The White House has officially joined TikTok, publishing a 27-second clip on Tuesday and racking up 4,500 followers in just one hour. This move marks a strategic push to connect with digitally savvy audiences and tap into a platform boasting over 170 million U.S. users and nearly 2 billion worldwide.
Why TikTok?
In an era where short-form video dominates, TikTok offers a direct line to young global citizens, business innovators, and cultural trendsetters. The new account aims to break down complex policy discussions into snackable, shareable content.
TikTok's Future in the U.S.
A federal law requiring TikTok's sale or ban on national security grounds was set to take effect on January 20, but the deadline was paused. In mid-June, the timeline was extended by 90 days, now expiring in mid-September, adding uncertainty over the app's long-term presence.
Numbers and Platforms
- White House TikTok: 4,500 followers in 1 hour
- Trump's TikTok: 110.1 million followers (last post on Nov. 5, 2024)
- Trump's X: 108.5 million followers
- Truth Social: 10.6 million followers
- White House X: 2.4 million; Instagram: 9.3 million
As the digital landscape evolves, the White House's TikTok debut signals a broader trend: governments worldwide recognizing the power of social media to shape public discourse, engage young voters, and deliver real-world impact in a fast-paced digital age.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
