Love it or hate it, TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world—especially among younger Millennials and Generation Z.
But before you write off TikTok as a platform for viral dance moves and teenage influencers, let’s look at some of the facts.
With more than 1.4 billion monthly active users, TikTok has catapulted to the seventh most used social platform ahead of Snapchat, Pinterest and Twitter.
Time spent on the app is up 325% year-over-year, beating out time spent on Facebook per user per month.
That’s a huge audience of potential donors, volunteers and champions of your cause. Plus, it’s a lot of fun!
There’s no better time than now to create an account for your nonprofit organization. What better way to spread brand awareness and show off your personality than with a behind-the-scenes look at your organization and the amazing work you do?
To spark some ideas, I’ve compiled a list of five easy ways nonprofits can get involved on TikTok today. Check out the examples below:
1. Get on trend
There are millions of creators on TikTok who are responsible for many of the viral videos we all know and love. Check out the Discover section of your feed for trending content that your mission can leverage. You’d be surprised at some of the creative ways you can get involved! This video by SPCA of Texas is a perfect example.
@spcaoftexas You should definitely adopt a dog #MAKEYOURMOVE #adoptdontshop #fosterpet #fosteringsaveslives #dog #dogsoftiktok #mutt
♬ original sound - Montie and Ren
2. Feature your mission or programs
Showcase the people and programs that make you, you! Sharing a behind-the-scenes look at your mission in action or the many people who work at your organization will help viewers put a face to the name. Save the Children was able to show the incredible work they do in El Salvador through the story of one volunteer and photographer in the example below.
@savethechildren The belief that every child deserves a bright future is at the ❤️ of what we do. This #givingszn support our work around the world! #tiktokpartner
♬ Pieces (Solo Piano Version) - Danilo Stankovic
P.S. Check out the donation sticker featured in the video. Sponsored by Tiltify, TikTok is piloting donation stickers for roughly 90 nonprofits. Keep an eye out on this feature to see when it opens up to more organizations.
3. How-to content
It’s amazing what you can learn from creators on TikTok! A short tutorial on just about anything can be useful to someone. Find something that is in line with your cause and feature your best DIY.
@foodbanksj Just us... back at it again with another RECIPE! Thanks Karrie!! Try this one out and tag us... #foodie #fbsj #familystorytime #AlmondWalk #fyp
♬ I Lived - Kenny Packer
4. Create a challenge
Americares and Young Vax teamed up to create the “Wear a Mask” challenge that includes a dance for people to recreate. Using #MaskOnDanceOn, users are participating in the challenge to help spread awareness about the importance of masks and vaccines to the end of the pandemic.
There are plenty of other creative ways you can create your own challenge—or participate in one—to engage your constituents.
@karaleighcannella Mask on! Dance on!! You already know ❤️ #maskondanceon dc: @dezzisaenz @americares 😷 🧼 #dance #WearAMaskDance #Partner4Health #Partner
♬ Wear A Mask - Young Vax
5. Use the duet feature
Duets are a fun way to jump on trends and respond to other videos that people are creating. Check out how Animal Rescue League of Iowa incorporated their mission in the video below!
@arliowa #duet with @miagillespiee Who we think The Moms would adopt, Dog edition! #animalrescue #animalshelter #adopt #dogsoftiktok #thefivemoms #fyp
♬ Love Me - Justin Bieber
There are so many creative ways nonprofit organizations are already using TikTok to engage with their donors in a fun and personal manner. As it continues to rise in popularity, there’s no better time to jump on board.
Thank you to Molly Brown, Alexis Shankle, Jake Hudson and Charles Lehosit for contributing to this blog post.
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