So you‘ve downloaded TikTok and fallen down an endless rabbit hole of short videos. But while aimlessly scrolling through other people‘s posts, you probably notice all sorts of cryptic icons popping up. What do they all mean?
Don‘t worry my friend, I‘ve been on TikTok long enough to help explain what each icon‘s purpose is. I remember first feeling overwhelmed by the interface when I joined, so if you‘re feeling perplexed, stick with me as your tour guide to decode it all!
What Exactly is TikTok? A Quick Primer
For those completely new to the app, TikTok is a platform for watching and sharing videos ranging from 3 seconds to 1 minute. You‘ll see everything from comedic skits to recipes, crazy stunts to adorable pets. Highly advanced AI studies your viewing choices to serve up an endless stream of quick clips it thinks you‘ll like.
The app has exploded since originally launching in 2016, acquiring over 1 billion active users. It‘s become Gen Z‘s preferred social media hangout, surpassing Instagram in downloads.
Once you follow some friends and creators, their latest videos appear in your Following Feed. But sans connections, TikTok defaults to the For You Feed – an infinitely scrolling mishmash of videos based on your interests.
You can post your own videos too via the prominent central Plus Icon after customizing with texts, effects, sounds and more. So whether you want to show off your dance skills or crack jokes, it‘s your ticket to becoming TikTok famous!
Now let‘s break down the myriad of options visible as you start navigating the app.
Home Page Icons
The home page houses two key feeds for discovery:
Following Feed
This feed accessed by the Friends Icon shows recent posts from creators you follow. It looks like two people side by side, aptly symbolizing a circle of friends.
Following specific people ensures their latest creative endeavors consistently appear for your viewing pleasure.
For You Feed
By default, new users land on the For You feed accessed by the house-shaped Home Icon. This is TikTok‘s signature blend based solely on AI recommendations.
The mix evolves as you "like" videos teaching the algorithm your personal preferences. I must admit, the computer is scarily good at knowing what you want to see before you do!
Additional essential icons:
Plus Icon: Big red balloon signaling time to record your own video masterpiece!
Inbox Icon: Like text messages, all direct communication ends up here.
Profile Icon: View and edit your account info, settings etc.
Original Sound Icon: Denotes and links to the audio clip used in a video.
Share Icon: Repost videos off TikTok by text, email etc.
Bookmark Icon: Save videos for repeat viewing instead of cluttering up your likes.
Lastly, you have your Like and Comment features functioning like normal social media. Pretty straightforward right?
Posting Video Icons Galore
Tapping the Plus Icon transports you to an editing studio. Don‘t let all the new icons overwhelm you. I‘ll talk you through what each means:
Discard Icon: Scratch this video and record a new take instead.
Continue Icon: You‘re happy with the clip, time for next steps!
Speed Icon: Fiddle with playback rate – slow mo, hyperlapse etc.
Filters Icon: Endless visual effects from subtle color changes to cartoonizing your face!
Timer Icon: Set a limit before starting to record hands-free.
Flash Icon: When natural lighting just won‘t cut it.
Flip Camera Icon: Alternate between selfie and world view.
Add Sound Icon: Search audio clips or record your own tune!
If you ever need to start over, the X ceases editing. You can then choose to delete, save a draft or carry on posting.
Profile Page Symbols
Tapping your profile lets you access uploaded videos, liked content and more via icons:
User Feed Icon: Scroll through your media archive – memories live on!
Private Icon: Videos just for you locked behind the vault.
Bookmarks Icon: Your library of saved videos to revisit.
Likes Icon: Videos you enjoyed enough to heart.
QR Code Icon: Generate a custom link for easy friend finding!
Edit Profile Pic Icon: Select a more flattering headshot.
Views Icon: Snoop on who‘s peeking at your profile!
Lastly the Hamburger Menu leads to account management galore from privacy to announcements and more.
Hopefully this detailed overview helped decode the sea of icons you‘ll encounter using TikTok everyday. But no guide can match learning first-hand, so what are you waiting for? Start scrolling and tapping everything in sight! Feel free to share questions below on anything confusing you come across.
And most importantly, be smart about protecting privacy, reporting creeps and filtering out darkness. We all play a role in nurturing community. Now let‘s get creating!
