TikTok has taken the world by storm, becoming one of the most popular social media apps on the planet. Known for its bite-size video content that ranges from lip-syncing challenges to dance videos, the app has transcended generational and cultural boundaries to appeal to users all over the globe. Its unique blend of short-form video, personalized discovery, music integration, trend-centric culture and broad demographic appeal makes it a platform like no other.
Despite its enormous popularity, the company has been facing increased scrutiny over how it manages user data. In particular, it has been accused of harvesting user data for use by Chinese entities without their knowledge and consent. As a result, the app is subject to intense digital privacy monitoring in multiple jurisdictions, including the U.S. and the EU.
The company has been working to address these concerns, including by introducing new policies that promote responsible use of the app and by limiting the time spent on it among younger users. However, the sheer volume of engaging and addictive content on the platform can lead to excessive screen time, which has been linked to negative outcomes such as sleep deprivation and decreased productivity.
At present, it is not possible to buy TikTok shares as the company is private and does not trade on a public exchange. However, there are ways to gain exposure to the company through indirect investments in companies that hold a stake in TikTok’s parent, ByteDance. For example, KKR & Co. Inc., which owns a stake in ByteDance, is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker KKR. buy shares in tiktok