TikTok: News
TikTok is an extremely popular video-sharing social networking service headquartered in China. Owned by a Beijing-based internet technology company named ByteDance, the app was founded in 2016 with a mission “to inspire creativity and bring joy.” In 2018, it merged with Shanghai-based social media service, musical.ly, and became available globally. Apart from Beijing, TikTok has offices in Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. TikTok allows one to make music and lip-sync videos lasting some 3 to 15 seconds, and short looping videos of 3 to 60 seconds. The platform is regularly in the news for new features, some of which are new and some of which are imitations of features already implemented by other mainstream social media platforms. In early August of 2021, TikTok confirmed that it is testing a new Stories feature with a small subset of users. The feature is reminiscent of Instagram’s Stories feature which has been around for far longer.
TikTok pushed explicit content to child accounts despite safety settings
A recent report from Global Witness, a human rights campaign group, has revealed that TikTok's algorithm is recommending pornographic and highly sexualized content to child accounts.
OpenAI's TikTok-like app for AI-generated videos is coming soon
OpenAI is gearing up to launch a dedicated app for its video generation AI model, Sora 2.
Trump's TikTok US deal finalized: Here's who owns what
President Donald Trump has confirmed that a deal to sell TikTok's US operations is complete, with approval from China's President Xi Jinping.
Trump approves $14B deal to keep TikTok alive in US
President Donald Trump has signed an executive order approving the sale of TikTok's US operations to a group of American investors.
Meta launches Vibes as a TikTok-style feed of AI videos
Meta has launched a new feature called "Vibes," a dedicated feed within the Meta AI app and on meta.ai.
Why China is cracking down on online content promoting 'pessimism'
China's internet regulators have launched a new campaign against "pessimism" on social media, live-streaming, and short-video platforms.
World ending today? People are quitting jobs, selling off belongings
Many in South Africa have allegedly quit their jobs and sold off their belongings, like cars, after a pastor prophesied that the world will end on September 23.
Oracle to control TikTok's algorithm in US under Trump-approved deal
Oracle has been chosen as the lead company in a deal approved by President Donald Trump's administration, to oversee the algorithm and security of TikTok's popular video platform for US users.
Oracle names insiders Clay Magouyrk, Mike Sicilianew as its co-CEOs
Oracle has announced the appointment of Clay Magouyrk and Mike Sicilia as its new co-CEOs.
Trump confirms Murdoch family may take part in TikTok deal
President Donald Trump has revealed that media mogul Rupert Murdoch and his son Lachlan Murdoch are likely to be part of a deal to save TikTok in the US.
US to control TikTok's algorithm under new deal with China
The White House has announced a major deal that would give American companies control over the TikTok algorithm.
How much will US government earn from the TikTok deal?
United States President Donald Trump has announced that the country will receive a "tremendous fee" under an agreement over the ownership of TikTok.
Trump says TikTok deal reached, call with Xi 'very good'
President Donald Trump has announced that a controversial TikTok deal has been reached, and he had a positive call with Chinese President Xi Jinping regarding the matter.
Amazon's new AI chatbot can create ads for your products
Amazon is ramping up its artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities by introducing a new chatbot for sellers.
US, China reach preliminary deal on TikTok
The United States and China have reached a preliminary agreement to keep the popular social media app TikTok running in the US.
TikTok won't be banned in the US after all
The United States and China have reached a framework deal concerning the popular short-video app, TikTok.
TikTok deadline looms as US-China trade negotiations enter second day
The second day of US-China trade talks will take place in Spain today, with the Chinese owner of TikTok facing a looming divestiture deadline.
US, China resume talks in Spain on trade, TikTok ban
US and Chinese officials are set to meet in Madrid today to discuss long-standing trade tensions.
Katrina Kaif's 'Tees Maar...' dialogue goes viral in Nepal protests
In the midst of intense protests in Nepal, a Bollywood dialogue from Farah Khan's 2010 film Tees Maar Khan has gone viral.
TikTok parent launches AI tool to rival Google's 'Nano Banana'
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, has rolled out its latest artificial intelligence (AI) tool for image generation and editing.
