Fine, I’ll Say It: TikTok is Cool.
An artistic representation of the evolution of my relationship with TikTok. Photo source: YPulse
The new “risky text” is sending a TikTok to someone you used to make fun of the app with. But I’ve done it, and every time, I discover that they’ve been active on the platform, too. Cue the Spiderman meme.
Holding steadfast to a hatred of TikTok was my last hope of separating myself from the kiddos born after the turn of the century, but now even the Millennials have hopped on the TikTok train because they're bored out of their minds in quarantine. Therefore, I suppose there is no sense hiding it any longer: Hi, my name is Erica, and I vibe with TikTok.*
You see, published in the Autumn/Winter 2019 print edition of The Lexington Line is a fairly harsh critique of the app written by yours truly. And I still stand by the article—the issues I unpacked, along with several others, are unfortunately still alive and thriving on TikTok.
That being said, I’ve noticed a significant change in the platform’s content since conducting research for that piece. My ‘For You’ page is filled with artists and chefs and travelers and storytellers and creators that make me laugh uncontrollably—not preteens making questionable decisions for the sake of views. Now, yes, this is because the algorithm has psychoanalyzed me like a new-age Sigmund Freud, but the refreshing content is there, nonetheless.
These unique creators are gifting us with the distractions we are craving in this time of horror. Plus, exchanging TikToks and memes has become the language of social distancing for many, and though it seems frivolous, there is beauty in the preservation of humor in spite of darkness.
Anyhow, to compensate for bringing up the thing we are all trying to mentally distance ourselves from, here are some TikTokers that I’ve discovered in the depths of my months-long deep dive.
But First, a Starter Pack
If you have yet to download the app, accept that you will cave eventually. Then, once you’re staring at your controversial new download and feeling apprehensive, utilize this curated starter pack to follow some quality fan favorites.
@adamrayokay
Adam Ray Okay is famous for his creation of the loud and proud “Rosa.” Though some may argue otherwise, I strongly believe that Rosa is the Queen of TikTok. Paper agrees with me on this one.
@snarkymarky
Snarky Marky provides his followers with a reminder of what we have all overcome: elementary school teachers who were mean for no apparent reason. His impressions of the classically obnoxious and eternally annoyed “Karen” are a riot as well.
@iamtabithabrown
Next time you feel the wave of an emotional breakdown about to overtake you, take a scroll through Tabitha Brown’s TikTok. Her aura transcends through the social media platform and wraps you in the hug you didn’t know you needed. She sometimes even signs off with “I love you.” She technically doesn’t know I exist, but I know she means it! I love you too, Tabitha!
@cookingwithshereen
Shereen is like that professor who is an odd combination of cool and strict in the way that you want to make her proud, but you’re also kind of scared of her. Whether or not you intend on putting any of her recipes to use, watching Shereen work her culinary magic all while maintaining a sharp sass is premium-level TikTok entertainment.
Oh, and if you are wondering who Charli D’Amelio is—don’t worry about it, sweetheart.
NOW THAT YOU’RE HOOKED…
If you’re feeling more comfortable on the platform, or if you’ve been addicted for months already, check out these creators who get a little less hype. (Yes, I know what I just did there and no, I don’t want to talk about it.)
@herstorytalk
If you’re a history buff or a feminist—or a feminist history buff—this is the account for you. The girls behind this account tell the stories of notable women, featuring the likes of Cleopatra, Hedy Lamarr, Queen Mary and some icons that you may have never heard of before.
@yorkielover2020
YorkieLover2020, also known as Chloe, has amassed a following of two million all because of a shed in her backyard. She rolled up her sleeves and began renovating the storage space behind her house to create a “she shed” for herself and her friends to enjoy after quarantine. Her 10-part TikTok series spanned the month of April, and now she’s in search of something else to tackle. Watching someone with no prior skill take on a project this involved was nothing short of inspiring.
@barchemistry
There is no shortage of bartenders on TikTok, but something about Bar Chemistry makes learning how to mix at-home cocktails particularly entertaining. His dry humor and ironic inclusion of a cross in his background are evocative of many Brooklyn bartenders.
@fiveminutegarbage
The internet is chock-full of jokes about the infamous 5-Minute Crafts. This TikToker has simply extended the conversation surrounding the absurdity of the DIY YouTube channel through more accurate voiceovers. It’s the sort of content that will leave you cry-laughing if sleep deprived.
@jeremycohen
Jeremy Cohen is a NYC-based photographer who has taken to documenting fellow New Yorkers on their rooftops during COVID-19. The resulting videos are a stimulating exploration of the human experience. Plus, he documented his experience with “quarandating” one of the neighbors that he captured in his art, so that’s tea.
@hollyfae_art
I first discovered artist Holly Fae through her redrawing of Frozen’s Elsa—a video that currently has over 4 million likes. Holly works with a number of mediums, but none are as intriguing as her use of Procreate’s liquify tool. Through this editing software, she redraws Disney princesses with more realistic features, and the resulting images are astounding.
Hopefully, after reading this article coming from the same author that detailed the explicit abuses and misuses of TikTok, you can feel a little bit better about your guilt-pleasure-binging. Go ahead, send them to your friends.
Now that I have finished writing this admission of guilt, I’m going back to watching TikToks.
*But if you ever see me doing any TikTok dances deliberately, please ask if I’m okay.