Understanding TikTok Usage: Communication Strategy of ByteDance Based on the Background of New Media

Abstract

This research provides a wide framework for understanding how young people use TikTok to make meanings. Evaluation of user motivations and interactions, as well as the TikTok platform's ability to facilitate these activities, was conducted using both walkthrough techniques and unstructured interviews. The research indicated that although escapism and mood enhancement are the primary motivations for using social media, expressing the hidden self and connecting with friends are secondary causes. According to the study's findings, TikTok, a platform that celebrates real-life human experiences, inspires creativity in its users by providing user interfaces that are intuitive, easy to use, and straightforward, as well as editing tools that are feature-rich and user-friendly. This study will begin with a discussion of TikTok's historical context and the theoretical framework. The next section clarifies the study's research subjects and used techniques. The study's findings will be presented in the following sequence: TikTok technical walkthrough, TikTok intended use case, and interview results. The most significant findings will be selected and presented in the following section to answer the three research questions this study gave. In addition, findings and practical ramifications will be presented at the conclusion to explain the meanings and values of this research.