What is TikTok?
If you haven't heard of TikTok then where have you been? The app that somehow ended up downloaded onto everybody's phones during the lockdowns. Even if you swore you weren't going to get it, it's now part of your daily routine, isn't it? There is over 9.2 million active TikTok users in the United Kingdom only. It has surpassed snapchat as the third most popular social network, and those filters are hard to beat. Worldwide there is over 1.2 billion active users. That's a lot of people! Scrolling through short videos is now just as much of a routine as brushing your teeth is. Yes, there are many negative effects of this app, however it has also changed so many lives for the better. In simple terms, it's an app where you can create short videos ranging from a few seconds long up to now ten minutes. It's the fastest and easiest platform to grow followers, reach new customers and raise awareness. The most followed TikTok account has racked up over 155 million followers, think about the effect that would have on a small business. TikTok has granted so many users with a newfound fame, which has enabled them to spread awareness to more people than ever before.
How has this helped the LGBTQ+ community?
As mentioned above, TikTok is pretty good at quickly getting videos many views. Therefore, creators who are from the LQBTQ+ community can talk about their experiences with people who have simply never acknowledged them before. For example, I found a transgender woman on TikTok who shared her experiences with others, showing every single aspect of her journey including the problems she faced. He shared how she felt when she was younger, common misconceptions, how she addressed her feelings and how she dealt with the prejudice that came with it. Not only does this educate others, but it also gives advice to and helps others who are in the same position and struggling to know what to do. She raised awareness of the problems still existing within society, which encouraged others to act on it.
Another example is a huge TikTok star who is gay. He has also raised so much awareness around the topic and helped others with their journey when considering their sexuality, just through short videos. He creates humorous content, which helps eradicate individuals' pre-conceptions of homosexual individuals.
TikTok has been ground-breaking for many communities wanting to raise awareness. Got something you want to share? Pick up your phone and start filming!