Does anyone here actually use TikTok?

[Kaido]

There's a lot of morons out there too. The ability to make a video and speak convincingly doesn't mean they know what they're talking about. I see youtube videos that have a good chance of getting someone killed. From people with lots of followers, and narrated with authority. If you don't know what you're doing, you don't know what you're being told is wrong.

That's 100% true. Lots of trolls & misinformed people out there! Fortunately the comments section on useful Tiktok videos are generally pretty good.

 

[DigDog]

tick tock isnt content, it's just 30-second shorts for teh lulz. YT has some decent - both serious, and comedy - content that im happy to follow, but i dont see anything wrong with watching a tt of some guy's pet goat screaming. that's how youtube started, after all.

 

[lxskllr]

FWIW

youtube


rednote


tiktok

 

[Red Squirrel]

This is why I avoid most phone apps, they're pretty much all horrible for privacy. Some admit to it, some don't. Coding an app is way more complex and time consuming than a web page, so only reason for them to bother with the trouble is they can collect more data on you than a web page can.

 

[Fanatical Meat]

This is why I avoid most phone apps, they're pretty much all horrible for privacy. Some admit to it, some don't. Coding an app is way more complex and time consuming than a web page, so only reason for them to bother with the trouble is they can collect more data on you than a web page can.

Agreed, only apps I use are either required for work or required to make something work.
I lock them down as much as I can.

 

[nakedfrog]

I follow nearly 8,000 people on Tiktok (yay ADHD lol). The benefits are:

* Short-form video. I don't have the attention span for Youtube. Saves me from boredom waiting in lines, for meetings, etc.
* Low barrier to entry. Just hit record. Make content about your niche. I follow soooo many amazing people!
* Incredible algorithm. Better than google
* Best comment system on the Internet; I've learned SO MUCH. Youtube is a cesspool. Facebook is angry.

What you consider a benefit, I consider a bane. I find short-form video irritating. If I'm waiting, I'd so much rather just read something than watch eleven 30 second videos.
It's also very much dependent on what content you're consuming; when I look at YouTube comments, they're overwhelmingly positive and constructive contributions.

People who would never previously have shared information online are on Tiktok because:

1. It's easy to create content
2. The algorithm for finding relevant content is fantastic
3. For niche content, the comments are generally pretty good (ex. cooking, 3D printing, etc.)

Double-edge sword here, I see people in other corners of the internet asking bizarre questions about a niche subject, because "everyone says blah blah blah" and come to find out, it's only fucking morons on TikTok spreading stupidity in a niche topic. So, sure, it's easy for people that know what they're talking about to contribute, but it's also easy for the people who don't to do the same.

There's a lot of morons out there too. The ability to make a video and speak convincingly doesn't mean they know what they're talking about. I see youtube videos that have a good chance of getting someone killed. From people with lots of followers, and narrated with authority. If you don't know what you're doing, you don't know what you're being told is wrong.

Exactly.

 

[Kaido]

What you consider a benefit, I consider a bane. I find short-form video irritating. If I'm waiting, I'd so much rather just read something than watch eleven 30 second videos.
It's also very much dependent on what content you're consuming; when I look at YouTube comments, they're overwhelmingly positive and constructive contributions.

Double-edge sword here, I see people in other corners of the internet asking bizarre questions about a niche subject, because "everyone says blah blah blah" and come to find out, it's only morons on TikTok spreading stupidity in a niche topic. So, sure, it's easy for people that know what they're talking about to contribute, but it's also easy for the people who don't to do the same.

Exactly.

Yeah, my ADHD makes it really hard to pay attention to long videos. I literally just zone out lol. I need it all in bite-sized chunks lol

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

tick tock isnt content,

Or intelligent.

 

[nakedfrog]

There is absolutely some intelligent content on TikTok, I can't dispute that, and it's absurd to deny either of those.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

The intelligent don't tik or tok. That would be an oxymoron.

