Picture this: you’re scrolling through TikTok, giggling at a quirky dance or a meme that hits way too close to home, and suddenly, there’s Netflix, popping up like your coolest friend who always knows what’s trending. With over 34 million followers and a knack for stealing the spotlight, Netflix has cracked the code on TikTok marketing, turning shows like Squid Game and Wednesday into global obsessions. From 2020 to 2021, they skyrocketed to 10.6 million followers, and they’re still growing. So, how does Netflix make TikTok feel like a cozy hangout while subtly convincing you to binge their latest series? Let’s dive into their playbook and see what makes their approach so dang irresistible—and what your brand can steal to shine on TikTok.

1. They Get TikTok’s Wild, Wonderful Vibe

Netflix doesn’t just post on TikTok; they live there. They know TikTok is a whirlwind of goofy trends, heartfelt moments, and pure chaos, and they lean into it with open arms. As Netflix’s film marketing VP Jonathan Helfgot puts it, you’ve gotta “sprinkle a little chaos” to stand out. They’re not recycling stuffy TV ads—they’re crafting short, punchy videos that feel like they were born on the app.

• Made-for-TikTok Clips: Take Bridgerton. Instead of a boring trailer, Netflix dropped quick, swoon-worthy snippets of romantic glances and dramatic ball scenes that had fans screaming, “I need this in my life!” Those clips helped make Bridgerton a record-breaking hit.

• Riding Trends: When a catchy sound or challenge takes off, Netflix is ready. For Squid Game, they paired a tense scene with a viral audio clip, and boom—it became their most-watched TikTok post, fueling the show’s global craze.

• Short and Sweet: Most of their videos are under 30 seconds because they know you’re probably scrolling at lightning speed. But when they want to tell a bigger story, they’ll stretch to a couple of minutes for max feels.

Netflix gets that TikTok isn’t about perfection—it’s about fun and realness. That’s why their content feels like it’s made by someone who’s just as obsessed with the app as you are.

2. They Team Up with TikTok Stars Like Old Pals

Netflix knows the real MVPs of TikTok are the creators who make you laugh, cry, or dance like nobody’s watching. So, they team up with influencers—big names, small creators, and everyone in between—to spread the word about their shows in a way that doesn’t feel like an ad.

• Cobra Kai’s Big Win: For Cobra Kai Season 3, Netflix worked with ten influencers from the U.S. to France, creating a #CobraKaiChop filter that got 2.8 million views. The hashtag? It exploded by 500 million views, all because those creators made it feel like a party everyone wanted to join.

• Perfect Matches: For Bridgerton, they picked influencers who live for romance and fancy vibes, getting them to recreate Regency-era dances or gush about the show’s drama. It felt so natural, fans couldn’t resist jumping in.

• Letting Creators Shine: Netflix gives influencers a simple brief and says, “Do your thing!” That freedom makes the content feel like a friend’s recommendation, not a sales pitch.

By partnering with creators who already have fans’ trust, Netflix sneaks into your feed like a buddy sharing a hot tip—and it works like magic.

3. They Start Trends That Take Over Your FYP

Netflix doesn’t just follow trends; they make them. Their viral challenges turn viewers into co-stars, creating a buzz that’s impossible to ignore.

• Wednesday’s Dance Fever: Remember that Wednesday dance to Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary”? It wasn’t just Jenna Ortega slaying it—everyone from soldiers to grandmas got in on the action. The trend racked up billions of views, helping Wednesday become Netflix’s second-biggest English-language series with 1.24 billion hours watched in a month.

• Bridgerton’s Fan Frenzy: Netflix got fans to dress up in gowns, act out scenes, or dance like they’re at a Bridgerton ball. The #Bridgerton hashtag blew up with billions of views, turning the show into a cultural obsession.

• Smart Hashtags: They mix their own hashtags (like #netflix or #squidgames) with popular ones (like #comedy) to pop up on more For You Pages. Fun fact: four hashtags get the most views, but two spark the deepest engagement.

These challenges make you feel like you’re part of the Netflix universe, not just watching it. It’s like they’re saying, “Come play with us!”

4. They Act Like Your Biggest Fan

Netflix isn’t some distant corporation on TikTok—they’re like that friend who hypes you up. They show up as fans first, and it makes you want to root for them.

• Chatting with Fans: They reply to comments, share fan art, and repost your videos, making you feel seen. For Stranger Things, they shared retro fan posters that had everyone feeling nostalgic.

• Meme Queens: Netflix’s TikTok is basically a meme account sometimes, dropping hilarious, relatable posts that scream, “We get you.” Whether it’s a Ginny & Georgia joke or a Squid Game meme, they’re speaking your language.

