As a writer, when the world moves on from the written word, there are two options. Adapt or die. I am trying to do the former.

For those who read my content regularly at PolisPandit and elsewhere, I write primarily on politics. Where can I write on politics in a modern world that has (largely) moved on from the written word?

TikTok.

You have probably heard of it, but for the uninitiated, TikTok is a social media platform owned by ByteDance, a Chinese company. The Chinese nexus makes me pause, but does not completely deter me. For the most part, TikTok’s content moderation is relatively lenient. Although I have not posted critical content of China as I have in other places. Yet.

What separates TikTok

TikTok blends the best of all social media worlds. The imagery and artistry of Instagram, short form video a la Vine(RIP), and many of the interesting creators and commentators found on Twitter.

Unlike other social media platforms, everyone makes short form videos on TikTok. Platforms like YouTube have tried to compete with options like YouTube Shorts. Instagram and (now) Facebook have added “Reels.” But none of these alternatives offer only a short form video experience with the functionality of TikTok.

There is also another big difference. Most, if not all, of these platforms use algorithms that consider follower count. So if you’re a creator just starting out, it can be all but impossible on some of the established platforms like Instagram to get engagement with only a handful of followers.

TikTok operates on an interests-based algorithm. While it is unclear to what extent they factor in follower count, the “For You” page features content tailored to a user’s “interests”, regardless of whether they follow someone or not. Based on my personal experience, sometimes I see content from random creators with almost no followers, likes, or shares.

This makes for strong discoverability. The structure also makes TikTok great for political content, particularly when it comes to communicating with far right political parties and voters.

Why TikTok is great for political content

Say, for example, you are a Trump voter. If you constantly consume Trump-related content, TikTok will keep feeding it to you, regardless of whether you follow a particular creator or not.

Because this type of content riles up emotions, it can supercharge TikTok’s algorithm. Some of my Trump content — such as this video on his infamous Helsinki Summit with Putin — has generated almost 12,000 views. In a matter of days or sometimes hours.

For those who read me regularly, you know how critical I am of Trump, the far right, nationalistic movements globally, and authoritarianism in general.

I don’t think TikTok necessarily cares. At this point I have published enough videos critiquing all of the things I mentioned, yet I still attract people who disagree with me. Just look at the comments on this video.

This tells me that TikTok is politically agnostic. Unlike Facebook where it is relatively easy to find your own tribe or personal echo chamber, TikTok seems to pump out any and all related content whether you are likely to agree or not. I base this not on my direct knowledge of the TikTok algorithm, but my continued ability to engage with far right TikTok users, even though many do not follow me (although some have started to).

Unlike some, I want to write for people who disagree with me. The very nature of politics is an endless quest of discovering the best ways to organize human life. Nobody has all of the right answers. No political group is infallible. Even if someone is morally depraved, they must be doing something right by attracting 70+ million voters.

TikTok lets me talk to that base. Even if many of the comments sling ad hominems and tell me how brainwashed I am, it’s better than writing an op-ed in The New York Times, which I can guarantee nobody on the far right would read. TikTok allows us to engage, which is why it is superior when it comes to political content.

How I write on TikTok

So you might be thinking — how does one write on a short form video platform? Let alone write about something as complicated and nuanced as politics.

TikTok has great functionality for writers. Although an image or (preferably) a video must be the base of the content, writers can add text with set duration (appearing for 1 second or longer). This allows anyone to craft their own narrative.

What’s more, TikTok has voiceover and captioning functionalities. It has tools that automatically generate closed captioning on any videos. Perfect for those of us who watch videos in places where we don’t want others to hear!

These tools allow creators to craft whatever narrative they are trying to tell. Not only do we stimulate viewers/readers with written words, but video and images too. It is truly 21st century writing.

How I communicate with the far right on TikTok

I am not looking to pick fights, first and foremost. But given that I know my content will likely reach people who disagree with me, I try to let objective facts do the talking. Although that’s admittedly difficult in a world with so many alternative facts.

One recent example is a video I made on Kevin McCarthy’s latest scandal. He denied making certain statements about Trump following January 6th and then The New York Times released audio of him making those very statements. McCarthy has scrambled to do damage control.

This example is about as cut and dry as it gets. A powerful politician caught in a lie should be pretty defenseless, although there were still a couple commenters who asked about Hunter Biden.

I don’t expect to change minds, nor is that the goal. Putting thoughtful content out there that might — just might — make someone with an opposing viewpoint stop and think is what I am trying to achieve. In turn, I hope to read comments that challenge my own viewpoints.

I would try to do the same with folks on the far left, but they are harder to find on social media. Say what you will about Trump voters, but they are loud and proud online. And although they may not outright “cancel” you like some may call for on the left, the online mob is ruthless.

Regardless, we cannot completely lose the ability to engage with people we disagree with. Democracy will cease to exist if that happens. Even if one side operates in bad faith, we still must engage. Shunning 70+ million people will only divide everyone further. And as Abraham Lincoln said in the lead up to the civil war:

“A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

I am hopeful that TikTok will help ease some of those divisions. Cautiously hopeful.