Week 2 

TikTok has become one of the most popular social media apps in the world, giving users the ability to watch, share, and create short-form videos that are often funny, creative, or just downright addictive. Whether you’re into dance trends, DIY hacks, cooking tips, or motivational content, TikTok seems to have something for everyone. But how well does the app really perform in terms of usability, design, and functionality?

Let’s break it down in this app review — and I’ll also share a few recommendations that could make the experience even better.

 Easy to Use, But Sometimes Overwhelming

One of TikTok’s biggest strengths is how simple it is to get started. The app opens directly to the video feed, encouraging users to dive in and start watching right away. Scrolling is seamless, and tapping icons for liking, commenting, and sharing is effortless. The app’s intuitive layout means there’s almost no learning curve — anyone can start exploring in seconds.

However, TikTok constantly introduces new features and content, which can overwhelm new users or those unfamiliar with short-form video apps. A helpful solution could be a tutorial walkthrough or a simplified version of the app to make the experience less chaotic for beginners.

 Sleek, Minimal, but Sometimes Too Busy

TikTok’s dark-themed interface is sleek and modern, helping videos stand out while minimizing distractions. The interaction buttons are neatly placed along the right side of the screen, keeping the user’s focus centered on the content.

That said, things can get a little cluttered — especially on smaller phones. Video descriptions, hashtags, and music tags often overlap or compete for space, which may affect readability. A cleaner layout or adjustable text visibility could improve the overall user experience.

Creative Power with Room to Improve

TikTok isn’t just for watching videos — it’s also packed with powerful editing tools. Users can add filters, music, effects, text, and more to make videos truly unique. Its algorithm is another strong point, providing highly personalized content that keeps people scrolling for hours.

But this smart algorithm can also create “content bubbles,” where users only see similar types of content and miss out on broader topics or diverse voices. Also, while TikTok does have privacy settings, they could be easier to find and stronger — especially for younger users.

 My Recommendations 

If TikTok wants to level up, here are three changes I think would make a big difference:

1. Content Filtering Options: Let users customize the type of videos they want to see more or less of — this could break content bubbles and add variety to the feed.
2. Simplified Interface Mode: Add a “simple view” option that removes extra buttons and features for those who just want to scroll or are new to the app.
3. Better Privacy Controls: Make privacy settings easier to access and understand, and improve moderation tools to create a safer space, especially for young users.

TikTok continues to dominate the short-form video world with its engaging design and powerful features. It’s fun, creative, and incredibly addicting — but like any app, there’s always room for improvement. With a few updates, TikTok could be even more user-friendly and safer for a wider audience.

Have you tried TikTok? What’s your favorite type of video to watch — or create? Drop your thoughts below!