TikTok, a leading destination for short-form mobile video, has marked one billion monthly active users milestone since its launch in 2017.

The video-sharing App achieved this new feat despite some political roadblocks in some countries including the US and India.

“At TikTok, our mission is to inspire creativity and bring joy. Today, we’re celebrating that mission and our global TikTok community. More than 1 billion people around the world now come to TikTok every month to be entertained as they learn, laugh, or discover something new,” a statement from TikTok’s website says.

“We’re honored to be a home for our immensely diverse community of families, small businesses, and creators who transform into our favorite stars.

“TikTok has become a beloved part of life for people around the world because of the creativity and authenticity of our creators. Our global community is remarkable in its ability to reach millions of people, across generations. From music, food, beauty and fashion to art, causes, and everything in between, culture truly starts on TikTok.

 “Whether you’re in Africa, São Paolo, Stockholm, or Seattle, we celebrate YOU – the creators who inspire us, the artists who launch chart-breaking albums, the brands who help us discover and connect with products we love, the communities who lift us up, and all the people who keep us laughing and dancing.”

TikTok, being a Chinese company, was heavily scrutinized by the US Government for its data-collecting practices and accusations of spying on American citizens. It also faced a US ban during the Trump administration unless it struck a deal with an American company. Reports surfaced months later that talks of a deal all fell through after Biden took office.

Instagram reached this same milestone back in the summer of 2018 and has been scrambling to maintain its position as a popular social app. With the rise of TikTok and its short-video formats, both Instagram and YouTube tried to incorporate their TikTok lookalikes with Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts.

Back in July, Head of Instagram Adam Mosseri acknowledged that TikTok was becoming a huge competitor and that the app’s focus needed to change from its original premise of being a photo-sharing app to four major focuses: creators, video, shopping, and messaging.