The Rise of TikTok | The paper

The ultra-short and captivating video format of the Chinese social network has made instant fame more accessible than ever. A multi-voice story of how it became the most popular app in the world, despite the fears related to Beijing’s control

In just five years, TikTok has exploded as a pop culture phenomenon and a geopolitical flashpoint. It is the most popular app in the world, used by two-thirds of American teenagers. Its ultra-short, captivating – some would say immersive – video format left Silicon Valley in the lurch and made instant fame more accessible than ever. Equally remarkable is that its future remains uncertain, as US officials from both parties see the Chinese import as a threat to national security and online child protection advocates warn of negative effects on millions of young people. users.