Famous for its short-form mobile video format, TikTok rose to fame in 2018, and today, it remains the most downloaded app. In 2021 alone, there were 656 million downloads, holding the top spot for three consecutive years.
For an app patronised by 689 million global TikTok users, it comes as no surprise that your increasingly social media savvy child would want to have a taste of it. But what is its appeal?
Why is TikTok so popular?
The 15-second videos on TikTok are clearly the game changer in the fun and leisure market. Quick, concise, humorous and informative, each video offers a kind of dopamine that can hook users onto the platform for hours. Its consumer-generated content in the form of TikTok lib dubs on popular songs as well as addictive challenges, paired with algorithm matches, means users get to view videos they like.
While YouTube remains on the higher tier in terms of usage, TikTok undoubtedly steals the show when it comes to producing content that engages, hitting the sweet spot on our attention spans. However, being able to offer users the ability to use copyright music from TikTok’s colossal library is a greater defining differentiator. It’s no wonder record labels leverage the platform as a free marketing avenue.
TikTok and children
Entertaining and informative, TikTok makes for an attractive platform for children between 4 and 13. In the US, UK and Spain, children are spending just as much time on the platform as they do on YouTube. Although the statistic is not globally representative, it does not shy away from a possible reality. As parents, it is important that your child uses the platform responsibility and in more beneficial ways.
How can your child safely use TikTok?
Children on TikTok are typically provided with censored versions of content, unless they lie about their age. This is where you can step in to lay the ground rules. With TikTok’s Family Pairing feature, you can gain insights into how your child is using the platform, from the content created and consumed to those they send direct messages to. What seems like micromanagement is rather a way for parents to guide their child’s online experiences, have conversations and allow them to gain the trust of the adults in their lives. Creating more educational content to help both parents and children navigate the online space more collaboratively is one way TikTok is ensuring safety for little ones on the platform.
Using TikTok for skills practice
So how can TikTok actually be beneficial for your child?
For any aspiring child artist, practice is key. On TikTok, the opportunities are endless when it comes to the resources available to hone their skills. TikTok challenges that involve singing and acting can become avenues for them to practise their talents while having fun. Your child can also flex their public speaking skills, creating bite-sized informative videos on topics they feel strongly for.
At the same time, these videos can serve as proof of their ability — a portfolio, should there ever be a need to showcase while they work on their budding career. Who knows, your child could be spotted by a talent recruiter locally or abroad, landing them an opportunity of a lifetime!
If there is one aspect that TikTok falls short in is its scope for professional training. Surely, the platform is perfect when it comes to exploring artists around the world and learning from them. However, being trained by instructors in-person ensures your child receives the holistic support required to develop them in the art of performing.
With MindChamps Académie of Stars, you can rest assured your little one’s talents are nurtured, aiming for them to achieve nothing but success. Whether you’re looking for singing classes or acting lessons, the school covers a comprehensive curriculum designed to turn your child into a confident and powerful artist in Singapore and around the world. Have your child learn from the experts and let them flaunt their skills on TikTok for global recognition!
Book a visit to the centre to learn more about the academy’s programmes.