Bandung, Indonesia Sentinel — Indonesia has officially become the country with the most TikTok users in the world, surpassing the United States. According to data from Statista in August 2024, Indonesia now ranks first with 157.6 million users, while the U.S. comes in second with 120.5 million users.
Other countries rounding out the top five include Brazil (105.2 million), Mexico (77.54 million), and Vietnam (65.64 million).
This significant increase in TikTok users is attributed to the rapid growth of digital trends in Indonesia, particularly among the younger generation. TikTok, known for its short-form video content, has become an integral part of daily life for internet users across the country.
Since its launch by ByteDance in 2016, TikTok has gained global popularity, bolstered by its 2018 acquisition of Musical.ly, which expanded the platform’s reach and diversified its content offerings. TikTok allows users to express their creativity, share information, and follow global trends in an easily accessible format.
The surge in TikTok’s popularity in Indonesia is also linked to the country’s rising internet penetration and widespread smartphone usage. The platform is no longer just a source of entertainment; it has evolved into a key tool for content creators and influencers to reach wider audiences. Many creators in Indonesia produce viral content that sparks active participation from other users, driving unique and localized trends.
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Additionally, TikTok’s live streaming feature and TikTok Shop have turned the platform into a vital marketplace. Entrepreneurs, small businesses, and major corporations alike are using TikTok to market products, from food to fashion, capitalizing on its massive user base. Both small business owners and large enterprises are leveraging the platform’s marketing potential to introduce their products to a broader audience.
TikTok has also emerged as a go-to search engine for Generation Z. Many creators share comprehensive information through short videos, prompting younger users to turn to TikTok for news and insights, increasingly replacing traditional search engines like Google. Making TikTok an inseparable part among young Indonesians
Indonesia’s dominance in the global TikTok scene highlights its significant role in shaping digital and social media trends worldwide.
(Raidi/Agung)
