TikTok Is Officially the Most Downloaded App in the World

We're not surprised tbh.

Let's face it: we're all more than a little bit obsessed with TikTok. From dance trends to hilarious pranks, the video sharing app is the perfect cure to lockdown boredom.

So, it's pretty unsurprising that a global survey has found that TikTok has now surpassed Facebook as the world's most downloaded app in 2020.

TikTok has over 1 billion users across 150 countries, with reports saying it has been downloaded over 200 million times in the United States alone. In fact, the app has reportedly been downloaded over 2.6 billion times worldwide.

That's a hell of a lot.

Of course, with lockdowns forcing people to stay inside, it's easy to understand why the popular app has experienced such massive user growth.

While recreating dance vids and scrolling endlessly through our 'For You' pages can be a joyous experience, there have been a number of concerns surrounding the app's algorithm and privacy.

A recent investigation into the social media platform by Four Corners and triple j Hack found that TikTok discriminates against certain groups and political views, and shares potentially harmful content with vulnerable users (yikes).

The investigation also revealed that TikTok is influencing disordered eating. As part of the investigation, 19-year-old Lauren Hemming highlighted how after following a fitness influencer who had been tracking their food intake to lose weight, a bunch of similar videos flooded her 'For You' page.

"I was no longer seeing funny dance videos or anything. It was just like this complete focus on that fitness and healthy lifestyle goal," she said.

Four months after joining TikTok, Lauren was diagnosed with an eating disorder.

On top of that, the investigation held that TikTok is also guilty of censoring and discriminating against BIPOC communities and particular political views.

Additionally, TikTok has continuously attracted controversy over its handling of users' privacy. Its iOS app has been caught copying clipboard contents, and its updated privacy policy now enables the collection of biometric data in the form of "faceprints and voiceprints" from users in the US.

Last year, there were even discussions about banning the app in Australia, however, Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison ruled out that possibility.

So, if you're looking for some wholesome content, head to our TikTok @studentedge to watch our team recreate trends, bring you helpful study and life advice, and put on our best Aussie accents.