 

[igor_kavinski]

There is absolutely some intelligent content on TikTok

Maybe but it has so far not been able to keep me engaged and watching, the few times I've been lured there by Whatsapp shares. Now YT shorts, I can easily lose an hour in those. Heck, even Facebook recommended videos have kept me watching more than Tiktok. Maybe coz I never bothered to sign up to Tiktok so they have no idea what to show me

 

[nakedfrog]

The intelligent don't tik or tok. That would be an oxymoron.

I'm going out on a limb here and guessing you've never actually used it, and are thus not really qualified to make this assessment.

Maybe but it has so far not been able to keep me engaged and watching, the few times I've been lured there by Whatsapp shares. Now YT shorts, I can easily lose an hour in those. Heck, even Facebook recommended videos have kept me watching more than Tiktok. Maybe coz I never bothered to sign up to Tiktok so they have no idea what to show me

Yes, probably you would find it easier to become invested if you let it tailor the algorithm to your interests.

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

My IQ is room temperature or below, but I'm 'intelligent' enough not to use any of those types of places.

 

[Red Squirrel]

So looks like the ban is set to happen. I don't really care for Tiktok, but I do find this sets a dangerous precedent for the government to block websites.

Wonder if this will affect Canada too, since I don't think we have any direct fibre going to China, it all goes through the US. With Facebook and Youtube having short videos now, probably best for people to just switch to that anyway.

For curiosity sake though...

Non-authoritative answer:
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 3.161.213.33
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 3.161.213.75
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 3.161.213.74
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 3.161.213.129

Curious if the ban is only going to be at DNS level or IP routing level. It appears Amazon owns this range so they must be using some sort of reverse proxy hosted at AWS, and I doubt they'll block AWS. this will probably be a DNS block, and be fairly easy to circumvent if people really want to.

 

[KMFJD]

you'll still be able to get to it, it will be banned from the app stores and you will no longer be able to download or update it from what i've seen

 

[manly]

you'll still be able to get to it, it will be banned from the app stores and you will no longer be able to download or update it from what i've seen

reportedly TikTok will actively block U.S. users unless they and the app stores are indemnified by (incoming) POTUS.

Trump will "most likely" stay the ban for 90 days, to give Leon a chance to buy them out.

 

[Kaido]

reportedly TikTok will actively block U.S. users unless they and the app stores are indemnified by (incoming) POTUS.

Trump will "most likely" stay the ban for 90 days, to give Leon a chance to buy them out.

America has 170 million Tiktok users...but we are less than 17% of Tiktok's global userbase.

 

[lxskllr]

170m? That's ~half the population of every human in America. I find that hard to believe, unless they're talking about continental *Americas.

 

[manly]

America has 170 million Tiktok users...but we are less than 17% of Tiktok's global userbase.

Broadly speaking, American users are the most valuable to monetize. I guess you're suggesting that ByteDance could live with a U.S. only ban. IIRC they have long insisted they would never, ever sell the underlying "algos" that power TikTok's viral popularity. 4 years ago, wasn't there a deal in principle for Oracle to acquire TikTok?

@lxskllr My hunch is that 170M counts the registered users. That is distinct from daily active users. IIRC there are a couple billion registered users on FB globally?

 

[KMFJD]

reportedly TikTok will actively block U.S. users unless they and the app stores are indemnified by (incoming) POTUS.

Trump will "most likely" stay the ban for 90 days, to give Leon a chance to buy them out.

a bit more complicated than that from what i read here

https://www.npr.org/2025/01/13/nx-s1-5258151/tiktok-ban-us-impact-prepare-workaround

no one knows what's actually going to happen

 

[Kaido]

Broadly speaking, American users are the most valuable to monetize. I guess you're suggesting that ByteDance could live with a U.S. only ban. IIRC they have long insisted they would never, ever sell the underlying "algos" that power TikTok's viral popularity. 4 years ago, wasn't there a deal in principle for Oracle to acquire TikTok?

@lxskllr My hunch is that 170M counts the registered users. That is distinct from daily active users. IIRC there are a couple billion registered users on FB globally?

Stats:

TikTok has 1 billion monthly active users globally, with 150 million monthly active users in the United States.

Oxford Economics said that small- and medium-business-activity on TikTok contributed $24.2 billion, or a small sliver of overall U.S. gross domestic product (GDP) in 2023, while supporting 224,000 jobs.

