Analyzing Tiktok as a Social Media Platform

This Photograph is of Queen Elizabeth II

Social Media platforms allow people to get insight into what is happening in the world today. On September 8, 2022, Queen Elizabeth II, a remarkable woman, died at the age of 96. The world stopped as we heard this sorrowful news from social media platforms. I got so much incredible insight about who she was and why she was such an amazing person from TikTok.This app engages our Gen Z viewers into realizing what things the Queen did to make herself so loved and cherished. Not only is this platform used to help engage people from around the world that don’t see what is happening specifically in London, but it also gives updates on what “London Bridge is Down” really includes. A couple of hours after finding out the Queen had passed, many short videos of the Queen’s life were made and published for the world to see. TikTok has really tied connections between the generations today by using its platform to launch historical short clips of Queen Elizabeth and her life. Different montages examine her family and her love for corgis, while others give you a short lesson into how she helped her country by serving as a mechanic and an ambulance driver in World War II. User @corey_adam explains different things the Queen has done in her life.

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The initial hook of the video clips of her life draws people in for they want to know more about what else she may have done in her life. This is important because it helps bring different age groups within society together for we are all mourning such amazing women. TikTok also shows different platforms that go live which helps viewers that are from other countries see what is happening at Buckingham Palace where she carries out her duty as Queen. The specific details from this app have made sure to really show videos on the For You page about Queen Elizabeth. This is a huge loss in the world for she has been the oldest reigning monarch. A video posted by account user @isadiazosorio shows what is going into remembering the Queen.

This helps the world see that England and the Commonwealth and Realms of England are taking time to devote tribute to Queen Elizabeth. In TikTok’s settings, if you are to like a post, this is an indication that you may get similar posts like this. Which furthers the feeling of wanting to know more about Queen Elizabeth's Death and the royal family. You will see more videos like the one you liked. Some other videos that are uploaded on TikTok are remembering Princess Diana who died on August 31st, 1997. These videos examine the lives of two amazing Women and how they will be missed. Other videos also distinguish what Prince Harry and Prince William lost in their lives. On September 11, 2022, a video was posted of the Queen’s casket driving by and people throwing flowers at the vehicle. This was posted to show an update of what is happening and also it shows the support of her people. User @livharlandmusic posted a video of the Queen coming by.

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TikTok users would definitely be interested in these videos. For the younger generations who are not British subjects, they have definitely given me insight into different accomplishments throughout her life. I feel that she was just their leader and she loved corgis. The news and social media were so caught up in Prince Harry and Meghan Markle's role in society that the queen did not really have that much posted on Tiktok. I would hope that the users that are posting these videos are using this platform to inform society and not get likes. Not only has our generation been intrigued with Tiktok, but also people of all ages have used this platform to share tricks, live updates, comedic videos, and more. When the Queen died it made the world stop and think about what next. These videos have produced different emotions for different users out there. Some may feel sad as the Queen has been around a long time and others may feel frightened because they may not know what kind of King, Charles will be. From the day the Queen died to now, a lot has been mentioned about her and a lot has been done to make sure that the world has remembered her.

This social media platform expresses different modes like aural and visual texts. This app is based on watching videos and listening to what that user has to share. They may include actual words through their short clips or even music to express emotion through the media. The creator is the one that expresses what they want through the design choice of these videos. For example, throughout most of the videos of Queen Elizabeth II, the music choice has been more of a lower tone vs fast music. Other videos also contribute instead of music putting words in the background to give more emphasis to what they are sharing. Some people don’t watch the news or even tv, so without these different platforms, it can be quite hard to receive information or updates. Without TikTok and the users that have posted numerous updates of Queen Elizabeth, I would not know half of the stuff that I know now. Social Media can address interesting things which can really help society come together but Social Media can also be used in a negative way which hinders why the app was originally created. TikTok also makes it easy for the user to look up topics, for example, The death of Queen Elizabeth, and so many videos and mini history lessons will appear. Tiktok has been extremely helpful in gaining knowledge of the fallen Queen and what is to happen next as King Charles III takes the throne.