Hacker News Board Hacker News, browsed like a classic message board
Live data from Hacker News

Essay: How do you describe TikTok?

kylechayka.substack.com

Post reply on HN
Print view View original

1–10 of 43 posts

Re: Essay: How do you describe TikTok?

#2

Post by mmcdermott »

I really like this sort of "what is X" because I've often wondered what role TikTok fills. The funny thing is that, insofar as the description is accurate, it sounds like the kind of thing I would intentionally avoid using. A TikTok binge sounds like everything crummy about social media platforms that I've been trying to expunge from my viewing habits - empty, shallow, addictive an utterly unsatisfying.

Re: Essay: How do you describe TikTok?

#6

Post by kanox »

HN loves to hate on TikTok but it's by far the best entertainment app out there. I go there because it makes me happy.

It's like imgur or reddit but with a recommendation engine that works and where you can completely avoid all the community infighting drama bullshit.

Re: Essay: How do you describe TikTok?

#9

Post by kinkrtyavimoodh »

TikTok is a social media app that focuses on 'creating' interesting content 'in the moment'.

Instagram is about interesting content but more in a very curated museum sort of way. "Look at me when I am at my best"

Snapchat is about not-necessarily-interesting content that focusses on being in the moment. "Look at me shooting the shit"

TikTok is about showcasing talent in the moment. Even the prettiest instafluencer can't just stand there doing nothing in a TikTok video. The focus is on creativity and doing something creative. "Look at me showing you something entertaining / interesting / educational or all of the above."

Since you pretty much have to catch the attention of the viewer from the very first second (or you will get swiped up), there is none of that "Hey guys how's it going" bullshit that plagues Youtube videos. Extreme content density.

Re: Essay: How do you describe TikTok?

#10

Post by GekkePrutser »

The source of all the supposedly funny videos some of my 'friends' just love to share...

Though to be fair, TikTok seems to be the only one stamping shared videos with its logo, which is why I hate them in particular. I suppose most of the stupid videos I get without logo come from other sources which I would hate just as much if I knew what they were :P Here in the Netherlands there was a similar thing called "Dumpert" actually which I also hate (but people usually link to it instead of reposting videos so it's easier to avoid)

God, I must have had 20 people sending me one with those coffin dancers involved in some shape or form.. Really don't get why people think that's funny. And no, I'm not all grumpy :) Some videos people share to me I do like but they really never come from TikTok. The app seems to always generate the same kind of slapstick humor. Someone having an accident and then the coffin dancers.. Hahah fun lol.. Or whatever.

If they'd just remove the feature to share videos to other platforms I'd like TikTok a lot more.

Post reply on HN