Once you begin looking at it from a branding lens, the marketing possibilities are almost endless.
– Lucy Rendler Kaplan
2020 saw TikTok reaching an astronomical 2 billion downloads, catapulting the app to a global audience status. 2020 however, also saw the pandemic reducing the planet to an almost global lockdown. With it came an increased focus on the use of social media as an effective marketing tool.
So how did an app launched in 2016 for the Chinese market find itself being mentioned in the same breath as the other major social media players like Facebook and Instagram?
The platform designed for mobile devices supports short format video content (think Instagram stories) has become extremely popular with Gen- Z users, with around 65% of the user base falling between 13-24 years old.
What separates TikTok from other platforms is the emphasis the algorithm places on new content. When new content starts to gain engagement, it can quickly spread and in some cases goes viral, even if the account has little to no followers. But it’s not all just lip-syncing and dance challenges, education content has become popular on the platform with users sharing life-hacks and quick tutorials.
The question for B2B brands is whether the time is right to embrace TikTok.
Looking at the current demographics of the platform it would seem that it’s more suited to B2C brands looking to reach new audiences. Understandably many B2B brands are hesitant to invest in a platform that doesn’t directly target the decision-makers of their specific target groups. But for forward-thinking companies, the lack of competition may become a competitive advantage when the platform’s demographics start to shift to an older audience.
To answer the above question there are a few things B2B’s need to consider. Such as is your brand open to and does it have the capabilities to create unique and experimental video content, and does such a strategy match your brand’s image. Current TikTok strategies are primarily for brand awareness and reach rather than short term leads and sales.
The platform itself is also experimenting with its advertising model and will have to evolve beyond short videos if it wants to keep the attention of its users in the future. For B2B marketers keeping an eye on the platform is a good idea even if now is not the right time to jump on board.
Is your business using social media’s full potential?
At Brieffin we use our expertise to unlock everything social media has to offer your business or personal brand. We use our experience in content creation, strategy and planning, and social media management to help build consistency and deliver marketing success. Let’s talk.
Our Moment of Bliss
Something to get creative to, Breathe by Telepopmusik. More to listen to on our Spotify Playlist.
