Social media platforms have become central to how individuals form opinions on social and political issues. TikTok has achieved unprecedented penetration in Saudi Arabia (138.2% among adults), yet its role in public opinion formation remains unexplored. This study bridges this gap through an integrative review and theoretical synthesis of global empirical literature (2018–2025). By synthesizing findings from key studies on TikTok’s persuasion mechanisms, we identify six core influence pathways: algorithmic agenda-setting, entertainment-embedded persuasion, emotional appeals, parasocial trust, community reinforcement, and perception of visual evidence. The review reveals a total absence of empirical research in the Saudi context. To address this, we propose the Cultural Mediation of Algorithmic Influence (CMAI) framework. This model theorizes how global platform mechanisms interact with specific Saudi cultural values—including collectivism, religious authority, and family mediation—to shape unique patterns of opinion formation. This study offers the first culturally grounded roadmap for future research and media literacy in the Kingdom.
