While TikTok initially gained popularity for its viral video content, it seems to be responding to the competition from platforms like Instagram, which have incorporated TikTok-like features. By expanding its social capabilities, TikTok aims to create a more well-rounded user experience while emphasizing that video content remains at the core of its identity.
A TikTok spokesperson emphasized this core identity, stating, “Being an entertainment channel has always been and remains the core of TikTok’s business model even as we experiment with new features to enhance the user experience.” This suggests that TikTok’s evolution into a more comprehensive social network will complement its entertainment-focused roots.