First let's get the elephant in the room out of the way: People have heard that TikTok is a Chinese app and for some that indicates a possible security issue. In fact TikTok is a video-sharing social networking service owned by ByteDance, a Beijing-based company founded in 2012 by Zhang Yiming. It is used to create short lip-sync, comedy, and talent videos. The app was launched in 2017 for iOS and Android for markets outside of China. You can decide for yourself if it can be trusted. If you think TikTok is Chinese spyware, don't use it. On the other hand, all social platforms watch what you do regardless of the company headquarters so be careful not to throw stones too hard. Anyone who thinks that Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, Google, Alexa, Siri, and the rest of the tech world is NOT spying on you is lying to themselves.

You may wonder if TikTok is for losers, or perhaps only for cool people? You may have heard that TikTok is deleting in early 2020 - let's help you separate fact from fiction.

People make all kinds of accusations about TikTok. They claim, "TikTok is bad" or "TikTok is cancer" or "Tic Tok is a waste of time" all of which may have some level of truth. Although it's not cancer it's an app. Let's not get nuts.

Ok here again we have a subjective claim by people and we have to pose the most obvious question, "A waste of time compared to what?" Yes if you are like the average TikTok app user and watch 52 minutes a day of content you could probably be doing more productive things. That said Netflix, SnapChat, Instagram, and even good old fashioned TV have the same productivity scores. The users who want the experience of being happy and being entertained don't consider it a waste of time.

Yes TikTok is a FREE app. They do offer in-app purchases which totaled more than 75 Million USD of value globally in 2019. That's literally people making micro-transactions to send each other emojis. That's a lot of EMOJIS! TikTok does offer hashtag sponsorships starting at $150,000 per day in addition to other marketing methods to help brands gain exposure on TikTok.

Many up and coming influencers want to know if you can make money on TikTok and they need look no farther than the Top 50 TikTok accounts. The opportunity to monetize comes with a large audience and the ability for the influencer to share their genuine opinions about brands and products. That said, like any platform there is a large disparity between the earning potential of those at the top and those just starting out. The Top YouTube earners include a bunch of kids! The world we live in in full of opportunities. People Google things like: "TikTok with Most Followers" and "make money on TikTok" as they research the potential, but don't get it twisted: It's hard.