Tag: TikTok

Last week, millions of TikTok users in the United States and beyond faced a platform in chaos. Videos refused to upload, feeds stalled, and likes or view counts mysteriously dropped to zero. For many creators, it felt like a technical nightmare but for others, it sparked a deeper suspicion: had TikTok started censoring content?

On February 1, TikTok announced that the weeklong outage had been resolved. The company attributed the problem to a power outage at a U.S. data center, which triggered cascading failures across its servers. In a statement on X, TikTok emphasized that all services were fully restored and that no user content had been removed.

Yet the timing could not have been more sensitive. TikTok recently underwent a major U.S. ownership transition, handing 80% control of its American operations to Oracle, Silver Lake, and MGX, while ByteDance retained a 19.9% minority stake. Some users immediately connected the dots, suspecting the outage and glitches were a cover for content suppression, particularly around political topics like immigration enforcement.

While TikTok insists the disruptions were purely technical, the perception of censorship spread rapidly online. High-profile creators even deleted their accounts in protest, questioning whether algorithm changes under new ownership were quietly reshaping the platform’s content visibility.

The outage, while temporary, had tangible effects. Creators worried about lost engagement and interrupted monetization, advertisers questioned reach and analytics, and some users explored alternative apps in search of “uncensored” spaces. Despite the panic, broader usage metrics suggest TikTok remained resilient; daily engagement returned to normal once services were restored.

What this episode reveals is a delicate balancing act for global tech platforms. TikTok is not only navigating technical reliability but also public trust and political scrutiny. In today’s climate, even a simple data center failure can spark conversations about censorship and transparency, especially on platforms that influence culture and politics on a massive scale.

For now, TikTok is back online. But the questions raised during the outage about ownership, trust, and the nature of algorithms are most likely to stay. As millions of users scroll, like, and post, the platform’s challenge is clear: restoring faith in both the service and the system behind it.

Khaby Lame, the TikTok creator famous for his silent, expressive reactions to life hacks, has just taken a major leap in the creator economy.

The Senegalese-Italian star, who started posting videos in 2020 after losing his factory job, now has over 350 million followers across social media platforms. His influence has just translated into a $975 million all-stock deal with Rich Sparkle Holdings, one of the largest deals ever for a digital creator.

Unlike standard sponsorships or brand partnerships, this deal goes far beyond traditional influencer earnings:

• All-stock deal: Khaby received shares in Rich Sparkle Holdings instead of cash, giving him a stake in the company’s future growth.
• AI-powered digital twin: He authorized the use of his Face ID, voice, and behavioral models, allowing the creation of an AI version of himself.
• Global reach: The AI twin can produce content, host virtual livestreams, and engage audiences worldwide; all without Khaby physically being on camera.

The “digital twin” concept is revolutionary for creators:

• Content creation at scale: AI can post in multiple languages and formats.
• Virtual events: The AI avatar can appear in live-streams and brand activations globally.
• E-commerce and monetization: Products and partnerships can run around the clock.

This is a blueprint for the next generation of creators, showing that fame can become a commercial and scalable asset.

Khaby Lame’s rise is nothing short of extraordinary:

• 2020: Starts posting on TikTok after losing his job.
• 2022-2025: Explodes in popularity with short, silent reaction videos.
• 2026: Becomes one of the most-followed creators worldwide and signs the billion-dollar deal.

In short, Khaby isn’t just cashing in, he’s laying the groundwork for a new era of influence and digital entrepreneurship.

Khaby Lame’s $975M AI deal is a game-changer for the creator economy, showing how influence, intellectual property, and AI can combine to create massive, scalable digital value.

For the first time in history, FIFA has partnered with TikTok to bring official World Cup 2026 content directly to fans on a social media platform. The landmark deal, which names TikTok as FIFA’s first-ever Preferred Platform for video content, promises a mix of live match clips, highlights, behind the scenes access, and interactive fan features.

This move signals a major shift in how football fans engage with the world’s biggest sporting event, blending traditional broadcasting with digital-first experiences tailored for mobile and social audiences.

What the FIFA-TikTok Deal Means

The agreement between FIFA and TikTok is designed to expand the reach of the World Cup to millions of digital-native fans around the world. Here’s what the deal offers:

• Live Match Clips: TikTok will stream segments of official matches via a dedicated World Cup hub inside the app. Fans can catch real-time action without waiting for TV highlights.
• Curated Highlights: Quick, shareable clips of goals, saves, and major moments will be easily accessible.
• Behind-the-Scenes Access: Selected TikTok creators will provide coverage of press conferences, training sessions, and exclusive off-field content.
• Interactive Features: Stickers, filters, and fan challenges will make following the tournament more engaging than ever.

