Fundraiser Description

Obituary: TikTok (2016–2025) It is with mixed emotions that we announce the untimely demise of TikTok, the short-form video platform that forever changed the way the world consumed and created content. Born in 2016 as Douyin in China and later introduced to the global stage as TikTok, the app became a cultural phenomenon, uniting billions of users with its algorithmic magic, catchy trends, and viral challenges. TikTok was a place where everyday individuals could shine alongside celebrities, where creativity had no limits, and where dance routines, comedy sketches, cooking hacks, and social movements thrived. It gave rise to careers, started global conversations, and introduced an entirely new lexicon to our cultural vocabulary. The app’s life was not without controversy. It faced criticism over privacy concerns, debates over its societal impact, and battles with regulatory authorities. Yet, despite the turbulence, TikTok endured as a hub of connection, self-expression, and joy. TikTok is survived by its countless creators, memories of viral trends like the “Renegade” dance and “Corn Kid,” and a legacy that will undoubtedly influence the future of social media and digital entertainment. In lieu of flowers, mourners are encouraged to revisit their favorite TikTok trends, share memories of their For You Pages, and honor the creativity that TikTok brought into the world. Gone but never forgotten, TikTok will remain stitched into the fabric of internet history.