In 2018, TikTok, originally known as Douyin in China, expanded its reach globally, rapidly becoming a dominant platform for short-form video content. This expansion transformed social media by popularizing a new style of content creation that emphasized creativity and engagement through brief videos. TikTok's rise has had significant cultural implications, influencing trends in music, fashion, and social interaction among younger audiences worldwide.

TikTok's global expansion in 2018 created new platforms for performance poetry, allowing poets like Sarah Kay and Rudy Francisco to reach wider audiences. This shift has revitalized youth engagement with poetry, blending traditional forms with modern digital expression.