Note: TikTok will not broadcast full 90-minute matches. Traditional TV and official streaming partners retain full-match rights.

The TikTok World Cup Hub: Your New Digital Stadium

Central to this deal is the FIFA World Cup 2026 hub on TikTok, which serves as a one-stop destination for fans:

• Live match segments and highlights
• Match schedules and updates
• Official FIFA creator content
• Fan engagement tools and interactive features

This hub transforms TikTok into a digital stadium, giving fans a unique way to stay connected with the World Cup in real time.

Fans will now be able to experience World Cup 2026 content in ways never possible before. With live clips, highlights, exclusive behind-the-scenes moments, and interactive features all available on TikTok, FIFA is bridging the gap between traditional broadcasting and the digital-first generation.

While TikTok does not replace full-match coverage, this record deal marks a historic shift in football media  and could redefine how fans engage with the World Cup forever.

TikTok has released its official list of the Global Top 20 Songs of 2025, and it’s a brilliant mix of blasts from the past, global sounds, and brand new bangers. This list isn’t just about music; it’s a combination of the trends, memes, and moments that defined the year.
This year’s chart proves that music truly knows no borders! A massive shout out goes to Nigerian Afrobeats star Chella, whose hit “My Darling” earned a well deserved spot at #19, proving the global power and energy of African music on the platform.

Here is the definitive, easy to read list of the biggest viral hits that powered TikTok in 2025.

Top 10 Global TikTok Songs: The Year’s Biggest Viral Hits

These ten tracks were used in millions of videos, setting the tone for the entire platform. From dance challenges to viral videos, these songs were everywhere!

1. “Pretty Little Baby” – Connie Francis

Pure, innocent joy. This 1962 classic was the most used song globally, proving TikTok has a soft spot for wholesome throwbacks.

2. “Hold My Hand” – Jess Glynne

Main character energy. An uplifting anthem for positive outlooks, travel goals, and feel-good moments.

3. “Rock That Body” – Black Eyed Peas

This 2010 party starter was the soundtrack for intense dance moves and workout edits in 2025.

4. “Azul” – J Balvin

Smooth and stylish. The Colombian superstar’s reggaeton hit kept its cool, dominating edits and fashion transitions.

5. “Dame Un Grrr” – Fantomel x Kate Linn

Eccentric energy. This Euro-dance track was a massive hit for quirky, fast-paced comedy skits and transformation videos.

6. “APT.” – ROSÉ & Bruno Mars

Global pop excellence. A highly anticipated collaboration that immediately became the go to for fan edits and dance covers.

7. “Te Quería Ver” – Alemán & Neton Vega

Unexpected fusion. This viral Mexican rap and Regional Mexican blend proves how quickly unique sounds can catch fire.

8. “Stecu Stecu” – Faris Adam

Infectious dance beat. This high energy track became a staple for global dance challenges and catchy, upbeat content.

9. “Anxiety” – Doechii

Real and raw emotion. This song was used for honest, personal storytelling and videos addressing mental health followed by Will Smith old dance video clip aiding the trend.

10. “Sailor Song” – Gigi Perez

Dreamy and aesthetic. The perfect sound for soft visuals, scenic montages, and introspective content.

The Next 10: Completing the Global TikTok Top 20

The back half of the list is just as important, highlighting the incredible diversity of music TikTok pushes into the mainstream.

11. “Shake It To The Max (FLY) (Remix)” – MOLIY, Silent Addy, Skillibeng, Shenseea

12. “Ocean eyes” – Billie Eilish

13. “No One Noticed” – The Marías

14. “back to friends” – sombr

15. “Sparks” – Coldplay

16. “That’s So True” – Gracie Abrams

17. “Let Down” – Radiohead

18. “Suave” – El Alfa

19. “My Darling” – Chella

20. “We Hug Now” – Sydney Rose

Did your favorite viral sound make the ranking? Let us know which one you think deserved the top spot!

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TikTok has revealed a new policy that limits late-night live streaming for users in Nigeria, blocking access to the LIVE feature from 11:00 p.m. to 5:00 a.m. daily. The sudden restriction has sparked concern among creators who depend on night time engagement for stronger audience reach and monetization.

According to a system notification sent to Nigerian accounts, TikTok described the move as a temporary safety measure, noting that the platform is “investigating to ensure our community remains protected.” Only creators who meet TikTok’s eligibility for LIVE; typically those with at least 1,000 followers are affected by the nighttime lockdown.

