Since its acquisition and rebranding in 2018 TikTok has become one of the fastest growing
platforms in the world. Moreover it's the first Chinese-developed platform to find mainstream
international success carving its own niche in the global short video industry. In the first
comprehensive exploration of TikTok Kaye Zeng and Wikström provide a history of the emergent
genre of short video and situate the platform within the cultures and controversies that have
accompanied its dramatic growth. They provide an extensive overview of TikTok's functions and
uses the diverse markets in which the platform operates and the issues of governance that
have impacted its expansion. Once thought to be 'just for kids' the authors illustrate how
TikTok is further transforming platform cultures and the dynamics of broader creative
industries. TikTok the authors argue represents an evolutionary step in the way culture is
produced and consumed on digital platforms. This timely book is essential reading for students
and scholars in media and communication studies and for anyone who has been captivated by the
global growth of TikTok and short video.
