TikTok is one of the most widely used popular video-sharing platforms on the web and experienced a meteoric adoption rate among users in a relatively short amount of time.

In September 2016, Chinese-based software company ByteDance launched a video-sharing social media application called Douyin. The following year, an international version was launched for the masses to install on their mobile devices named TikTok. The platform quickly established itself as the most downloaded application in the United States in October of 2018 and has persisted in being a social media powerhouse today.

TikTok’s rise to app store domination can largely be attributed to ByteDance’s acquisition of Musical.ly in November of 2017 for a whopping $1 billion. Musical.ly users were automatically integrated into TikTok’s platform after the buyout, and the majority of those users were from the U.S.

Although the DNA of TikTok’s original content trademark—lip-syncing and dance routine videos—are still largely popular on the platform, the application has evolved in its respective markets to offer a wide variety of clips from its user base. Allowing for more long-form videos has allowed for content creators to upload viral storytimes and, in some instances, mini-documentaries about their daily lives.

TikTok’s user base currently stands at approximately 1 billion. Unlike other social media networks, however, there’s a strong argument to be made that it’s the most culturally significant app. Throngs of folks want to be TikTok famous, and numerous individuals have managed to launch successful branding and influencer careers from the application.

Even so, the platform has also become an integral online space for individuals to share their everyday lives—from Instacart shopper woes to corporate workforce pains, and massive Shein hauls to revolutionary shopper-focused hacks. Here, TikTok exists as an essential view of real-world discourse through a digital lens.

Viewers divided after ex-server of 3 years says Black customers don't tip

‘I can 100% attest to this’: Viewers divided after ex-server of 3 years says Black customers don’t tip

'As a black person who always tips I feel I get bad service because of this negative stereotype.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Brooke Sjoberg

Expert says there is a new secret trick to sobering up fast

‘A scientifically proven method’: Expert says there is a new secret trick to sobering up fast

'You could eliminate quite a bit of alcohol in a very short period of time.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Braden Bjella

Simpsons predicted Baltimore bridge debunk

‘Are those explosive charges??!’: Did ‘The Simpsons’ predict the Baltimore bridge collapse?

'The Simpsons have to be manipulating events.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Allie Hayes

Woman in car at drive thru (three split)

‘Do you think behavior like that is gonna make them reopen for you?’: Woman refuses to leave the drive-thru—even though it’s closed

‘They should of turned them lights out on her.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Allyson Waller

Woman talking(l+r), Applebee's(c)

‘Like bffr’: Applebee’s server calls out customers who order half-priced apps

'Then they [tip] 20%…. A single $1.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Braden Bjella

Woman talking(l+r), Superman esq illustration(c)

‘You’re traditional’: Woman shares what men’s favorite superheroes say about them. Is she right?

'She a lil to accurate with that Batman one.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Allyson Waller

Lottery Scratch offs(l+r), Man talking(c)

‘This is actually useful information’: Expert who works at gas station says you’re probably ordering scratch-off lottery tickets wrong

'Now I understand why I get the look.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Jack Alban

McDonald's(l), Man talking(c), Krispy Kreme(r)

‘They’re trying to steal Dunkin’ Donuts consumers’: What’s behind the plan to sell Krispy Kreme donuts in McDonald’s stores?

'Uh oh… QP with cheese on a donut incoming. Calling it now.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Parks Kugle

Woman talking(l+r), Trader Joe's(c)

‘I love my dog but what business does he have at a grocery store??’: Trader Joe’s customer says the store has a new pet policy after viral dog pee incident

'Think before bringing in your rat dogs.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Jack Alban

Man talking(l+r), Buc-ee's(c)

‘1,2,3,4. All valid’: Ex-employee exposes 5 ‘truths’ about working at Buc-ee’s

'It's not worth anywhere near the $21 an hour they pay you.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Amara Thomas

Police on cruise ship(l), Carnival Cruise ship(c), Police escorting passenger(r)

‘I have to know the tea’: Carnival Cruise passenger shows 2 travelers being arrested as soon as ship ports. Here’s why

'Carnival Cruise Lines turning into Waffle House on the Water.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Tiffanie Drayton

Man talking(l+r), CVS sign(c)

‘CVS is brilliant almost free labor!!’: Man shares how to make money while shopping at CVS. Viewers think it’s the store’s way of not having to pay workers

'I've been here like five minutes, and that's already $7.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Melody Heald

Woman talking(l+r), Gas pump in car(c)

‘There’s literally lettuce in my hair from throwing my sandwich’: Viewers divided after woman says to lock your car doors while pumping gas

'This lady approached me...'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Kahron Spearman

Woman talking(l+r), Amazon HQ(c)

‘It’s all coming from the literal same factory’: Shopper shares hack to finding whether boutique clothes are available on Amazon or Shein for cheaper

'I was about to order a coverup from Meshki that was priced at $100 and found it for $22 on Amazon!.'

On Mar 28, 2024 by Grace Fowler

Woman talking(l+r), Woman pointing to email(c)

‘I feel so completely grossed out’: Student gets email from professor saying her ‘short skirt’ encouraged ‘fantasy.’ She’s not the only one

‘He told another girl.’

On Mar 27, 2024 by Nina Hernandez