What began back in 2016 as a platform to upload 15-second dance videos has evolved into one of the world’s biggest social media apps, rivalling Facebook and Instagram.

More than half the UK population now uses TikTok each month, while £1.5 billion people are hooked on the app worldwide. 

TikTok is now one of the world's biggest social media apps, with millions of users in the UK and billions worldwide (Image: PA) But closer to home, businesses in East Anglia say posting videos of their products on TikTok can turbocharge sales and attract thousands of entirely new customers. 

Morgan Lewis, 23, set up Bakeaholics during the pandemic in 2020.

With no physical shop premises and social distancing laws in place, she began sharing pictures of her inventive homemade cakes and bakes on social media and delivering them to people’s doors.

She now has stores in Attleborough and Norwich’s Chantry Place, but says that more than two thirds of her sales come through TikTok Shop – the platform’s e-commerce digital marketplace.

Morgan Lewis set up Bakaholics in 2020 (Image: Bakeaholics) “Social media is one of the biggest driving forces in our business - I don’t know where we would be without it,” said Miss Morgan, whose business now has almost 18,000 followers on TikTok. 

“TikTok has a high percentage fee for sellers but it gets people to buy from you because it pushes your platform, giving you a bigger reach.

“TikTok will take anything from five to 10pc based on your rate of selling. It encourages you to sell more, because the more you sell the less you pay.

“It helps so much with bringing in new customers.”

Bakeaholics now has stores in Attleborough and Norwich's Chantry Place - but two thirds of sales come through TikTok (Image: Newsquest) All sorts of businesses in the region are now reaping the rewards of posting content on TikTok, and tapping into the platform's latest crazes. 

The once humble jacket potato has become newly trendy in recent months, thanks to TikTok videos of spuds loaded with original and tempting fillings - and local entrepreneurs have been quick to get in on the act. 

Professional wrestler Zak Bevis sells baked potatoes from his new Zaket Potato van on Norwich’s All Saints Green, while social media sensation 'Spudio' does a roaring trade from his Spud Mobile on the city's Aylsham Road. 

Zaket Potato in Norwich’s All Saints Green is owned by professional wrestler Zak Bevis (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest) Former medical Spudio, who owns Spud Mobile in Alysham Road near the Boundary pub in Norwich (Image: Denise Bradley, Newsquest)

East Anglian innovators have also launched their takes on the viral 'Dubai chocolate', a bar combining the flavours of chocolate, pistachio and tahini with filo pastry. 

Banham Butchers and Creative Cakes in Norfolk released their own version earlier this month, which has been selling out every day since its launch. 

Banham Butchers and Creative Cakes' Dubai chocolate bars (Image: Banham Butchers and Creative Cakes) Some people, such as Stalham mum Charlotte Blockley, haven't even had to sell their own products to make money on the platform.

The 37-year-old posts videos reviewing other companies’ products on TikTok Shop, and earns commission on the items sold.

What started as a side hustle, to earn some extra money to take her daughter on a dream holiday to Disney World, has now become a full-time job - with Ms Blockley making tens of thousands of pounds reviewing products such as air fryers.

Despite having no previous sales experience, Charlotte Blockley was the first content creator to receive a gold award for one million sales in a 30-day period from TikTok Shop (Image: Charlotte Blockley)TikTok is also a powerful force inspiring the next generation of entrepreneurs. 

Teenager Harrison Knott, who plays squash for the Aspire team in Ipswich, has sold more than 15,000 of his CoolTowels exclusively through TikTok Shop.

He invented the product, a towel with a cooling effect which is activated by soaking it in cold water, and began selling it from his bedroom two years ago. 

The 15-year-old now delivers to customers across the UK. 

"I've always loved the idea of building a brand," he said. 

"I started CoolTowel when I was 13 after being really sweaty when playing squash. I needed a way to cool down and wanted to find a solution.

"The first week of properly running it I sold 50 in a day. That was the moment I thought it really had potential and could be scalable." 

Harrison Knott (Image: Harrison Nott)

A study conducted by insurance provider Simply Business and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) found that only around a third of young people in England say they have received business guidance or support during secondary education.

And while nearly 60pc of youngsters express an interest in owning a business, only one in 10 in the East manage to turn this into reality.

Apps such as TikTok can help many of them realise their dreams, allowing them to set up online with limited investment and no formal training.