UNLIMITED SUPPLY with Digital Music News TikTok not so done, Triller Done, and Media Literacy 21 times.
Jan 7, 2026
Lydia Valentino, a viral correspondent and music reporter, dives into the latest hot topics surrounding TikTok and the music industry. She discusses the uncertainty of TikTok's future amidst a looming January deadline and possible government intervention. The conversation also highlights Triller's financial woes as it grapples with missed deadlines and NASDAQ removal. Valentino shares insights on trending tracks, including the resurgence of Lumidee's hit and Gracie Abrams' incredible rise in popularity, showcasing how templates are shaping viral content.
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Algorithms Optimize For Profit And Engagement
- Algorithms prioritize profit by optimizing for engagement, not user well-being.
- This dynamic and accelerating AI-driven loop narrows attention and crowds out balanced content.
Repeat Media Literacy Messages Often
- Repeat media-literacy lessons often because people need many exposures for them to stick.
- Treat messages as iterative: it takes roughly 21 repetitions for concepts to sink in, Lars argues.
TikTok Deal Reporting Overstates Finality
- Reports of a finalized TikTok USA deal remain uncertain because Chinese authorities still must agree.
- Public memos and press stories don't guarantee final approval when cross-border regulatory interests are unresolved.