It’s been a big week for TikTok. The social video app reportedly passed 1.5 billion downloads worldwide, putting it ahead of both Facebook and Instagram. It started testing online shopping in the U.S. It’s under the microscope in D.C. as a Chinese-owned entity.

And now, it’s getting the Business Casual treatment. This week on Morning Brew’s weekly podcast, we attempt to understand TikTok—what makes it work, why it blew up, and how companies are making money off of it.

Because TikTok isn’t like Facebook or Google, the de facto demigods of social media advertising. According to viral TikTok superstar Spencer X (follower count: 9.8 million), TikTok’s got a few competitive advantages that have Zuck shaking.

Spencer X tells us...a) how TikTok has made live streaming work in both theory and practice b) what brands are best suited to monetize TikTok and c) why influencer marketing is a force to be reckoned with.

A Different Beast: How TikTok’s Changing Social Media

Morning Brew Daily, a daily talk show that covers the latest news on business, the economy, and everything else, with Neal Freyman and Toby Howell. Witty, informative and everything you need to start your day. Available on all podcasting platforms and Youtube.

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Episode 309: Neal and Toby discuss the TikTok law passed by the government, but the battle is far from over. Then, the Department of Transportation sets clear rules for all airlines that aim to ease the headache from flight delays and cancellations with automatic refunds. Next, Neal shares his favorite numbers on restaurant reservations, the SF public toilet, and Taylor Swift’s vinyl record. Also, Reggie Bush gets his Heisman Trophy back thanks to NIL. Lastly, Cicadas are here… get ready for a noisy entrance. 

00:00 - Intro
2:30 - TikTok fights US ban
6:45 - New DOT rules for airlines
11:15 - Reservation resale market
15:00 - SF’s expensive public toilet
17:45 - Taylor Swift does it again
19:15 - Reggie Bush gets his Heisman back
22:30 - Cicadas are here

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TikTok Pushes Back on Ban & The New Rules for Airline Refunds

Episode 308: Neal and Toby dive into Tesla’s Q1 earnings report which certainly had its ups and downs with the announcement of a new affordable model despite having an abysmal sales performance. Then, the FTC just banned noncompete agreements because it believes it could raise the earnings of Americans. Next, Meta just released its chat bot and wants to make sure everyone knows about it. Meanwhile, there could be a new miracle drug that is a fraction of the cost of Ozempic. Also, a Finnish company wants to solve the world’s coffee supply problem with AI. Lastly, Armand Duplantis breaks his own pole vaulting record and there’s a cash incentive why. 

00:00 - Intro
2:45 - Tesla’s optimistic future
7:00 - FTC bans noncompete agreements
10:30 - Meta AI is here
13:45 - Newest miracle drug for cheap?
18:00 - Cup of AI joe
21:00 - Pole vault your incentives

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Tesla Teases Affordable Car in '25 & Why Meta AI is Everywhere

Episode 307: Neal and Toby chat about the big transportation news of Brightline West breaking ground of the high-speed rail line connecting Southern California and Las Vegas. Then, Express is the latest once-before retail giant that is filing for bankruptcy. Also, the New York Stock Exchange is seeing if you have any interest in trading during the late night hours while you’re at your favorite 24/7 diner. Next, the growing trend of boba tea turning its founders into billionaires. Meanwhile, streaming has become so easy to sign-up and cancel that it's becoming part of our normal watching habits. Lastly, Kansai International Airport in Japan is among the best in the world because of its flawless luggage record. 

00:00 - Intro
2:45 - LA to Vegas train
6:30 - Express stores closing
915 - NYSE 24/7 trading?
12:40 - Hot boba market
16:30 - Stream churners
20:30 - Legendary airport

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The High-Speed Rail Connecting LA to Vegas & Express Goes Bankrupt

Episode 306: Neal and Toby dive into the House of Representatives’ overwhelming vote to ban TikTok and now it’s moved onto the Senate. Then, Tesla recalls all of its Cybertrucks due to a faulty accelerator pedal cover that could seriously harm people. Next, those who betted against the U.S. Dollar is feeling the pain as it hits record highs. Also, the UAW and chess champion Tunde Onakoya are the weekend’s winners. Meanwhile, Wall Street doesn’t seem like itself as its iconic bank closes shop. Lastly, what’s coming ahead to get your Monday started. 

00:00 - Intro
3:00 - TikTok ban seems real
7:15 - Tesla recalls cybertruck 
11:20 - U.S. Dollar strong
15:00 - Weekend winners
20:30 - Wall Street ghost town
23:15 - Week ahead

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House Passes Potential TikTok Ban & Tesla Recalls Almost 4,000 Cybertrucks

Episode 305: Neal and Toby recap Netflix’s monster earnings report with it adding 9 million more subscribers. Then, tech reviews are piling on Humane’s AI Pin. Next, the Bitcoin halving are getting crypto fanatics excited this weekend. And then the guys share their picks for stock and dog of the week. Meanwhile, brain data could be the next hot commodity in tech, but Colorado is making sure that doesn’t happen. Lastly, nature may have been around since the beginning of time, but now it’s decided to pursue a career in music.

00:00 - Intro
2:30 - Bitcoin halving time
7:00 - AI Pin reviews fair?
11:00 - Netflix beats Q1
14:30 - Stock/Dog of the week
19:30 - Brain data for sale?
22:40 - Nature sounds

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Disclosures: Interest is earned on uninvested cash swept from your brokerage account to program banks. The cash sweep program is offered through Robinhood Financial LLC. Terms apply. Rate is subject to change. Robinhood is not a bank. Investors should consider the investment objectives, risks, and charges and expenses of any Exchange Traded Product (ETP) carefully before investing. The prospectus and, if available, the summary prospectus contain this and other information about the ETP and should be read carefully before investing. For a current prospectus, customers should visit the relevant ETP’s web page to access a link to the prospectus. Robinhood Financial LLC (member SIPC) is a registered broker dealer.
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A Different Beast: How TikTok’s Changing Social Media

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