by By: Bianca Genevie Abello
As a Gen Z, I spend the equivalent of about three movies scrolling through TikTok every day. But what makes TikTok so addictive? From trending sounds to quirky educational clips, I find myself learning random facts all the time. Just this morning, I discovered that a cyclone was headed for the Pacific Northwest – through a TikTok video. While I always fact-check on Google, it’s interesting how much I end up learning from the app in such a short amount of time.
Growing up as the first generation with smartphones and social media, I can say that our attention spans have shrunk, and we tend to prefer content that’s quick and easy to digest. TikTok excels at this by offering highly engaging content that can be consumed anywhere, at any time. As a tech-savvy generation, Gen Z also values authenticity, community, and experiences. Many of us enjoy expressing our creativity through tools like CapCut or Adobe Premiere Pro, producing videos that captivate attention and resonate with audiences.
1. Influencers
When it comes to influencer marketing, Gen Z influencers are fantastic collaborators. They can provide genuine opinions about brands and showcase their creativity through content. However, to ensure smooth partnerships, it’s crucial to have clear agreements that specify the number of posts, content type, exclusivity, and a timeline for delivery in exchange for compensation or products. Influencer marketing professionals can help brands connect with trustworthy influencers whose values align with their own.
2. Humor
Humor is another key factor in TikTok’s success. Funny videos are more likely to go viral, and they help make brands feel more relatable, which strengthens connections with potential customers. A great example of this is Duolingo, which nails viral TikToks by riding trending audio clips. The brand embraces “unhinged content,” poking fun at itself, engaging in viral trends, and interacting with fans in the comments.
Trends
Going viral on TikTok is also about timing. Trends can be fleeting, so getting content out before they fade is essential. By participating in trending challenges that align with a brand’s identity, businesses can increase their chances of going viral and reaching a larger audience. TikTok also has a range of interactive features, like polls and Q&As, that foster direct engagement with viewers. This two-way communication helps create a stronger sense of community and connection, making TikTok the go-to platform for reaching audiences in a way that resonates.
In today’s fast-paced internet culture, staying ahead of trends and connecting with Gen Z is key to success.
