The phrase often indicates a narrative shift or a descriptor for a phenomenon echoing the rapid virality and widespread impact observed on a particular short-form video platform. One might use it to illustrate how quickly something gained popularity or how its dissemination mirrored the platform’s characteristic spread of trends and content. For example, “The song gained traction online, and it went like TikTok, exploding in popularity within days.”
Its importance lies in its ability to succinctly convey the idea of rapid and broad propagation. It leverages a widely recognized point of reference to communicate the scale and pace of dissemination, particularly concerning cultural trends, challenges, or viral content. Its historical context is rooted in the rapid growth and cultural influence of the aforementioned platform since its international launch, creating a shorthand understanding of its effects.