TikTok Nears Half of UK Population with 30 Million Users Milestone

TikTok Now Reaches Nearly Half of UK Population, Boasts 30 Million Monthly Users

TikTok, the Chinese-owned platform known for its addictive short videos, has surged in popularity across Britain, with over 30 million monthly users—nearly half of the UK’s 68 million population. This milestone, revealed in a recent company update, cements the UK as TikTok’s largest European audience.

Rapid Growth in Seven Years
Since launching in the UK in 2018, TikTok has evolved from a dance-and-music app into a cultural powerhouse. Users now share everything from business promotions to viral history lessons. Adam Presser, TikTok’s UK director, credited the platform’s success to its “vibrant community” of creators, entrepreneurs, and artists.

TikTok’s UK userbase now includes 30 million monthly active users (File Photo).

Global Standing and Competition
Globally, TikTok ranks fifth among social media platforms, with 1.6 billion users. It trails Facebook (3 billion), YouTube (2.5 billion), WhatsApp, and Instagram (both 2 billion). Despite its rapid rise, TikTok’s growth trajectory outpaces early Facebook milestones. Social media expert Rhea Freeman noted that TikTok benefited from existing social media familiarity, unlike Facebook’s “pioneer” status in the 2000s.

Controversies and Safety Measures
TikTok’s growth is shadowed by controversies. Child safety groups, like Barnardo’s, warn of grooming risks and dangerous trends like the lethal “blackout challenge.” Presser emphasized TikTok’s $2 billion annual investment in safety tools and moderation to protect users. Around 50% of UK children use TikTok, making it their top social platform despite a minimum age of 13.

TikTok ranks fifth globally with 1.6 billion users (Source: DemandSage).

US Ban Threats and Expansion Plans
While the U.S. considers banning TikTok over data privacy concerns linked to its Chinese parent company ByteDance, the app thrives globally. The UK remains a key market, with plans to open a London office in 2025, expanding its workforce to 3,000 employees.

UK User Milestones

• 2018: Launched in the UK
• 2019: 2 million users
• 2020: 11 million users
• 2022: 17 million users
• 2023: 22 million users
• 2025: 30 million users

The app has expanded from dance videos to diverse content like education and entrepreneurship.

Looking Ahead
TikTok continues shaping trends, from music careers to small businesses. Presser highlighted its economic impact, supporting UK creators and entrepreneurs. Despite challenges, TikTok’s blend of creativity and connectivity ensures its place in the social media landscape, proving that even controversies haven’t slowed its stride.

Final Word: TikTok’s UK success story—a mix of rapid growth, cultural influence, and resilience—showcases its role as more than just an app but a digital economy driver.