Meta and TikTok have won a legal battle against EU
Meta Platforms and ByteDance's TikTok have successfully challenged the European Commission in a case related to supervisory fees under the Digital Services Act (DSA).
Why Nepal banned social media; was there more to protests?
Nepal has been rocked by massive protests after the government banned 26 social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
You can't use TikTok in India anytime soon
India's Information Technology (IT) Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has confirmed that there are no plans to lift the ban on popular short video app TikTok.
Massive GenZ protest in Nepal over social-media ban; 16 killed
A massive protest led by Generation Z has erupted in Kathmandu, Nepal, against corruption and the government's recent social media platform ban.
Roblox introduces TikTok-like video feed for sharing your gameplay
Roblox, the popular online gaming platform, has announced a new feature called "Roblox Moments."
Why Nepal just blocked Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, other social platforms
Nepal has ordered internet service providers to block access to major social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and X.
After 15 years, Instagram launches iPad app: Check features
Instagram has launched a dedicated app for Apple's iPad, 15 years after the tablet's debut.
From comedians to TikTok stars: 'SNL' adds new cast members
The iconic sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), has announced five new cast members for its upcoming 51st season.
Sydney Sweeney, Scooter Braun 'casually hooking up': Report
Hollywood actor Sydney Sweeney (27) and music executive Scooter Braun (44) are "casually hooking up," according to a report by People.
TikTok is now hiring for these roles in India
Despite being banned in India, TikTok has started hiring for its operations in the country.
TikTok adds voice notes and media sharing to DMs
TikTok has introduced new features to enhance user interaction through direct messages (DMs).
ByteDance eyes $330B valuation in latest employee share buyback
ByteDance, parent company of TikTok, is gearing up for a new employee share buyback. The move will value the Chinese tech giant at over $330 billion.
TikTok owner ByteDance's valuation tops $330B via employee share buyback
ByteDance, the parent company of TikTok, is gearing up for a new employee share buyback. The move would value the Chinese tech giant at over $330 billion.
Instagram's new feature helps college students connect with classmates
Instagram has launched a new feature specifically designed for college students in the US.
No, TikTok is not coming back to India
After more than five years of being banned in India, TikTok is not making a comeback, TechCrunch has confirmed.
TikTok lays off hundreds as AI takes over moderation
TikTok is preparing to lay off hundreds of its UK-based content moderators as part of a global restructuring plan.
You may be able to use TikTok in India again!
After its ban over data privacy issues, TikTok may be gearing up for a comeback in India.
TikTok might be harming the mental health of teens
A video, presented as evidence in a North Carolina lawsuit against TikTok, shows current and former employees of the company expressing concerns about its popular algorithm harming young users' mental health.
'World's nicest judge' Frank Caprio dies at 88
Frank Caprio, the beloved television judge known for his warmth and compassion, has died at the age of 88.
Justin Bieber impersonator crashes Vegas nightclub, runs $10K tab
In a strange turn of events, a Justin Bieber impersonator fooled the staff at XS Nightclub in Las Vegas into letting him perform several of the pop star's songs.
White House joins TikTok amid looming ban in US
The White House has launched an official TikTok account, despite the uncertain future of the platform in the US.
Study at college? TikTok now helps you connect with classmates
TikTok has launched a new feature, Campus Verification, aimed at helping college students connect with their classmates.
Germany: TikTok replaces its trust and safety team with AI
TikTok employees in Berlin are staging protests against the company's decision to lay off its entire trust and safety team.
Google refutes claims of AI search features hurting publisher traffic
Google has refuted claims that its AI search features and Gemini chatbot are hurting traffic to publishers' websites.
Meta overhauls Instagram with reposts and new map features
Instagram has launched a new feature called 'Instagram Map,' allowing users to share their recent active location with others and discover location-based content.
Australia recruits 7,000 soldiers in a year using TikTok ads
Australia's military recruitment has hit a 15-year high, with over 7,000 full-time personnel enlisted in the 2024-25 financial year.
YouTube tests Instagram-style collaboration feature for creators
YouTube is testing a new collaboration feature, similar to those on Instagram and TikTok.