TikTok was the most downloaded phone application in 2020, according to a report released by an app analytics and market data firm App Annie. The video-sharing app topped the download charts on both iOS and Android platforms. 

The report stated, “TikTok is not only blurring the lines between social and streaming but is a force to be reckoned with in the streaming world in its own right and is set to break into the 1 billion monthly active user club in 2021.” 

TikTok was followed by social media apps Facebook and WhatsApp. Applications like Instagram, Snapchat, Telegram and Zoom Cloud Meetings also made it to the top-10. 

Most countries across the globe imposed lockdowns in March due to the COVID pandemic. With people stuck at home, TikTok emerged as the favourite pastime. It even managed to wither the ban imposed by Indian government and scrutiny by the US government. 

The White House claims that TikTok is a national security risk because of potential links to the Chinese government through ByteDance.

TikTok has repeatedly defended itself against allegations of data transfers to the Chinese government, saying it stores user information on servers in the United States and Singapore.