TikTok gets coronavirus push, crosses 1 billion downloads on Android smartphones

The ongoing coronavirus lockdown in major parts of the world has led to more and more people using social media platforms to keep themselves engaged, with small video sharing app TikTok emerging as the biggest gainer. The app has become popular worldwide over the last few months and has got a major push due to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis. 

The app has now been installed on over 1 billion Android devices. At the end of February, TikTok was the third most installed free app in the Google Play Store rising to second last month. 

The app allows users to create lip-syncing videos ranging in length from 3 to 15 seconds, and short looping videos lasting from 3 seconds to as long as 60 seconds.

In a notable step, TikTok has donated Rs 100 crore to fight the coronavirus outbreak in India, a step that has been lauded by Union Minister Smriti Irani. The Chinese app had donated 400,000 hazmat medical protective suits and 200,000 masks worth Rs 100 crore to protect doctors and frontline medical staff in India fighting the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

WATCH | TikTok stars

"In the global fight against the spread of COVID-19, doctors and supporting medical staff are the heroes at the forefront of combating this pandemic. While citizens are practicing social distancing and staying at home as a preventive measure, India's medical personnel are working tirelessly to keep all of us safe and protected. As a result, our medical doctors and health workers are the most vulnerable and exposed to the virus. At times like these, their safety is of utmost priority," the video-sharing social networking service company said in an official release.

In response, Irani shared a video on her Twitter handle, thanking the app and lauding its efforts.

“I thank @Gandhi1900 (Nikhil Gandhi) & @TikTok_IN for putting #IndiaFirst & donating 4,00,000 Hazmat Suits which fulfil specifications & strict criteria set by @MoHFW_INDIA,” the minister had tweeted.