikTok is now a central place for people who make creative videos.

💡

Originally a Chinese app called Douyin, it was rebranded as TikTok for international markets.

Collocations

go viral on TikTokbecome widely popular on TikTokTikTok trenda popular challenge or style on TikTok

Synonyms

Related Phrases

TikTok challengephrase
a viral trend where users recreate a specific video or dance
TikTok algorithmphrase
the system that recommends videos to users based on their preferences

💡Pro Tip

Usage in English

TikTok is often used as a proper noun (capitalized) when referring to the platform, but it can also be used as a common noun (lowercase) to describe similar short-form video content.

⚡Gold Rule

Capitalization

When referring to the app, capitalize 'TikTok'. When describing the concept of short videos, lowercase 'tiktok' may be used.

📖Word Origin

Derived from the Chinese app 'Douyin' (抖音), which means 'shaking sound' or 'vibrating sound'. The international version was rebranded as 'TikTok' to appeal to global audiences.

📝Usage Notes

The term 'TikTok' is often used generically to refer to short-form video content, similar to how 'Google' is used for searching the internet.

Word Breakdown

tik
short, quick
root
+
tok
sound, beat
root
English Dictionary

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