What Is TikTok? Who Owns It & Why Is It Banned?

What Is TikTok? TikTok is a popular short-video social media platform that allows users to create, share, and discover videos ranging from 15 seconds to 10 minutes. It features various video effects, filters, and a music library, making it a hub for entertainment, education, and trends. TikTok Owner, Origin, and Previous Name TikTok was launched by ByteDance, a Chinese technology company founded by Zhang Yiming in 2012. The app originated as Douyin in China in September 2016. In 2017, ByteDance acquired the lip-syncing app Musical.ly, and in August 2018, it merged Musical.ly into TikTok, officially launching TikTok globally. Why Was TikTok Banned in the US? TikTok has faced scrutiny from the U.S. government over data security concerns. The main reasons for its potential ban include: National security risks due to data privacy concerns. Alleged ties to the Chinese government through its parent company, ByteDance. Concerns about misinformation and influence on users, especially younger audiences. Attempts by former President Donald Trump and later President Joe Biden to push for its sale to a U.S. company to maintain operations in the country. Although there have been legal battles and restrictions, TikTok is still accessible in the U.S. as of now. When Did TikTok Become Popular? TikTok saw a huge surge in popularity in 2019 and 2020, mainly due to: The COVID-19 pandemic led to increased social media usage. The rise of viral challenges and trends, making content more engaging. Influencers and celebrities are joining the platform, bringing millions of followers. Countries Where TikTok Is Banned tiktok banned TikTok has been banned or restricted in several countries due to concerns about security, data privacy, and inappropriate content. Some of the countries where TikTok is banned include: India (permanently banned in June 2020 due to security concerns). Afghanistan (banned in 2022 by the Taliban government). Iran (restricted due to content regulations). Indonesia (temporarily banned in 2018, later reinstated with restrictions). Pakistan (banned multiple times but reinstated under conditions). Is TikTok Dangerous? While TikTok is an entertaining platform, it has raised some concerns: Data Privacy Issues – Allegations that user data may be accessed by the Chinese government. Mental Health Impact – Excessive use can lead to addiction and affect self-esteem, especially in teenagers. Misinformation – Fake news and misleading content spread quickly. Inappropriate Content – Despite moderation, harmful challenges and explicit content exist. Do You Need to Pay for TikTok? TikTok is completely free to download and use. However, it offers in-app purchases such as TikTok Coins, which users can buy to send gifts to their favorite creators. Why Did TikTok Become So Successful Despite Instagram and Snapchat? Despite Instagram and Snapchat being dominant social media platforms, TikTok managed to become a sensation due to: Short-form, engaging videos that cater to modern short attention spans. Easy-to-use AI algorithm, which shows highly relevant content to users. Music and sound integration, making it fun and unique. Challenges and trends that encourage mass participation. Global reach with localized content for different countries. Top 5 Most-Followed Celebrities on TikTok TikTok has some of the biggest celebrities with massive followings. As of 2025, the top five most-followed TikTok celebrities are: Khaby Lame – 161+ million followers Charli D’Amelio – 152+ million followers Bella Poarch – 92+ million followers MrBeast (Jimmy Donaldson) – 87+ million followers Addison Rae – 88+ million followers TikTok Download Links Android (Google Play Store): Download TikTok iOS (Apple App Store): Download TikTok Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 1. Who owns TikTok? TikTok is owned by ByteDance, a Chinese technology company founded in 2012. 2. Is TikTok available in India? No, TikTok has been permanently banned in India since June 2020. 3. Why is TikTok controversial? TikTok is controversial due to data privacy concerns, potential links to the Chinese government, and the spread of misinformation. 4. How does TikTok make money? TikTok makes money through advertising, in-app purchases (TikTok Coins), and partnerships with brands. 5. Is TikTok safe for kids? TikTok has a restricted mode and parental controls, but parents should monitor usage due to potential exposure to inappropriate content. 6. Can you make money on TikTok? Yes, TikTok offers various ways to make money, including brand partnerships, TikTok Creator Fund, live gifts, and sponsored content. 7. Will TikTok be banned in the US? There have been discussions and legal battles regarding a TikTok ban, but as of now, it remains available in the U.S. 8. How many people use TikTok worldwide? As of 2025, TikTok has over 1.5 billion active users globally, making it one of the most popular social media platforms. This article provides a complete overview of TikTok, its history, popularity, controversies, and more. Whether you’re a new user or just looking for the latest updates, this guide has everything you need to know about TikTok!