TikTok Shop is now open for business
TikTok is officially kicking off its US e-commerce efforts with the launch of TikTok Shop.
2023-09-13 01:46
TikTok may be looking to grow its messaging features, job listings suggest
It appears TikTok is growing its teams that work on messaging features, according to a series of job listings recently posted by the social media company.
2023-09-07 04:28
Woman captures one of most venomous creatures on Earth then touches it
We feel like we shouldn’t need to say this, but if you ever come across one of the most venomous creatures on the planet the last thing you should do is pet it. That’s exactly what one TikTokker seems to have done after filming themselves playing with the deadly Portuguese Man O' War. The animal has a deserved reputation as one of the most toxic creatures on Earth, with paralyzing venom found in its long tentacles. But the account "daily aquatic lovelies" has posted grabs from one video which shows someone tickling the dangerous animal. It appears to be from the now-deleted account @ariann-tudor. Thankfully, the person in the video didn’t appear to be harmed, but the incident could have been very damaging indeed. @lindsaynikole stitch w/ @arianntudor #manowar The footage that remains shows the creature had been scooped up into a plastic cup before the person touches the very top of the animal – thankfully avoiding the tentacles. The animal is rarely deadly to humans, but contact with its venom is incredibly painful and can cause pains in the chest and breathing problems. The animal’s venom still certainly packs a punch, and they can still sting people and animals weeks after they’ve died and washed up on beaches. While you’d think the creature would be a jellyfish, given its appearance, the Portuguese Man O' War are actually classed as siphonophores. If you thought petting one of the dangerous creatures was unwise, one influencer went viral a few years ago after licking one. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings
2023-09-05 17:24
Is the Russian Sleep Experiment on TikTok real?
In today’s world, social media is usually the culprit for circulating conspiracy theories and stories. The recent viral discussion online is the Russian sleep experiment, as some wonder if it was real, after a video claimed a film covering the incident is being made. The story first surfaced on a Creepypasta forum. The post described to readers a Soviet-era experiment where scientist created a stimulant that allowed soldiers to go without sleep for 30 days. As the story goes, in order to prove and showcase the effects of the stimulant, five prisoners were selected and promised freedom at the end of the test. The five men were then locked in the chamber and gas was pumped inside it. However, the story reveals that the experiment did not go well as all the men began to experience symptoms of sleep deprivation. Halfway through the 30 day time period, the scientists conducting the experiment were forced to enter the chamber as there was no visibility due to the gas. When they opened the door one prisoner was dead and the other four had several horrific injuries that were presumed to be self-inflicted. Despite some belief that the Russian sleep experiment is real, it is in fact a work of fiction, as is almost all stories posted to Creepypasta. Stories are shared on the platform to scare readers, with the website initially reposting stories found on existing platforms such as 4chan and Reddit. Over time, the site allowed people to post anonymously and share their own stories. However, it is true that a movie has been based on the story. On Apple TV+ you can stream The Sleep Experiment if you’re in the mood for a horrifying watch. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-27 23:57
EU safety laws start to bite for TikTok, Instagram and others
Nineteen large platforms have to start complying with new rules as soon as Friday or risk big fines.
2023-08-25 07:16
Somalia TikTok: Government's planned ban leaves creators anxious
A ban, due to come into effect in Somalia on Thursday, could leave some creators without an income.
2023-08-24 21:15
New York City bans TikTok on government-owned devices over security concerns
By Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON New York City on Wednesday banned TikTok on government-owned devices, citing security concerns, joining
2023-08-17 06:25
Expert exposes just how dirty our belly buttons can get in grim TikTok
How often do you think about your belly button health? Probably not enough, at least according to Dr Karan Raj. Dr Raj is one of the most popular health experts on TikTok, regularly keeping his 5.2 million followers updated with videos discussing all manner of things in the medical world. One of his clips has exposed just how dirty our belly buttons can get – and highlighted just how dirty they can become if not properly cleaned. The video is informative – but you might want to look away if gross stuff makes you queasy. Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter As he explained that if not properly maintained, the body can produce a “belly button stone” made up of all sorts of gunk. @dr.karanr #duet with @crinc_3 natural ornaments! #schoolwithdrkaran The video begins with a short section from fellow TikToker @crinc_3 which features the caption: "My partner told me they'd never cleaned their belly button because it hurt. So I cleaned it." "All flesh holes can build up with sweat, dead skin cells, oils, clothing fabric, bacteria and forbidden cheese,” Dr Raj said, commenting on the footage. "If not washed out on a regular basis, this material can accumulate and harden into an omphalolith – a belly button stone.” He added: "Belly button stones come in a wide array of colours, it's usually black but can be a light brown." The clip sparked a big reaction from TikTok users, with one writing: “I didn't have a fear of belly buttons until I saw the one behind your head.” Another said: “who else is checking their belly button right now LOL.” One more added: "Not me cleaning my belly button straight after watching this.” Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-09 19:18