Why TikTok Is Enforcing the Restriction

Though it’s not yet clear why TikTok has enforced this policy, the company says the restriction is part of an ongoing safety investigation targeted at keeping the Nigerian creator community secure. The platform has intensified content moderation in the country this year, removing millions of videos and banning thousands of LIVE sessions for guideline violations.

In earlier reports, TikTok revealed that over 49,000 LIVE sessions from Nigeria were taken down in 2025 for issues related to adult content, harmful behaviour, and violations of LIVE monetization rules. The new nighttime restriction appears to be an extension of this broader safety according to them.

Impact on Nigerian Creators

For many Nigerian creators, the 11 p.m.– 5 a.m. window is a high traffic period, especially for entertainment, lifestyle updates, gaming streams, and casual community chats. With LIVE now blocked during those hours, creators may experience:

• Reduced engagement and reach
• Lower gifting earnings during peak hours
• A shift in content scheduling and audience behaviour

However, TikTok confirmed that creators’ previous gift earnings and account balances remain untouched, meaning no financial losses on past live sessions.

Open TikTok anytime and chances are you’ll come across Nigerian-related content. Jump into the comment section of a non-Nigerian creator and you’re likely to find Nigerians there too, dropping jokes, slang, and reactions that sometimes outshine the video itself.
Nigeria has quietly become one of TikTok’s most influential hubs, not just in Africa but worldwide. And now, people from across the globe are deliberately leaning on Nigerian culture and audiences to boost their own visibility.

TikTok has become the world’s stage for creativity, and few countries have embraced the platform as vibrantly as Nigeria. From dance challenges to comedy skits, Nigerian creators have not only captured local audiences but also shaped global trends. Yet behind the virality lies a curious dynamic: people from other parts of the world are deliberately targeting Nigerian users to farm engagement.

Nigeria’s Rise on TikTok

Nigeria stands out as one of TikTok’s fastest-growing markets in Africa. With more than 60% of its population under the age of 25, the country provides a young, digitally active audience hungry for content. Afrobeats, Nigeria’s most popular cultural export, has become a global soundtrack on the app, pulling millions into dances and remixes that often begin on Nigerian soil.

For TikTok’s algorithm, which favors quick and heavy interaction, Nigerian activity is gold. The country’s users comment, share, and like at strikingly high rates, boosting the visibility of videos in record time. This engagement has turned Nigeria into an unlikely hub for creators around the world who want fast traction on their content.

Farming Engagement: How Global Creators Tap In

Across continents, creators are increasingly tailoring content with Nigerians in mind. The methods vary:

1. Using Afrobeats tracks to ride viral sound trends.
2. Recreating Nigerian dance steps or comedy skits for global audiences.
3. Hashtag targeting, where foreign creators push their content under Nigerian-related tags.

The result is often predictable, Nigerian users engagement is massive, pushing these creators’ videos higher in TikTok’s discovery feed and sometimes to worldwide visibility.

This dynamic has sparked debate: is the global adoption of Nigerian content a form of cultural appreciation, or is it another example of extraction where others profit off creativity without acknowledgment?

Nigerians are not just participants in the TikTok ecosystem; they are the spark that powers it. Our creativity has fueled global trends, soundtracked millions of videos, and reshaped how audiences interact with short-form content.

Today, we’re diving into one of the biggest cultural shifts of the decade: the rise of content creators, the dominance of TikTok, and how artificial intelligence is already shaping the next frontier of video content.

Let’s get into it.

Why Is Everyone Becoming a Content Creator?

The answer is simple: access and attention.
A smartphone and an internet connection are now all you need to become a “creator.” Platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts have removed traditional barriers and made it possible for anyone with a camera and a spark of creativity to go viral.

• Teenagers are building audiences bigger than mainstream TV networks.
• Niche creators are monetizing micro-audiences through brand deals, affiliate marketing, and subscriptions.
• Traditional celebrities are now playing catch-up with digital-first influencers.

Content creation is no longer a side hustle or hobby — for many, it’s a career path and a personal brand platform.
The TikTok Effect: Short, Fast, Viral

Let’s be honest: TikTok changed everything.

In under 60 seconds, a creator can tell a story, start a trend, review a product, or launch a movement. What Instagram did for photo culture, TikTok is doing for video storytelling.