• Building a Squad: By showcasing fan reactions or stitching fan videos, Netflix creates a vibe where everyone’s in on the fun. For The Perfect Find, they shared a montage of fans freaking out over key moments, and it felt like a group chat come to life.

This down-to-earth approach makes Netflix feel like a pal, not a brand, which is why fans keep coming back.

5. They’re Secretly Super Smart About Data

Okay, Netflix might seem all fun and games, but behind the scenes, they’re crunching numbers like nobody’s business. Their data obsession—part of why their streaming service is so addictive—powers their TikTok game, too.

• Posting Like Pros: From April 2021 to March 2022, they ramped up to 100 videos a month, growing their followers by 70% and adding 9 million new fans. They know exactly when to post for max impact.

• Reading the Room: Using TikTok Analytics, they track what you watch, like, and share. That’s how they knew Squid Game would hit big with Gen Z, who love discovering foreign shows (49% of them are into cultural exploration).

• Going Global: Netflix mixes in diverse content, like Korean dramas or anime, to connect with fans worldwide. Their Business Proposal posts, for example, hooked romance fans across continents.

By using data to figure out what you love, Netflix makes sure their TikToks land right in your sweet spot.

6. They Bring the Party Beyond TikTok

Netflix doesn’t stop at TikTok—they throw in real-world stunts and cross-platform campaigns that make their shows unforgettable.

• Wednesday’s Everywhere: The Wednesday campaign wasn’t just about that viral dance. They put “What would Wednesday do?” on airport security trays and splashed localized billboards worldwide, tying it all back to TikTok’s buzz.

• Stranger Things’ Wild Rides: They teamed up with Lyft for “Strange Mode” rides and Burger King for upside-down burgers, then shared the hype on TikTok. Those collabs got thousands of new followers in a snap.

• The Thing’s Big Moment: For Wednesday, Netflix sent a creepy crawling hand roaming New York streets, filming reactions for TikTok. It was weird, it was bold, and it stuck with everyone who saw it.

These big, bold moves make Netflix’s TikTok campaigns feel like part of a larger adventure, pulling you into their world.

What Your Brand Can Learn

Netflix’s TikTok magic is something any brand can tap into. Here’s how to borrow their sparkle:

1. Vibe with TikTok: Make videos that feel like they belong on the app—fun, quick, and full of personality.

2. Befriend Creators: Team up with influencers who love your niche and let them tell your story their way.

3. Get Fans Involved: Start a challenge or hashtag that invites people to join the fun, like a mini community.

4. Be a Friend, Not a Brand: Chat with fans, share their content, and drop memes to show you’re one of them.

5. Peek at the Data: Use TikTok Analytics to see what works and tweak your posts to keep fans hooked.

6. Go Big or Go Home: Mix TikTok with real-world or cross-platform ideas to make your brand unforgettable.

Picture this: you’re scrolling through your phone, and a 15-second video of a dog attempting to skateboard has you grinning like an idiot. Thirty seconds later, you’re in a group chat with your best friends, laughing over an inside joke that only makes sense to you guys. Welcome to social media in 2025, where short-form videos and private group platforms are stealing the show—and honestly, it feels like they’re speaking straight to our souls.

Why Short-Form Videos Are Our New Obsession

Let’s be real: we’re all a little distracted these days. Between work, notifications, and the chaos of life, sitting through a 10-minute YouTube vlog feels like a commitment. That’s where TikTok, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reels swoop in like superheroes. They’re quick, punchy, and somehow know exactly what we’re in the mood for—whether it’s a cooking hack, a dance fail, or a stranger’s heartfelt story.

By April 2025, these platforms are basically running the internet. TikTok’s got over 1.5 billion people hooked, and YouTube Shorts is racking up billions of views every single day. Social Media Today reported on TikTok’s massive growth, and it’s no surprise why. They’re so darn easy to love. You don’t need fancy equipment or a film degree to make something awesome—just a phone and a vibe. I mean, how many times have you watched a random person’s “day in my life” clip and thought, “Wow, I feel seen”?

There’s something raw about these videos, too. They’re not overly polished—they’re real, messy, human. That’s why we keep coming back, whether we’re laughing at a meme or tearing up over a stranger’s adoption story. Even brands are jumping in, with everyone from Starbucks to your local coffee shop posting Reels that feel like they’re chatting with you, not selling you something.

But let’s not pretend it’s all smooth sailing. For creators, standing out in the scroll is like trying to shout in a thunderstorm. And don’t get me started on making money—platforms like TikTok can be stingy with payouts, which is a bummer when you’re pouring your heart into every clip. Still, short-form videos are where the party’s at, and we’re all invited.

