TIKTOK
Google removes NSFW app XShorts from Play Store after ads scandal: Report
Google has removed XShorts from the Play Store after reports surfaced about sexually suggestive and racially offensive content on the app, despite its “Teen” rating. Major brands unknowingly advertised on the platform due to misclassification, leading to reputational risks. DSPs have since blocked or reclassified XShorts, and brands are tightening ad placement controls.
China leaders take reins at TikTok Shop in US as sales miss goal
TikTok Shop in the US is navigating turbulent waters as it struggles to meet its ambitious sales targets. In a significant shift, ByteDance has appointed leaders with strong ties to China, leading to a wave of cultural adjustments and communication hurdles. As uncertainty looms, many employees find themselves either let go or leaving voluntarily, causing a stir within the organisation.
AI-generated Pope sermons flood YouTube, TikTok
With names such as "Pope Leo XIV Vision," the social media pages portrayed the pontiff supposedly offering a flurry of warnings and lessons he never preached. But disclaimers annotating their use of AI were often hard to find and sometimes nonexistent. On YouTube, a label demarcating "altered or synthetic content" is required for material that makes someone appear to say something they did not. But such disclosures only show up toward the bottom of each video's click-to-open description.
Yulissa Escobar said the N-word; Trump and the real reason she got booted from Love Island season 7
Yulissa Escobar exited Love Island USA Season 7 after controversial content from her past resurfaced. Videos emerged showing Escobar using racial slurs in podcast appearances, along with a TikTok video revealing her support for Donald Trump. This led to significant backlash and calls for her removal, prompting questions about casting processes and background checks.
Pregnant Meghan Markle twerks in hospital room in throwback video before daughter Lilibet’s birth
Meghan, Duchess of Sussex, celebrated Lilibet's fourth birthday by sharing a personal video on Instagram, capturing a lighthearted moment of her and Prince Harry dancing in a hospital room while awaiting Lilibet's birth in 2021. The post included rare photos of Lilibet and a heartfelt message, highlighting the family's life in California.
What is a 'Labubu' and why has the $7,000 bug-eyed Pop Mart toy fuelled so much hype
Pop Mart: Labubu, a mischievous-looking vinyl toy created by artist Kasing Lung, has gone from niche character to viral sensation. Sold through Chinese retailer Pop Mart in blind boxes, these toothy figures have sparked global demand, driven by TikTok unboxing trends and celebrity endorsements. Prices have surged on resale platforms, even reaching $7,000 for limited editions. Amid shortages and chaos at store launches, fans are turning to smugglers, raising concerns over overconsumption, counterfeits and ethical reselling.
- Go To Page 1
How China’s Labubu became Pop Mart’s $1.8 billion plush powerhouse
Labubu, a plush toy from China's Pop Mart, gains popularity on social media. Artist Kasing Lung created Labubu, inspired by Nordic mythology. Pop Mart sold Labubu figurines and key rings. Celebrities like Rihanna and Lisa from Blackpink showcase Labubu. Pop Mart's revenue doubled in 2024. Adult buyers drive toy market growth. Pop Mart monitors US trade negotiations and expands production.
Lululemon’s new maxi dress goes viral — Why TikTok can’t stop talking about its design and price
Lululemon's new dress has gone viral, sparking debate on TikTok. While some hail it as versatile and elegant, others question the hype, price, and its "thneed" status.
Norway Chess 2025: Social media erupts after Gukesh’s win over Carlsen sparks racist remarks
Indian chess prodigy D Gukesh's victory over Magnus Carlsen at Norway Chess 2025 sparked both celebration and controversy. Carlsen's frustrated reaction went viral, but the win was overshadowed by racist comments targeting Gukesh's nationality on social media. Despite the online backlash, Gukesh's grandfather defended Carlsen's behavior, highlighting the significance of his grandson's achievement.
This woman’s dating research might reveal where your perfect match lives. She tracked 500+ matches for 'science experiment'
Caitlin Trask, a 32-year-old woman from Denver, is turning her dating life into a research project by tracking over 500 Hinge matches across various U.S. cities in a detailed spreadsheet she calls her "man catalog." By collecting data like age, height, job, and political views, she aims to identify which city offers the highest compatibility. Her experiment went viral on TikTok, drawing both praise and criticism. Trask ultimately plans to visit the cities with the most promising matches to see where her research might lead her in love.
What is #SkinnyTok and why was it banned on TikTok?
TikTok has globally blocked the #SkinnyTok hashtag following mounting criticism from European regulators, particularly in France, over its promotion of unhealthy weight-loss content. The ban directs users searching the hashtag to mental health support, marking a significant step toward protecting young users. Despite this, harmful content persists under altered tags. European officials, including France’s Digital Minister Clara Chappaz and EU Consumer Protection Commissioner Michael McGrath, are pushing for stronger regulations to safeguard children online and curb the damaging influence of social media.
Who was Sana Yousaf? Teen TikTok influencer shot dead on her birthday in Pakistan
Sana Yousaf, a 17-year-old TikTok influencer from Pakistan’s Chitral region, was shot dead in her Islamabad home on her birthday, 1 June 2025. Police suspect an honour killing, allegedly carried out by a male guest at her residence. Known for championing women's rights and Chitrali culture, Sana had over 500,000 followers across social media. Her killing has sparked national outrage and renewed concerns about the safety of women online. Authorities have launched a manhunt, but no arrests have yet been made.
TikTok bans #skinnytok after European regulators raise concerns
The inquiry into #SkinnyTok was initiated just over a year ago after European Union regulators opened an investigation into TikTok over potential breaches of online content rules aimed at protecting children. The investigation is ongoing. Apps like TikTok and Meta have been making efforts to block and redirect terms like "thinspo" to mental health resources. However, critics say they have not done enough.
