Getting Started with the TikTok React Native App

Use this guide after downloading the TikTok app package. It covers the order for running the app, connecting Firebase, setting up video-related data, testing the composer, and preparing the app for release.

Quick Answer

Install dependencies, run the app on iOS and Android, replace Firebase config files, enable Auth, Firestore, Storage, and Functions if included, add any song data required by the composer, then verify video upload, feed playback, profile posts, hashtags, comments, likes, and the shared release checklist.

What Ships In The App Package

The TikTok app package can include:

• sign-up and login screens;
• video feed and post detail flows;
• video composer;
• song picker data;
• hashtag extraction and discovery;
• comments, likes, and profile screens;
• Firebase setup files and optional Functions, depending on the package version;
• native iOS and Android projects.

1. Run The App Locally

From the app root:

corepack enable
yarn install
cd ios
bundle install
bundle exec pod install
cd ..
yarn start

In a second terminal:

yarn ios
# or
yarn android

Use the shared setup docs if your machine is not ready:

• Set Up Your React Native Environment
• Run on iOS
• Run on Android

2. Configure Firebase

The app usually needs:

• Firebase Auth for accounts;
• Firestore for users, videos, comments, likes, songs, and hashtags;
• Storage for video files, thumbnails, and profile media;
• Firebase Functions if the package includes feed, notification, or media processing logic;
• Cloud Messaging if push notifications are enabled.

Start with the shared Firebase setup, then use app-specific pages for video data:

• Configure a Firebase Project
• Link Firebase Account to Your Mobile App
• Firebase Production Checklist
• Manage Songs

3. Verify Video And Discovery Flows

Test with at least two users:

1. create accounts;
2. upload a video;
3. add a caption with hashtags;
4. confirm the video plays in the feed;
5. confirm the video appears on the profile;
6. open a hashtag page or search flow if included;
7. like and comment on the video;
8. test notifications if configured.

Use these app-specific guides when you need implementation detail:

• Composer
• Hashtags

4. Customize The App

Before release, update:

• app name;
• bundle identifier and Android package name;
• app icon and splash screen;
• theme colors and onboarding copy;
• default song data;
• video limits and moderation rules;
• privacy policy, terms, support URL, and safety/reporting copy.

Use the shared customization docs:

• Change the App Name
• Change the App Icon
• Change the Splash Screen Logo

Verification Checklist

• App starts on iOS and Android.
• Firebase config files point to your project.
• Users can sign up and edit profile data.
• Video upload works on a real device.
• Feed playback works after reload.
• Hashtags are stored and discovered correctly.
• Comments and likes update the expected documents.
• The shared release checklist is complete.

Troubleshooting

Problem	Fix
Video upload fails	Check Storage rules, file size, selected URI, Firebase config files, Functions logs, and billing if media processing is backend-driven.
Songs do not appear	Check Manage Songs and confirm Firestore fields match the app code.
Hashtags do not work	Check Hashtags and verify the post stores the expected hashtag array.
Feed is empty	Create test videos, check Firestore rules, verify indexes, and confirm the current user can read feed documents.

Next Steps

• Manage Songs
• Composer
• Hashtags
• React Native App Release Checklist