Students Learn More English from TikTok Than from Textbooks

by Aziza Fitri Aswar & ELFI, S.PD.I.,MPD 

What if the best English teacher today is not in the classroom, but a few seconds of a TikTok video? Technological developments are increasing, including social media called Tiktok. TikTok is a highly rated app on the Google Play store, and it makes this app very high quality combined with artificial intelligence and image capture (Jaffar et al., 2019). According to Herma and Ayu, the number of TikTok users in Indonesia reached 106.52 million in October 2023, and increase of 6.74% from the previous year. This data shows how strong the appeal of Tik Tok is, especially for teenagers.  This app is not only used for entertainment and business but is also used for educational purposes. Content creators teach everything based on their background knowledge and have a positive impact on the people who watch their videos Elvira and Muamaroh (2024). This essay will discuss about TikTok improves students' English skills by improving pronunciation, simplifying grammar learning, and expanding vocabulary, despite concerns about its lack of academic structure.

The first English skill that TikTok helps to improve is pronunciation. Pronunciation is a fundamental aspect of communication, especially for non-native speakers, because incorrect pronunciation can often lead to misunderstanding. Tira (2023) explains that pronunciation is how a word is pronounced. It is how the fundamental symbols of language, segmental phonemes, or speech sounds, emerge and are organized in patterns of tone, loudness, and duration. This highlights the importance of articulation, emphasis, and intonation in speaking English correctly. According to research by Putri Utami (2022), many students reported that their pronunciation improved after watching short TikTok videos. The students found these videos interesting because they often discussed real-life topics and used expressions in natural ways, making it easier for them to mimic and practice how words are pronounced. This shows that TikTok provides real and repeated exposure to spoken English, which helps learners develop clearer and more confident pronunciation.

The second English skill that TikTok helps to improve is grammar. Grammar plays a vital role in helping learners understand how words are structured and combined to form clear and correct sentences. Tira (2023) states that grammar helps people understand how words and their components combine to form sentences, while in a later study, she emphasizes that grammar is an important part of the language that can make the language clearly understood Tira (2023). On TikTok, there are many creators who explain grammar concepts such as tenses, sentence structures, and common mistakes using short and easy-to-understand videos. These videos often compare incorrect and correct grammar usage in practical contexts. For example, students can easily see differences like "She don't" vs. "She doesn't," and understand which one is correct. This kind of visual and spoken example helps learners recognize their own mistakes and learn how to fix them. Through regular exposure to these bite-sized grammar lessons, students begin to absorb grammatical rules more naturally. Therefore, TikTok makes grammar learning feel easier and more engaging, especially for those who struggle with textbook-based explanations.

The third English skill that TikTok helps to improve is vocabulary. Vocabulary is essential in language learning because it allows learners to express their ideas, feelings, and needs effectively. Tira (2023)explains that vocabulary is the knowledge of words and their meanings, and that mastering vocabulary is very basic; it would seem strange to master English material without mastering English vocabulary. TikTok provides rich and varied vocabulary exposure through real-life dialogues, storytelling, and casual conversations in its videos. According to Zein, Krisna et.al (2024), 90% of students reported that TikTok helped them gain new English words, and 85% said the platform helped them remember words more easily. The visual and auditory aspects of TikTok reinforce word meanings, making new vocabulary easier to internalize. Moreover, 75% of students preferred learning vocabulary from TikTok rather than from traditional textbooks. These findings suggest that TikTok is not only entertaining but also effective in expanding vocabulary and helping learners use new words more confidently in real conversations. As a result, TikTok supports vocabulary growth in a way that feels fun, relevant, and deeply contextualized.

Despite its popularity, some educators argue that TikTok is not a reliable platform for learning English because it lacks academic structure and may lead to language misuse. Since the content is user-generated and not supervised by certified teachers, students might be exposed to incorrect grammar, informal expressions, or pronunciation that is inconsistent with standard English. There is also concern that learners could become distracted by entertainment-oriented content instead of focusing on learning. However, research shows that students are still able to identify educational value from TikTok and use it selectively. According to Zein, Weny, and Perangin-angin (2024), 75% of students reported that they preferred TikTok for vocabulary learning over textbooks, yet they did not entirely abandon traditional methods. This suggests that students treat TikTok as a supplementary tool rather than a complete replacement. Moreover, the high percentages of improved confidence, memory, and word understanding indicate that the platform's informal and visual style is actually helping students reinforce what they have already learned. Therefore, although TikTok is not a formal classroom tool, it effectively supports language acquisition when used purposefully.

Despite its popularity, some educators argue that TikTok is not a reliable platform for learning English because it lacks academic structure and may lead to negative learning behavior. According to Eka (2023), TikTok often causes students to waste their productive study time due to the abundance of entertaining content. She also notes that the platform has no age restriction, which allows younger users to access inappropriate content freely. Additionally, Rahmawati highlights that hate speech and toxic interactions are often used by creators to gain popularity, which can negatively influence students' attitudes and focus. These concerns suggest that TikTok may distract rather than support the learning process. However, research shows that students are still able to identify educational value from TikTok and use it selectively. According to Zein, Weny et.al (2024), 75% of students preferred TikTok for vocabulary learning over textbooks, yet they did not entirely abandon traditional methods. This indicates that students treat TikTok as a supplementary tool, not a replacement. Furthermore, the high percentages of improved confidence, memory, and understanding suggest that TikTok's informal and visual format helps reinforce what learners gain from formal education. Therefore, although TikTok has limitations, when used mindfully, it remains a valuable support for English language development.

In conclusion, TikTok has proven to be an effective platform for supporting students in learning English, especially in improving their pronunciation, simplifying their understanding of grammar, and expanding their vocabulary. Although concerns have been raised about the platform's lack of academic structure and the presence of inappropriate or distracting content, research indicates that students can benefit from TikTok when it is used selectively and mindfully. Rather than replacing traditional learning methods, TikTok serves as a powerful supplementary tool that aligns with how today's learners engage with language in real life. Therefore, integrating TikTok into English learning strategies can enhance student motivation and fluency in ways that textbooks alone may not provide.

Eka Rahmawati. 2023. DAMPAK PENGGUNAAN APLIKASI TIKTOK TERHADAP PERILAKU BELAJAR SISWA (Studi Kasus Siswa Kelas IX di SMPN 9 Tangerang Selatan).

Herma Yunita and Ayu Wijayanti. (2025). Analisis Tentang Dampak Aplikasi Tik Tok Pada Siswa Sdn 65 Desa Suka Rami Kecamatan Kedurang Ilir Kabupaten Bengkulu Selatan. Universitas Muhammadiyah Bengkulu

Elvira Rosa Amelia and Muamaroh. (2024). ENGLISH STUDENTS' PERCEPTION OF TIKTOK APPLICATION FOR IMPROVING SPEAKING SKILLS. English Education Departement, School Of Teacher Training And Education. Muhammadiyah University Of Surakarta