And the effect is massive:

•  TikTok has over 1.5 billion users globally and growing.
• Over 60% of users say they discover new music, products, and creators first on TikTok.
• Creators like Khaby Lame, Charli D’Amelio, and Nigeria’s own Beauty Goddess have turned TikTok fame into global influence.

In short: TikTok isn’t just a platform — it’s the main stage.

Enter AI: The Next Wave of Content Creation

Now, here’s where it gets wild.
AI is no longer just writing captions or editing videos. It’s now creating them.

• AI tools like Runway, Pika, and Sora can generate videos from text prompts — no camera needed.
• Voice cloning and face animation tools are allowing creators to build virtual influencers and characters.
• Editing, scripting, and even idea generation are becoming automated.

What does this mean?

• For creators: You don’t need a team or big budget anymore — you just need ideas and the right tools.
•  For consumers: You may soon be watching content that was never touched by human hands, but still entertaining, emotional, and viral.

What’s the Future?

The future of content creation will likely be a mix of human creativity and machine efficiency. While AI may assist or even automate parts of the process, the best creators will be those who can tell authentic stories, adapt quickly to trends, and build trust with their audiences.

We’re headed into an era where:

• Content is faster to make, but harder to stand out.
• Originality and authenticity will matter more than ever.
• Creators will need to be more on their toes — editor, marketer, storyteller, community builder in general.

Final Thought

The question isn’t just “Who’s creating content now?” — it’s what counts as content, who gets to create it, and what role we play in consuming or curating it.

One thing is for sure: we’re all in the content business now.

What’s your take — is AI a tool, a threat, or the future of creativity?
Hit reply and let us know. We might feature your thoughts in the next edition.

TikTok has refused to comply with the United States government’s divest-or-ban legislation, and in fighting back, it has filed a lawsuit against the US government.

TikTok, previously known as Musically, a music and dance platform, is now a platform for sharing short videos owned by ByteDance Ltd., a company based in China. Since its fame in 2020, the app has been mired in various controversies, one of which is that it is a form of Chinese spyware.

The video-sharing app is banned in New Zealand, Belgium, the Netherlands, Taiwan, and India. It currently faces a ban in the United States if it doesn’t divest.

TikTok argues it’s a platform for free speech, and its existence helps millions of small businesses succeed. It says its ban will take away the livelihoods of creators and businesses, thus hurting the economy. It further argues it is “not possible: not commercially, not technologically, not legally.”

Last year, TikTok announced its $1.5 billion investment to establish a separate entity for its US operations and agreed to oversight by American tech giant Oracle Corp.

“There is no question: the Act will force a shutdown of TikTok by January 19, 2025, silencing the 170 million Americans who use the platform to communicate in ways that cannot be replicated elsewhere,” TikTok said.

The Act, called “Protecting Americans from Foreign Adversary-Controlled Applications,” is aimed at TikTok, categorizing it as a “foreign adversary-controlled application.” The platform has 270 days to divest or face a ban, which US President Joe Biden has agreed to sign.

Multiple individuals have announced their interest in buying the app if it agrees to divest, but the CEO, Shou Zi Chew, disagrees. “Congress has taken the unprecedented step of expressly singling out and banning TikTok: a vibrant online forum for protected speech and expression used by 170 million Americans to create, share, and view videos over the Internet,” said ByteDance.

The legislation to ban TikTok was incorporated into the National Security Act in April, which also allocated extra funds to Ukraine, Israel, and Taiwan. Despite the argument about the security risk of TikTok, experts say it could affect other apps as well, giving them the power to ban any app that doesn’t align with the view of the sitting government.

According to reports by Nairametrics, TikTok was fined €10 million by the Italian Competition Authority for its inability to protect its users from dangerous online trends.

The Italian regulatory body criticized TikTok for its inadequate implementation of measures to monitor and regulate content uploaded to the platform, particularly content that poses potential risks to the safety of minors and other vulnerable individuals.

We’re watching closely as this unfolds.

In response to claims made by TikTok influencer Dabarbie, Mayorkun sues the TikTok influence with Mayorkun slams TikTok influencer Nickie Dabarbie for a ₦1 billion lawsuit for defamatory statements.

Precious Kingsley, popularly known as Nickie Dabarbie, accused musicians Skiibii and Mayorkun of attempted murder for money rituals.

In a series of posts shared via her Instagram account, Dabarbie claimed both singers use multiple girls for rituals. In addition to her claims, she said the artists gave her dog poop to eat. On her Instagram live she also accused the musicians of sending soldiers after her.

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In response to these massive claims, Mayorkun is suing the influencer.