Is TikTok The New Google?

Have you wondered with the increase in use of this popular video app if Is TikTok The New Google?  Then keep reading!  

I was inspired to write this post after my 16 year old daughter told me in a conversation that she "just searched that up on TikTok".  I asked her what she meant, and she explained she just searches TikTok anytime she is looking for something.  TikTok.  Not Google, Not Youtube.  This was a huge eye opener for me, and as a digital marketer I feel we all need to be aware of the growing trend where younger people, and people in general are seeking answers to their questions on this popular social media app.

Ever since it was launched in 2017, TikTok has quickly grown and become one of the most popular social media platforms. It has gone from an Instagram-esque app that primarily showcases short videos to a place where you can share your entire life. The average user spends up to 40 minutes on the app every day. No wonder it's becoming more and more popular! In this article, we'll take a look at some interesting facts about the app, its impact on demographics, and what marketers can do to capitalize on this new trend.

TikTok Statistics

According to Oberlo here are Top 10 TikTok Statistics for 2022

1. TikTok has 1 Billion Active Monthly Users
2. TikTok has been downloaded over 2 Billion Times
3. TikTok is the number one most downloaded app on the Apple Store
4. 62% of TikTok users in the United States are between 10 and 29 years old
5. TikTok was downloaded 3.08 Million Times from Google Play in Brazil in Sept 2020
6. The average user spends 45.8 minutes on TikTok daily
7. TikTok is available in 155 countries
8. 90% of users access TikTok daily
9. In less than 18 months, the number of US adult users grew 5.5 times
10. 1 Million Videos are watched on TikTok Daily

TikTok as a Search Engine

TikTok has a powerful search tool.  Users are able to find suggested searches (based on their usage), or type into the search bar for literally any topic.

Search results are then organized into "Top, Users, Videos, Sounds, LIVE, Hashtags".

So for example I am about to embark on a new hobby making homemade soy candles.  So I go to TikTok, search, and type in "how to make soy..." and the app automatically filled in "soy wax candles".   Immediately I am gifted with a video from a user "TheArtGe" with a complete tutorial on how to make the candles.

Note this also works from my computer if I go to www.tiktok.com

One may argue that all social media platforms have powerful search tools, and you would be correct.  The distinction here is that TikTok is being used by the younger audience as a search engine and therefore should be carefully considered in your digital marketing strategy if those under 29 fall into your target audience.  It is another tactic you can use in your marketing tool box to increase views and reach new customers.

TikTok relevance on Google

Google has already started indexing TikTok profiles and videos to help overcome this challenge and combat the growing trend.  You can actually find TikTok videos in search results on Google if you click on the Video tab after you search.  For your business what this means is that if your goal is to increase awareness of your business on Google - TikTok is in fact another way to achieve this.  By including your target keywords in your TikTok profile, and videos they have the chance to be ranked on Google.

For example if you search Sarah Clarke biz and click on Videos - you will see I have results showing from TikTok.

How to Maximize The TikTok Trend

As a business owner or brand that wants to make sure you include this trend in your digital marketing strategy it is an important step to simply be aware of the trend.  Next up consider adding TikTok to your digital marketing plan if it is not already.  TikTok is an incredible way to grow awareness of your business, increase leads and grow your revenue.  So now you can also include it as a tactic to improve your search results, both on the platform and on Google.  Consider questions that potential clients would be asking, problems that they are having, and what solutions your business offers.  Create videos on "how to" and FAQ's and post to TikTok with the related keywords in the descriptions and hashtags.

Don't forget to optimize your TikTok profile so it also includes Keywords relevant to your business.

**Related Blog Post**:

TikTok is quickly becoming the new go-to app for short-form mobile video. It has already surpassed other social media apps in terms of popularity and engagement, and it shows no signs of slowing down. With its unique format and algorithm that favors fresh content, TikTok has become a powerful platform for brands and businesses to reach a new generation of consumers. So, is TikTok the new Google? Only time will tell.

What do you think?  Let me know in the comments below!