In this exclusive interview, we have the pleasure of delving into the remarkable journey of Elis, the founder of TikAPI. Join
Website Planet as we explore the inception of
TikAPI, its evolution, and Elis’s unique insights into the future of data and the internet.
Can you share the story behind your company? What initially inspired the idea and how has it evolved since?
I embarked on the TikAPI project as a personal challenge and a source of enjoyment. TikTok, being known for its robust security measures, posed a unique challenge. Even compared to security-critical banking apps, TikTok’s defenses are more advanced. However, I relish challenges, so I eagerly embraced this one. After a month or two of dedicated work, I had a functional prototype and a beta platform. Recognizing the demand for TikTok data and automation solutions, I decided to bring TikAPI to the world and devoted my full-time effort to its improvement.
Over time, TikAPI has grown into a robust, reliable, and scalable platform for collecting and integrating TikTok data. It has become a TikTok ecosystem where businesses can not only access real-time TikTok data but also connect and manage their customers’ social profiles through TikAPI. This empowers developers and businesses worldwide to build products on top of TikTok.
What services does TikAPI provide?
TikAPI offers a modern REST API for on-demand and real-time TikTok data collection. Our API includes multiple endpoints tailored to the specific data needs of our customers. For example, we have a profile information endpoint that allows customers to retrieve TikTok profile statistics and public profile information instantly by providing the TikTok profile username. Additionally, TikAPI provides an OAuth gateway that enables users to connect their TikTok accounts by scanning a QR code. Once connected, they can programmatically manage their TikTok accounts, access analytics, collect data, respond to comments, and perform other actions using our API.
Who are your typical customers, and what problem does TikAPI solve for them?
TikAPI’s customer base is diverse, including small businesses and Fortune-500 companies from various industries, such as media monitoring, AI, analytics, music, CRM, and influencer management. TikAPI serves as a crucial building block for these customers, enabling them to create the products and services they desire with the necessary data. In many cases, we are the best or even the only choice for achieving their goals.
What is TikAPI’s mission?
TikAPI’s mission is straightforward: to make TikTok data accessible to developers and businesses for integration and automation. However, as TikAPI and its founder grow, the vision extends beyond TikTok. The expertise gained in data collection through TikAPI can be applied to other websites, aligning with a broader mission of making all web data easily accessible.
What sets TikAPI apart from its competitors?
TikAPI stands out through its use of cutting-edge bridge technology, ensuring seamless real-time data exchange with TikTok. While other data collection tools rely on slow and cumbersome browser-based techniques, TikAPI utilizes a browserless approach, directly requesting data from publicly accessible TikTok servers.
A unique feature is the third-party OAuth platform built on top of TikTok, providing an unmatched connection to TikTok accounts.
What is your vision for the future of your industry?
The importance of data collection and the big data industry is often underestimated. Data is the internet’s most valuable resource, powering search engines like Google and training AI models. Despite occasional legal disputes over data collection, it remains a fundamental and legal practice. Public data should be accessible, driving competition and innovation while ensuring a better-functioning society. Collaborative efforts and transparency are key to evolving the internet for the greater good.
