Exploring The Experiences of EFL Student in Developing Speaking Skills Through Content on Tiktok

This study explored the experiences of English as a Foreign Language (EFL) students in developing their speaking skills through English-learning content on TikTok and examined the challenges they encountered when using TikTok as an informal learning resource. Speaking was an important skill in English learning, but many EFL students faced difficulties due to limited opportunities for practice, lack of confidence, limited vocabulary, and insufficient exposure to authentic English communication. TikTok provided an accessible and flexible platform for students to encounter English-learning content beyond the classroom, such as pronunciation, shadowing, daily conversations, slang, and roleplays. This study employed a qualitative approach involving five EFL students from the Department of English Language Education at UIN Ar-Raniry Banda Aceh. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and analyzed using thematic analysis. The findings revealed that participants used TikTok because its short-video format, personalized recommendations, and visual presentation made English learning accessible and enjoyable. They actively practiced speaking through repetition, imitation, shadowing, self-recording, self-evaluation, and simulated conversations. Participants perceived improvements in pronunciation, fluency, vocabulary, confidence, and communication skills.