I buy a lot of stuff off Tiktok Shop, mostly food. There are always coupon deals & whatnot for discounts, as well as video reviews to see what the consensus is on the quality. I'm a big snacker & love finding awesome new stuff to try:

1. KrackCorn: Best bagged caramel corn I've ever had

KrackCorn - The Ultimate Snacking Experience!

Light and sweet caramel popcorn that's irresistible! Join us to krack, krunch, and chomp your way through this bag of snacking delight.

www.krackcornpopcorn.com

2. EZ Bombs: Like bath bombs bur spice bombs for the Instant Pot. My ADHD loves these lol.

Birria Bombs by EZ Bombs: Ignite Your Tastebuds

Experience the explosion of flavor with Birria Bombs by EZ Bombs. Unlock the essence of authentic Mexican dishes effortlessly. Our premium spice blends are tailor-made for the contemporary chef who values tradition. Dive into a culinary adventure and let your tastebuds dance!

ezbombs.com

3. Ryse flavored protein powder: This is the best protein powder I've ever had. I use it with milk for protein drinks, flavored oatmeal, and my Ninja Creami protein ice cream pints.

Loaded Protein

Build. Recover. Strength. RYSE LOADED PROTEIN Combines premium Ingredients with Added Benefits while Simultaneously Bringing Incredible 5 star reviewed flavors to the table! There is no reason you can't have the added benefits of a high quality protein formula without sacrificing taste. Let...

rysesupps.com

4. I Love Chamoy: Mexican fruit sauce

I Love Chamoy

Finally, Sugar Free Chamoy That Is Tangy, Spicy, & Sweet! Keto, Gluten-Free &, Vegan. Try It Today!

ilovechamoy.com

5. Built Puff bars: These are basically marshmallow protein bars. If you like mochi or Charleston Chew bars (you can chill them to get chewy), these are fantastic!

BUILT Protein Bars | You Gotta Try This!

New flavors just launched. BUILT is revolutionizing nutrition as we know it with 100% real chocolate, 17g of protein, and shockingly low 4g in sugar and 130 calories. Go to Built.com to shop now!

built.com

6. Primeval Labs: Horchata protein powder FTW! It's the ONLY protein powder I've ever tried that tastes good with just water!

PROTEIN POWDER

Looking for the best protein powder? Primeval Labs has you covered with delicious-tasting supplements guaranteed to help you reach your health goals.

primevallabs.com

7. Barebell protein bars: These are like candy bars. The Cookies & Caramel, Chocolate Dough, Cookies & Cream, Creamy Crisp, Caramel Cashew, and Salty Peanut are all good. They also make a soft Snickers-style bar that I really like.

Barebells Functional Foods™ | Buy Protein Bars Online

We believe in happy eating and healthy living. Barebells protein bars are rich in protein and suit everyone who wants to give their taste buds a real treat.

shop.barebells.com

8. Gummies: I LOVE good-quality gummy candy. They sell custom mix bags on Tiktok Shop, as well as Swedish gummies, which are the bomb dot com!

TikTok - Make Your Day

The algorithm is what makes Tiktok excel above all others. It figures out what you like & loads your feed up with quality stuff!

 

[Lost_in_the_HTTP]

And your posts could support the publishing of three dictionaries every year.


Me no do no tikky.

 

[Kaido]

Dang, they really shut it down! America loses $65 million in revenue a day by having it off lol.

 

[Kaido]

And your posts could support the publishing of three dictionaries every year.

 

[Red Squirrel]

Seems to still work from here, no idea about the apps, I don't do that stuff, but site is up. Seems pointless if they just banned the apps though, do people really install that spyware on their phones?!

Different IP ranges though...

Non-authoritative answer:
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 23.222.17.68
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 23.222.17.70
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 23.222.17.76
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 23.222.17.69
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 23.222.17.72
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 23.222.17.73
Name:    tiktok.com
Address: 23.222.17.74

The other IPs were owned by Amazon, these ones are owned by Akamai. Guessing they just moved to another CDN. Their actual servers are in China I assume so this is mostly some sort of tunnel.