In the wake of the unprecedented events of January 6, 2021, a new form of journalism emerged on TikTok, defying traditional norms and captivating millions. This article explores the rising trend of TikTok influencers who have transformed the way news is disseminated and consumed.
Vitus “V” Spehar, a TikTok influencer, broke the mold of traditional journalism by recording a video for TikTok from under a desk to make sense of the events unfolding on January 6, 2021. They aimed to initiate a conversation without claiming expertise. Today, Spehar’s TikTok account, “Under the Desk News,” boasts nearly 3 million followers, who appreciate their gentler take on current events. Their show focuses on actionable subjects, steering clear of true crime, and consistently ends on a positive note.
The surge in popularity of TikTok during the pandemic has attracted individuals like Spehar, who wish to discuss, document, and share their perspectives on global happenings. Dubbing themselves creators or influencers, these individuals have no aspirations of becoming traditional journalists. Josh Helfgott, a TikTok user with 5.5 million followers, exemplifies this trend. Through his recurring series, “Gay News,” Helfgott addresses current events relevant to the LGBTQ community. His videos garner millions of views and shed light on topics seldom heard in mainstream society.
Inspired by personal experiences of isolation and the desire to combat helplessness, many TikTok influencers have taken to the platform to foster a sense of connection. Kristy Drutman, for instance, launched the climate change-focused account “Brown Girl Green” to fill the representation gap for people of color in environmental discussions. Drutman shares climate news and offers hope-inspiring solutions, such as utilizing tax credits for energy-efficient updates. These influencers aim to provide inclusive and actionable content.
While traditional news media face an ongoing crisis, TikTok emerges as the fastest-growing social media platform for news consumption. According to a report by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, 20% of 18-to-24-year-olds now rely on TikTok to stay informed about current events, marking a 5% increase from the previous year. This growth highlights the shifting landscape and the role TikTok influencers play in shaping public discourse.
Recognizing the influence and potential of TikTok, news organizations have started to embrace these influencers. For example, the Los Angeles Times hired Spehar for six months to represent the publication on TikTok, benefiting both parties involved. This collaboration allowed Spehar to gain insight into traditional journalism while providing the publication with TikTok expertise. Spehar’s advice to journalists is to cultivate a following on TikTok that can support their reporting through subscription platforms like Substack.
