ITNTW – It’s a TikTok takeover!
It seems no matter where in the world you are, your TikTok For You Page is most likely filled with content surrounding the upcoming US presidential election.
In particular, newly appointed Democratic candidate Kamala Harris is using the platform as a pivotal way to target young voters and tap into Gen Z culture. As well as regularly posting her own content, Harris has also had support on the platform from many high-profile celebrities including Janelle Monae, Katy Perry, John Legend and Charli XCX. This influx of content has seen Harris reach millions of views and aimed to tap into Gen Z culture. Although this new presence has created a significant online buzz, it’s still uncertain whether social media will ultimately play a decisive role in the election.
Moving away from all the seriousness of the presidential debate, let’s talk about those shiny gold medals that have also been flooding TikTok For You Page’s at the moment. As we near the close of the Paris Olympics, it seems TikTok is becoming an unofficial partner of the games, with athletes using the app as an informal way to connect with fans from all over the world. often showing behind the scenes snippets inside the villa and other aspects of the games that mainstream media don’t have access to.
From Matilda’s stars, Mackenzie Arnold and Alanna Kennedy, awkwardly showing off their Aussie kit before the Opening Ceremony to Jess Fox ‘depuffing’ her eyes with her new gold medal, the videos often have a humorous tone and provide snippets into life inside the Villa that mainstream media doesn’t have access to.
And it wasn’t just the Aussies jumping on the TikTok trend. After Team USA won gold in the women’s gymnastics, Simone Biles and Suni Lee could be seen planning Tik Toks they wanted to make featuring their new gold medals. And it wasn’t long before a series of videos from the team found themselves on the app.
However, perhaps one of the most viral video series from an athlete was that of Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen, who now has become more widely known as ‘The Muffin Man’. Christiansen went viral after his obsession with the chocolate muffins available in the athlete cafeteria, in which he posted several videos praising. His videos went as far as reaching celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay, who stated in a comment “I think I need to try one now”.
The TikTok craze of both the US election and the Olympic Games only leaves us to wonder is this becoming the new go-to platform for social commentary on global events?
Written by Audrey, PR & Influencer Assistant at InsideOut PR
