To Tik or to Tok?
TikTok is quickly becoming the most viewed social media platform on peoples phones today. It is not just for kids. Couples, grandparents, and families are finding ways to create funny videos using the trending hashtag and/or trending sound. Artists, chefs, and people with unique talents are thriving on tiktok. Whats the formula for success aka going viral? There is none. People will claim there is an algorithm and tell you to tag it with #xxyzba but all in all, it is knowing who you are and creating content that makes you happy. Hopefully others will want to follow you and ultimately share it with others. That is how you grow on TikTok.
“I started Trumper2020 on Tiktok because I wanted to share positive news about President Trump. Users are actually nice on TikTok versus Twitter. “
Animals seem to be a favorite no matter what platform you are on. Most people love animals. In 2019 I adopted a whoodle and I named him Trumper. (It was either that or Donald.) We are a family of T’s so Trumper it was. Instead of creating an instagram page for my dog, I learned more about tiktok. I created an account just to observe and see how it was being used. I followed other accounts that were dog accounts (some of which have millions of followers) and decided yes, Trumper2020 will be my account name. My account posts videos of my dog acting in the latest trend, i share art challenges using procreate, and occasionally I make my family get involved with a stupid trend I think is funny. My most viral tiktok was a drawing i did in honor of Kobe Bryant’s passing. To this day, it’s still getting views.
“Tiktok usually starts off as a joke for most people but then it becomes highly addictive. For parents with small children, I recommend allocating a time period for it, sharing account information and always knowing what your child is watching.”
We are not getting rid of social media. It’s ingrained in our lives and kids use it as their way of communicating with others. MIddle schoolers must know the “dances” and when they don’t they do get teased for not knowing. Parents must realize this and give their kids the tools to be proud of their choice to NOT be on social media. If the child is on TikTOK, set up your rules beforehand.
1. Make it a private account
2. Only allow one hour a day for tiktok WITH SUPERVISION
3. Only follow friends, family or verified accounts
4. Make them create their own tiktok. Do not just let them be an observer.
5. Don’t look at likes. If the child start complaining about the lack of likes or bragging about too many likes, they are not ready to be on social media.
6. Two sides to a story… they should never share their opinion without knowing all the facts and they should never tell someone they dont know any criticism online.
7. Don’t feel pressured to join movements cuz everyone else it.
8. Do not use location services or tag people or locations in their posts while they are there at the moment. Either wait to post the location a few days later or dont post at all.
9. Do not have a relationship with anyone who pops up in the DM’s
10. Learn what acronyms are. DM’s are direct messaging (aka in the inbox, not on their feed) Here is a list of some acronyms that can help parents decipher the conversation.
As of August 1, 2020, Instagram has created reels which is a form of tiktok.
As of September 1, President Trump will decide if he is going to ban TikTok. Please communicate to your kids the priviledge it is to have it and the reasons it would be banned so they dont march in the streets…LOL. America can not handle a tik tok revolution in 2020.
