TikTok is a social media platform on which people can make and share short videos – and watch those made by others.
That’s hardly revolutionary, as there many other apps that allow users to do something similar.
The “secret sauce” of TikTok’s success though lies in its For You page, and the algorithm that powers it.
It has proven itself far better at scouring the endless content being created around the world and serving up the videos that really capture people’s attention, regardless of who made it.
The ability of the platform to recommend content highly tailored to users’ interests has helped it to stand out in the social media landscape.
Donald Trump filed a brief to the Supreme Court in late December asking the justices to pause a ban on TikTok set to take effect on 19 January, the day before his inauguration.
The president-elect called TikTok - an app he had previously sought to ban - a “unique medium for freedom of expression”.
“President Trump alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform,” the brief said, “while addressing the national security concerns expressed by the government”.