Is fashion losing gloss?
The Business of Fashion Podcast explores the shifting landscape of the beauty industry, questioning its recession-proof status. Daniela Morosini highlights factors like rising prices, market saturation, and the influence of Amazon and TikTok, leading to waning sales and consumer fatigue.
3 reasons why you should not swap your seats on a flight
Seat swapping on flights is now a complex issue. Passengers face potential risks like accountability for another's actions. United Airlines users risk preloaded payment issues. Many travellers now pay extra for specific seats. James Randolph refuses to switch after paying more. Seat selection fees and basic economy rules make seat swapping less simple. Passengers are protecting their investments.
American Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas harassed by a bettor who followed her around the track
Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas faced verbal harassment and stalking by a sports bettor at the Grand Slam Track meet, raising concerns about athlete safety. The man, known online as "Mr. 100k A Day," heckled Thomas, made racially charged comments, and boasted about his betting wins related to her performance.
Unseen photos reveal Michael Jackson’s appearance just 2 days before death — fans left stunned
A recently leaked rehearsal video of Michael Jackson, filmed just two days before his death, has resurfaced, sparking renewed interest and emotional reactions from fans. The video shows a focused but seemingly tired Jackson practicing his signature dance moves with his team.
Amid India-Pakistan Tensions, videos of several Pakistani influencers including Mathira, Minahil to Imsha, leak online
Pakistani influencers face scandals as private videos surface online. Minahil Malik, Imsha Rehman, Mathira Khan, and Kanwal Aftab are among those affected. This occurs amid rising India-Pakistan tensions after the Pahalgam terror attack. India's Operation Sindoor targeted terror camps. India also blocked YouTube and Instagram accounts of Pakistani influencers like Hania Aamir and news channels including Dawn News.
How social media can 'trigger' eating disorders in young people
Research has shown the percentage of people worldwide who have had some kind of eating disorder during their lives rose from 3.5% in 2000 to 7.8% in 2018, a timeframe that captures the rise of social media. For the professionals trying to help teenagers recover from these disorders, misinformation from influencers on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram is a huge problem.
She was a cancer nurse, now she fixes cars: This 39-year-old YouTube trained mechanic's income will leave you stunned
Once a struggling nurse and single mother, Desiree Hill followed her instincts and transformed her life by launching a car repair business. From flipping cars in her driveway to running a 9,000-square-foot garage, she defied stereotypes and built a six-figure enterprise—one that’s now racing toward a million-dollar milestone, all while challenging norms in a male-dominated industry.
Did Donald Trump approve $1,200 monthly payments for stay-at-home moms? Here’s the truth
A viral TikTok trend has claimed that President Donald Trump approved $1,200 monthly payments for stay-at-home moms. This has created a huge response on social media, and people are asking whether it is true or not.
Woman's TikTok video gives the reason why she broke up with her boyfriend - fart and sinus
An American woman, Christine Connell, suffered a sinus infection for seven years. She believes it started after an incident with her ex-boyfriend in 2016. Doctors found E. coli bacteria in her sinuses. They suspect it entered her body during the incident. Connell tried antibiotics and nasal sprays without success. Doctors are now considering surgery.
Fart Walking: What is this new TikTok trend? Here’s its impact on health and how to begin
Fart walking is a new TikTok trend that encourages short walks after meals to help digestion and control blood sugar levels. While scientific backing is limited, light walking is known to support metabolic function. This trend suggests a simple, accessible way to improve health and reduce bloating.
TikTok influencer Emilie Kiser files lawsuit to block public access to son’s death records
TikTok influencer Emilie Kiser has filed a lawsuit in Arizona Superior Court to prevent the release of public records related to her 3-year-old son’s accidental drowning. The filing cites privacy concerns and alleges over 100 public records requests have been submitted to officials since the incident occurred on May 12
NASA says this 10-minute workout beats 30 minutes of jogging and is easier on your joints
NASA’s research reveals that rebounding—a simple 10-minute workout on a mini-trampoline—is up to 68% more effective than 30 minutes of jogging. Originally developed for astronauts to combat zero gravity effects, rebounding offers a high-intensity, low-impact fitness alternative that saves time, reduces joint stress, and boosts cardiovascular health—making it perfect for busy, modern lifestyles.
Trump says any TikTok deal would not mirror Nippon-US Steel
President Donald Trump stated that any agreement to prevent TikTok’s ban in the US would differ from the anticipated Nippon Steel–US Steel deal. Speaking from the Oval Office, he noted that China’s approval would be required for any potential TikTok arrangement.
‘Gone Too Soon’: TikTok Star Anna Grace Phelan dies at 19 after battle with brain cancer
Anna Grace Phelan, a TikTok influencer, died on May 23, 2025. She fought glioblastoma for eight months. Her family shared the news on TikTok. Phelan was 19 years old. She gained support during her illness. A GoFundMe campaign raised funds for her care. The funeral will be held at Galilee Christian Church. She is survived by her parents and brother.
TikTok star Addison Rae’s bold new album reveal is all about… underwear? You have to see this
Addison Rae, the TikTok star turned singer, has revealed the tracklist for her debut album, “Rack of Undies,” through a playful photoshoot featuring colorful underwear. The album promises a mix of upbeat pop tracks and introspective ballads, showcasing Addison's artistic growth. Fans eagerly anticipate the release, drawn in by her unique blend of personality and music.
Zach King brews a new chapter in influencer marketing with coffee-fueled campaign
Magic meets marketing as TikTok superstar Zach King leads a global influencer campaign to promote Nescafé’s cold coffee concentrate. Known for his mind-bending videos, King is now redefining how Gen Z discovers coffee. The collaboration signals a shift in how global brands harness influencer power in the creator economy
Load More
