Member-only story
The Land Where a Talking Dog is More Famous Than a Hollywood A-List Celebrity
Why users love their TikTok
After 25 years on the Internet, one tends to develop strong opinions about social media based on impressions of the users of different platforms.
The stereotypes go something like this: Redditors are often hostile and argumentative, Instagram users are predominantly narcissists, LinkedIn is for the hustle culture, and Twitter what’s been an ongoing political debate with your drunk uncle.
TikTok is different.
New users may be pleasantly surprised to find their feed isn’t overrun with celebrities who have millions of followers. The famous are on the platform, they just don’t have as much of an audience like they do on Instagram.
This means cult of celebrity doesn’t exist on TikTok like it does elsewhere on social media. Users are more excited to watch a feisty lawyer from the Bay area, a muscle bound nurse, or a ballerina rather than give their attention to the likes of a Kardashian.
You can see it in action when a celebrity tentatively dips their toe in the water to find a lukewarm welcome and the expected millions of followers fail to show up.
