The Other Side of TikTok

View and hear from a minuscule, powerful sampling of those whose lives have been changed and enhanced immeasurably by Tiktok

Tiktok skyrocketed in early 2020, when the Covid-19 pandemic sent millions of Americans into isolation. This new app was a means of escapism to allow people to ignore the reality of a global health crisis around them. The early days of Tiktok were dominated by tutorials on how to make iced coffee, lip syncs to indie pop songs, and dance challenges that people learned in their childhood bedrooms.

On another side of Tiktok was a group of young Americans, like myself, who were gearing up for the 2020 Presidential election. “Politok” as so many of us referred to it, saw young liberals and conservatives intellectually spar about the two candidates, Joe Biden and Donald Trump. My content focused on analysis of the debates, educational information on Joe Biden’s record and policy, and the many problematic issues Donald Trump had presented throughout his Presidency.

As time went on, Tiktok became a place for political organizing and the exchange of ideas. It was a place where young people could grow into their political power, finding community with their fellow Americans. This rising power was recognized by politicians who joined the platform, some as early as 2020. I vividly remember pleasant lighthearted exchanges with Biden campaign officials, and the Tiktok challenge started by Jon Ossof as he courted young voters in his Senate campaign.

When Joe Biden began staffing his administration, it included an office of digital strategy, where some of the most digitally articulate and internet-connected staff in the entire federal government built a deep, trustbound relationship with content creators and influencers from across the country.

On the eve of a potential Tiktok ban, It is fitting to hear the stories of those who spent their time and gave their trust to the same administration that is aiming to take away what could be their largest professional and personal asset.

Here are just some of them.

Aaron Parnas

is an attorney, digital strategist, and content with over 2 million followers across social media platforms. Aaron has worked on local, state, and federal campaigns across the country, most recently serving as the deputy digital director for Angela Alsobrooks. Aaron now uses his platform to spread accurate, timely news about politics and current events.

Joshua Martin is a 22 year old senior at the University of Houston who currently serves as the National Political Director of the College Democrats of America. Josh uses his platform on social media to promote and uplift democrats and has worked on a number of campaigns throughout the past two cycles.

Kiera Spann

is a 24-year-old writer and creator dedicated to advocating for survivors of gender-based violence. Explore her work on Substack or follow her on social media @famousblonde. She is based in Charlotte, North Carolina.