Hey friend! Have you noticed people referring to TikTok as "TT" lately? As a tech geek and avid TikTok user myself, let me break down the story behind this nickname and explain all the inside lingo around one of the world‘s fastest growing social apps.
The Quick Rise of TikTok
In case you‘ve been living under a rock, TikTok is a video-sharing app where users create and share short videos set to music. Here are some key stats:
- 1 billion monthly active users as of September 2021 according to TikTok
- Most downloaded app of 2020 with over 315 million downloads per Sensor Tower
- Spent 37 weeks as the most downloaded app in the US app store in 2021 via Business Insider
It‘s safe to say TikTok has taken the world by storm! 🤯 Originally launched as Douyin in China in 2016, the international version TikTok exploded in popularity among Generation Z audiences.
Parent company ByteDance purchased a competing app called Musical.ly in 2017. Musical.ly was then merged into TikTok in August 2018. This consolidation formed the TikTok we know and love today.
What Does "TT" Mean on TikTok?
So where does the "TT" nickname come from? Well, TT stands for TikTok. It‘s shorthand commonly used in social media captions, text messages, and comments.
For example:
- New TT just dropped! 🎉
- OMG this TT has me rolling! 😂
- Love this makeup look! 💄✨#TT
I‘ll often use TT when I want to quickly reference TikTok without typing out the full name. It saves characters!
Now if you see TT used on the TikTok app itself, it typically means something is "too true" or extremely relatable/accurate.
People comment "TT" on videos they really connect with or find funny. Here‘s how it‘s used:
- This TT called me out hard. TT 💯
- Wow felt this TT in my soul. TT
- Lolol TT!! 😆
So in context, TT conveys strong agreement or emphasis on TikTok. It‘s similar to saying "big facts!"
A Look at Popular TikTok Slang
Beyond TT, TikTok has its own unique lingo. Here are some examples you‘ll see in captions and comments:
| Term | Meaning |
|---|---|
| FYP | "For You Page" – the algorithmic feed of recommended videos |
| GOAT | "Greatest of All Time" – referring to something amazing or elite |
| ICYMI | "In Case You Missed It" – recapping old trends/memes |
| IRL | "In Real Life" – distinguishing from online interactions |
| RN | "Right Now" – happening at the present moment |
| DC | "Dance Challenge" – videos of users attempting viral dances |
| Stan | Obsessive super fan of someone/something |
| No cap | To tell the truth ("no lie" or "no joke") |
| Gas | Hilarious, entertaining, or exaggerated |
| Docka | Adopting aspects of another culture in an offensive way |
As you can see, lots of acronyms and quippy phrases! TikTok also uses emoji in creative ways, like 💀 to signify something is funny or ✨ to emphasize a word. The emoji vocabulary is forever expanding.
There are also slang terms to describe aesthetics and genres on TikTok, such as Alt TikTok (alternative/indie vibe) vs. Straight TikTok (more mainstream).
Top TikTokers: The New Celebrity Class
One fascinating aspect of TikTok is the rise of homegrown celebrities through the app itself. Let‘s look at the most followed individual accounts:
| Rank | User | Followers |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Khaby Lame (@khaby.lame) | 153.5 million |
| 2 | Charli D‘Amelio (@charlidamelio) | 142.4 million |
| 3 | Bella Poarch (@bellapoarch) | 87.2 million |
| 4 | Addison Rae (@addisonre) | 86.8 million |
| 5 | Kimberly Loaiza (@kimberly.loaiza) | 58.2 million |
Italian creator Khaby Lame recently surpassed Charli D‘Amelio as #1 after going viral for his comedic reaction videos.
Many top personalities like Charli and Addison have scored major brand deals, entertainment gigs, and developed merchandise lines thanks to their TikTok fame. It‘s opened up a new career path!
Viral Challenges That Took Over TikTok
Dance challenges, stunts, and meme songs regularly blow up on TikTok‘s "For You Page." When a trend goes big, it often spawns millions of imitations and responses.
Some of the recent popular challenges included:
- Make It Drop – Showing off an epic glow-up transition
- Material Gworl – Posing with designer outfits and luxury bags
- Jiggle Jiggle – Dancing to the Louis Theroux rap remix
- Turning Myself Back Into A Baby – Using effects to morph into a younger version
Challenges allow everyday users to ride viral waves to more views and followers. And you never know what silly trend will take off next on TikTok!
The Wild World of TikTok
Well, I hope this breakdown gives you some insight into the world of TikTok and what TT really signifies! The app moves so fast it even makes my head spin trying to keep up. 😵💫
While critics argue over privacy concerns and screen time impacts, there‘s no denying TikTok‘s cultural dominance. It‘s where youth culture and internet trends collide.
So whether you want to kill time laughing at videos or potentially launch an influencer career, strap in for the chaotic, hyper-growth, emoji-filled ride that is TikTok!
Let me know if you have any other TikTok terms or trends you‘re wondering about. I could talk about this stuff all day. Happy scrolling, friend! ✌️
