If you’ve heard your kids or grandkids mention TikTok, or you’ve seen it pop up on TV or online, you might be wondering: What exactly is TikTok? This app has taken the world by storm, becoming a central hub for creative videos on a huge variety of topics, entertainment, and even education. But if you’re new to it, all the features, trends, and acronyms can seem a bit overwhelming. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Let’s break down the basics of TikTok so you can get a feel for how it works and why it’s so popular.

What Is TikTok?

TikTok is a social media app where people create and share short videos, often set to music. Videos are typically 15 seconds to 3 minutes long, making them quick, fun, and easy to watch. Users can add special effects, filters, music, and text to their videos, making TikTok a creative playground. While it started mainly as a platform for lip-syncing or dancing, it has evolved to include all kinds of content, from cooking tips to DIY crafts, travel videos, pet antics, and even life advice.

You can click here to download TikTok for your Apple device or here for an Android device. You can also access TikTok from your desktop computer here.

The Basics: Features and Acronyms You Should Know

TikTok has its own language, with several features and acronyms you’ll encounter as you use the app. Here are the most important ones to know:

For You Page (FYP): This is the main feed of videos you’ll see when you open TikTok. It’s filled with popular videos TikTok thinks you’ll enjoy based on what you’ve watched before. On desktop it simply says “For You.”
Following: This is another feed where you can see videos posted by people you follow. It’s great if you want to keep up with content from people you know or specific creators you like.
Hashtags (#): These are used to categorize videos. For example, #recipes or #DIYprojects will help you find content related to those topics. You can search for hashtags to discover new videos.
Duet: A feature where you can create a video side-by-side with someone else’s video. People often use it to react to or add their own spin on the original video.
Stitch: This allows you to take a snippet of someone’s video and add your own video afterward. It’s a great way to respond to others or collaborate with their content.
Likes/Hearts: If you enjoy a video, you can “like” it by tapping the heart. This helps the creator know their content is appreciated.
Commenting: You can leave a message under any video, similar to leaving a comment on Facebook or Instagram.
Trending: This refers to the most popular songs, hashtags, or challenges circulating on TikTok. If something is trending, it means many people are using or creating content around that idea.

What TikTok Is Best Used For

While TikTok is often associated with fun dances and catchy music, its uses are much broader than that. Here are some of the ways people are using TikTok:

Entertainment: From funny clips to heartwarming moments, TikTok is packed with videos that will make you laugh, cry, or feel inspired.
Learning New Skills: Whether you want to try a new recipe, learn a dance, or get gardening tips, TikTok is a goldmine of helpful how-tos and tutorials.
Connecting with Others: TikTok allows you to comment and interact with creators, making it easy to connect with people who share your interests.
Finding Trends and Inspiration: TikTok is often where the latest internet trends and challenges begin, and it’s a great place to discover creative ideas, from fashion tips to home projects.

How to Find People You Know or Follow People of Interest

TikTok makes it easy to find friends or creators whose content you enjoy. Here’s how:

Find People You Know:
- Tap on the Discover button (the magnifying glass icon) on the phone app or tap Explore on the desktop version.
- Type in the username of the person you want to find, or you can sync your contacts from your phone to find people you know who are already on TikTok.
- If the person has connected their TikTok account to other social media platforms (like Instagram or Facebook), you might be able to find them through those apps too.
Follow People You Like:
- Once you find a video you enjoy, tap the person’s username at the top of the video.
- From their profile page, tap the Follow button. Now, their videos will appear in your Following feed.
Explore New Interests:
- Use the For You Page or Explore to discover content TikTok thinks you’ll like. As you engage with videos (by liking, commenting, or following), TikTok’s algorithm will tailor the videos you see based on your preferences.
- Try searching for hashtags that match your interests, like #GardeningTips, #CookingForTwo, or #TravelDestinations.

TikTok Safety and Privacy

If you’re worried about privacy or safety while using TikTok, you’re not alone. TikTok offers settings that allow you to control who can see your videos and interact with you. You can choose to make your account private, meaning only people you approve can follow you or view your content. TikTok also allows you to filter comments and block inappropriate language, ensuring you have a positive experience on the platform.

Is TikTok for You?

The short answer is: it can be! TikTok is for everyone, not just teens or young adults. There’s content on TikTok for all ages and interests, and once you get the hang of it, it’s an incredibly fun and engaging way to connect with the world.

Topics That Might Interest You on TikTok

One of the best things about TikTok is its diversity. No matter what you’re interested in, there’s likely a community or set of creators sharing content around that topic. If you’re wondering how TikTok might be relevant to your life, here are a few popular areas of interest that older adults are loving—and tips on how to find them.

1. Cooking and Recipe Ideas

Are you always on the lookout for new recipes or cooking tips? TikTok is packed with quick, easy-to-follow videos on everything from weeknight dinners to holiday desserts. Many users share family recipes or budget-friendly meals, while others focus on healthy eating or dietary needs, like low-sodium or gluten-free options.

How to find it: Use hashtags like #CookingTips, #RecipeIdeas, or #HealthyMeals to discover new recipes. Check out creators like @themodernnonna, known for her simple, comforting meals, or @chefmichael for low-carb recipes.

2. Gardening and Home Improvement

Whether you have a small patio garden or a sprawling backyard, TikTok has a thriving gardening community. You’ll find tips on everything from growing your own vegetables to maintaining beautiful flower beds. Plus, there are plenty of home improvement ideas, from DIY furniture projects to simple home hacks that make life easier.

How to find it: Try searching for #GardeningTips, #PlantCare, or #HomeDIY. Some popular creators include @epicgardening, who shares a wide range of information and gardening tutorials, and @simply.aligned.home, who focuses on DIY home projects.

3. Travel Inspiration

If you’re dreaming of your next getaway or looking for travel tips, TikTok is a great source of inspiration. Users share everything from hidden travel gems and affordable trip ideas to tips for navigating airports or traveling with ease. You can even find recommendations for great destinations that cater to older adults.

How to find it: Check out hashtags like #TravelTips, #TravelInspiration, or #BucketListTravel. Follow creators like @themomtrotter for travel tips and hacks.

4. Health and Wellness

TikTok is also a fantastic resource for health and wellness tips, from exercise routines and stretches to mental health advice. Whether you’re looking to stay active with low-impact workouts, learn about meditation, or pick up self-care tips, there’s something for everyone.

How to find it: Search for #WellnessTips, #Over50Fitness, or #MindfulLiving. You might enjoy following creators like @justget.fit, who shares easy workout routines for all ages, or @drleslie for practical health advice.

5. Grandparenting and Family Life

TikTok isn’t just for kids! Many grandparents share their own experiences, stories, and tips about navigating family life in today’s world. From adorable grandkid moments to advice on staying connected with family, there’s a lot of relatable content on the platform.

How to find it: Look up hashtags like #GrandparentLife, #FamilyFun, or #FamilyTips. Some creators will make you laugh with their heartwarming grandparent stories, while others offer tips on how to stay close to your loved ones.

TikTok might seem a little intimidating at first, but once you explore it, you’ll see there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for laughs, new recipes, or just a way to pass the time, TikTok offers endless possibilities for fun and creativity. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite app!