KAELAN DORR: Trump Made TikTok Great Again
In today’s digital era, where social media platforms serve as the battlegrounds for ideas, information and cultural exchange, the conversation around banning TikTok must be approached with caution and a deep…
In today’s digital era, where social media platforms serve as the battlegrounds for ideas, information and cultural exchange, the conversation around banning TikTok must be approached with caution and a deep understanding of its implications.
With over 170 million American users, TikTok has transcended mere entertainment to become a vital tool for communication, creativity and, notably in the 2024 presidential election, political engagement. President-elect Donald Trump’s strategic embrace of this platform, known for its cultural influence among the younger demographic, was instrumental in clinching his win.
Trump’s campaign, recognizing TikTok’s immense popularity with Gen Z and millennials, took a bold step by integrating the platform into its sprawling social media strategy. This was not just about posting content; it was about understanding and participating in the cultural zeitgeist that TikTok represents.
TikTok was not just a tool but an arena where the political narrative could be shaped in real-time, with direct access to millions of young voters.
Trump’s first video on TikTok, which garnered an astonishing 63 million views within days, was a far cry from traditional campaign ads. Instead, it featured a candid video of him interacting with fans at a UFC event, the honesty of which resonated strongly with the platform’s audience. From the start, no other candidate could come close to his position as the most viral, charismatic and compelling candidate in the field — all qualities which made his messaging style perfect for a platform like TikTok.