Thoughtful teenager leaves inspiring 'ding dong ditch' doorbell cam message
A teenager has gone viral on TikTok after leaving a heartwarming message on a stranger’s doorbell camera. Jacksen was walking around the neighbourhood with some friends who were playing ‘ding-dong ditch’, he walked ahead of his friends and went up to Ashley Mann’s house, looking into the camera and leaving an inspiring message. “If you can see me, then you matter, alright?” Jacksen said, “There’s always gonna be somebody that cares about you and you’re a good person no matter what people say, you matter.” One of the boys then runs up and rings the doorbell before running away, but Jacksen carries on with his message: “Ignore them, they’re losers. They’re ‘ding-dong ditching’ you, I’m just trying to say something nice. Like I don’t know what they’re doing, they’re running away and stuff. I’m just trying to say that you matter man, or girl, whoever you are you matter to someone. Just keep that in mind, don’t forget that.” Sign up to our free Indy100 weekly newsletter Ashley posted the video to TikTok, which has now been reposted numerous times, with the original racking up over 5 million views. Ashley called the video a “random act of kindness”, and viewers agreed. The comment section was full of people applauding Jacksen’s kind words, and saying how well he has been raised. @ashleyfayeann Random acts of kindness ❤️ “That child has been raised right,” one user commented. Another agreed writing, “that’s so sweet! And from a teenager! He’s obviously been taught well!” “His words could’ve saved someone’s life,” a touched viewer pointed out. And they weren’t the only one to think so: “Messages like this often find the right person at the right time. Kid may not realise now but I hope one day it comes back to him when he needs it.” “Wow! This kid’s got more heart and soul than most adults I come across today and I’m in my 40s,” read another comment. In response to the outpour of love on social media, Ashley, Jacksen and his family have set up a mental health fundraiser on GoFundMe to encourage people to support those in need. “Hey everyone, My name is Ashley back on July 12th I uploaded a video from my doorbell camera to TikTok,” Ashley wrote on the fundraiser’s page. “Jacksen had decided to leave a very positive and uplifting message. I decided to share it to everyone because more people needed to see and hear it especially those who could be struggling. Little did I know it was going to go viral! “Jacksen’s family and I decided to do something with this and create this fundraiser to hopefully raise some money to donate to a local Mental Health resource in our community. Anything is welcomed and if you don’t want to donate please make sure to spread positivity anywhere you go.” She added. They have currently managed to raise over $400. Speaking to CBS News Minnesota, 13-year-old Jacksen said “I just saw the doorbell camera when we were walking to the gas station and I just thought maybe I should say something nice to it.” “Cause my friends were ‘ding-dong ditching’ those cameras, and I was like, you know what? How about I go say something nice? Maybe they need to hear it.” Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-08 19:56
US tech groups back TikTok in challenge to Montana state ban
By David Shepardson WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Two tech groups on Monday backed TikTok in its lawsuit seeking to block enforcement of
2023-08-08 10:48
What happened to Christopher Rooney as TikTok star found after going missing
A TikTok-famous creator Chris Rooney has been found safe after going missing in Fredericksburg Virginia. Concerns grew for Rooney, famously known as the "Yeet Baby" creator, who was last seen on July 25 in his town of 30,000 people. In a since-deleted story on his Instagram account, they said: "He has been found safe. He is safe. Thank you for your prayers." The news of his disappearance soon hit social media, where fans frantically tried to piece together his whereabouts. Before he was found, one creator by the name of @joysparkleshine took to TikTok to explain the situation. She later followed up with an update, informing followers he had been found. The 35-year-old gained viral fame when he started posting on TikTok in January 2020. He is the man behind the "Yeet Baby" account that has since racked up 5.6 million followers. On the account, Rooney frequently posts clips with his niece Marleigh. Rooney is married to his wife, Emily, and the pair share Louie the cat together. Reports have suggested the pair are going through a divorce. Their separation was confirmed in one of his TikToks. Sign up for our free Indy100 weekly newsletter It comes after a Reddit post went viral which saw Rooney respond to a TikTok troll that said: "Alcohol is poison. You lost your beautiful wife because of it so that tells me you need to stop drinking 100 per cent. Have you tried naltrexone? Reddit - Dive into anything from tiktokgossip "If a man said something like this to my face, with such confidence and such inaccuracy… that it’s not even remotely true… Comments like this, they trigger me," he said. "They make me an angry person. So please don’t make me an angry person. Because if I’m around other angry people, you know… we’re going to have to get to fighting because too many stupid comments like this." Officials have not yet disclosed the circumstances behind Rooney's disappearance. Have your say in our news democracy. Click the upvote icon at the top of the page to help raise this article through the indy100 rankings.
2023-08-04 18:19
Exclusive-TikTok in talks to gain Indonesian payments licence
By Stefanno Sulaiman JAKARTA TikTok told Reuters it is in early-stage talks with regulators to obtain a payments
2023-08-04 16:15