Skylar Dukes, Henry Burton-Wehmeyer, and Nev Cameron, pictured above.
Has “TikTok Famous” become the new status of popularity?
TikTok is a social media platform that originated in Beijing, China as a short-term video-sharing app that quickly morphed into the ever-changing and coveted market of teen culture.
After its launch on the international market, it quickly became one of the most prominent apps in society. Now, TikTok is recognized by its worldwide publication of entertainment for people all across the globe as well as its array of various “TikTok Famous” individuals.
Today, the ideal of fame has not only gained prevalence in the media, but has also become much more attainable for people living everyday lives. While many attempt to build a following over time, there are only a handful who are able to achieve it overnight, if at all.
Students and alumni of Roosevelt have obtained their share of viral attention and become overnight TikTok sensations. But how exactly did these TikTokers get such sudden online recognition? What was their inspiration, and do they have any tips of success to share for it?
Now, it’s no surprise that viral videos are the trademark of any rising TikToker’s account. The range of “viral videos” not only spans many different genres, but various audiences as well.
Roosevelt junior Nev Cameron says, “In 7th grade I did a lip syncing video to a sad song,” while junior Henry Burton-Wehemeyer recorded a TikTok of how he looked before and after he came out. Roosevelt alumnus and current UW student Alex Berry says his viral video was one where “People [listed] off their qualities of why people would want to date them” while Roosevelt senior Skylar Dukes says she made her video from a trending sound because her dad made the pumpkin spice latte.
It’s commonly known that trends play a big role on how audiences receive certain videos. Trends can dictate whether a fashion style, video format, or even genetic feature is “in style” or not. But why and how do these videos come to be? Are they made with the intent of grabbing people’s attention, or are they purely made for fun?
Cameron says she didn’t “know why this one got famous.” In fact, she says it might’ve been the caption she used. “[The] caption was something really catchy, it was trendy, everyone liked it.” Dukes says she saw a trend of a sound where individuals compared a stereotypical parent’s lifestyle, to their own parents. Similarly, Berry says he made his video because he saw “a bunch of those kinds of videos on my for-you page.”
When experiencing a viral hit, not only do influencers have to consider the audience’s reaction, but also the reactions of friends and family. In terms of how these viral videos were received by the people around them and online, Cameron says she “actually never received hate” online, and was “kind of surprised so many creators get hated on for literally anything they do.”
However, her mother reacted poorly, mainly due to her daughter’s identity suddenly being widely known throughout TikTok and Instagram. Cameron says she soon recognized the growing number of people stopping her in the hall to ask if she could make TikToks with them. Yet most of the time, the people who approached her were people she didn’t even know.
Dukes says after posting her TikTok video, overall the comments were positive and encouraging, but her dad was “a little mad at me at first!” Dukes says the most hate she received was merely people making fun of it, but even so, her video was flooded with positivity.
On the opposing side, Berry says he genuinely had no idea if the entire school saw his video, or if no one saw his video. Berry says he didn’t necessarily tell anyone, and because of this he “didn’t think that anyone really even knew me.” Berry also says there wasn’t much of a reaction on his family’s end.
Similarly, Burton-Wehemeyer says he “didn’t really tell many people, just close friends” who supported them as well as his parents. Yet as his account started to grow, he says he was somehow filtered onto the for-you pages of Trump supporters, as well as individuals who supported Blue Lives Matter. Burton-Wehemeyer says that overall he didn’t receive backlash per se, however there were people who outwardly didn’t agree with who he was and how he identified online. While it definitely left an impression, Burton-Wehemeyer says he didn’t pay it much mind.
As these TikTokers have grown through social publicity, they’ve also picked up some tips and tricks along the way. Whether it be through personal experience, or being part of the audience themselves.
Cameron says her biggest suggestions for being recognised on TikTok are to “get the equipment for it” and “go with trends.” She adds that a broken or older phone may cause poor video quality as well.
“Don’t steal other people’s ideas,” and “credit people,” Burton-Wehemeyer says. Berry says once you do get recognition on TikTok, “try to take the opportunity for good, and like, make the best out of it I guess.” Additionally, Dukes says “you kinda have to like, jump on trends as they come,” and “have something interesting to add something to the conversation.”
With the current surge of TikTok, the app has grown into a platform that not only serves as quick and easy entertainment, but also as the occupation and income for many online influencers. While it may not be the most steady or consistent platform, it can give those looking for it a brief chance at fame.
From a viral video overnight, to an increase in followers over the course of a year, fame could befall anyone who decides to take a chance, and who knows? Maybe the next TikTok star is walking down these very Roosevelt halls.