Private Groups: Where We Actually Feel at Home

Now, let’s talk about the flip side—those cozy corners of the internet where we can just be ourselves. I’m talking about private group platforms like WhatsApp, Discord, and Telegram, or even those invite-only Reddit threads and Meta Groups. These days, when I’m done doomscrolling X or dodging hot takes on Instagram, it’s my group chats and servers that pull me back in.

In 2025, WhatsApp’s got over 2 billion of us glued to our screens, mostly because of group chats that feel like family (or at least, the fun kind of family). Discord’s blowing up, too, with servers for everything from gaming to book clubs to “I just love plants, okay?” TechCrunch recently noted Discord’s skyrocketing popularity, and it’s easy to see why. It’s like the internet’s version of hanging out in your friend’s basement—no judgment, just vibes.

Why are we so obsessed? Because public social media can feel like a stage sometimes. You’re shouting into the void, hoping someone cares, but it’s exhausting. Private groups are different. They’re where you share the dumb memes, vent about your day, or geek out over your latest hobby without worrying about going viral or getting canceled. It’s you and your people, and that’s enough.

Businesses are catching on, too. I’ve seen brands pop into WhatsApp chats to answer questions or host giveaways on Discord like they’re one of us. Creators are doing it, too, setting up private spaces on Signal or Patreon where their biggest fans can hang out and feel special. It’s less about clout and more about connection, and I’m here for it.

Of course, it’s not perfect. Some groups can turn into echo chambers, where everyone just agrees and no one challenges anything. And yeah, privacy’s always a worry—nobody wants their group chat drama leaking. But when you find the right space, it’s like the internet equivalent of a warm hug.

What This All Means for Us

So here we are, bouncing between viral videos that make us laugh in seconds and group chats that make us feel known for years. Short-form videos are our quick fix—they’re fun, they’re real, they’re us on our best days. Private groups, though? They’re where we go when we need to recharge, to remind ourselves we’ve got people in our corner.

Hey marketers! If you've been navigating the wild world of digital ads, buckle up because TikTok just dropped something big: "Smart+". Launched back in October 2024, this tool is all about making your life easier while ramping up the effectiveness of your ad campaigns.

What's Smart+ All About?

Smart+ is like having a super-smart assistant who knows exactly what to do with your ad budget:

Ad Creation on Autopilot: You plug in your assets, set your budget, and define your targets into TikTok's Ads Manager. Then, Smart+ does its magic, crafting ads that hit the mark by tapping into the latest trends, what viewers like, and what's worked before. It's like having a personal ad designer who gets your brand.

Smart Targeting and Bidding: This AI doesn't just guess; it studies user data to find your perfect audience. It adjusts bids on the fly, ensuring your ads pop up when and where they'll do the most good.

Keeping It Fresh: Ever noticed how ads can get stale? Smart+ keeps your content fresh by mixing up creatives, so your audience stays engaged without getting bored.

Tailored Campaigns for Every Need

Smart+ isn't a one-trick pony; it's designed for all sorts of marketing goals:

Boost Your Website: If you're trying to drive traffic or conversions, Smart+ zeroes in on the folks most likely to click through.

E-commerce Magic: It showcases your products to users who are already showing interest, potentially leading to more sales.

App Install Gold: For those promoting apps, Smart+ uses TikTok's platform to get your app in front of the right eyes.

Lead Generation: It targets those ready to take the next step, collecting leads directly on TikTok.

Seamless Integration

Smart+ fits nicely into TikTok's existing tools:

Ads Manager: Your control center for setting up and managing Smart+ campaigns.
TikTok Symphony: An AI suite that helps with the creative side, from writing scripts to producing videos, making Smart+ even smarter.

Real Results from Early Adopters

Marketers who've jumped on the Smart+ bandwagon are seeing some impressive numbers:
Lower Costs: Some have seen their acquisition costs drop by 21%.

Higher Conversion: Up to 26% better conversion rates.

More for Your Money: ROAS has jumped by as much as 89%.

But It's Not All Smooth Sailing

There are a few bumps in the road:

Privacy Concerns: With TikTok often in the spotlight for data privacy, Smart+ aims to keep things above board with tech like clean rooms for data analysis.

AI Learning Curve: If you're used to the hands-on approach, letting AI take the wheel can feel a bit like letting go of control. There's also the risk of missing out on human creativity and intuition.

Regulatory Risks: The future of TikTok in some markets is a bit of a question mark, which might make some advertisers wary.

As we come into the year 2025, TikTok has created a powerhouse in digital marketing. Because of its entertaining and commercial blend, new ways are being offered from TikTok marketing strategies where brands could connect with this engaged and global audience. Herein lies a thorough look at the current trend and strategy that defines what TikTok marketing is today.

1. Strategic Use of TikTok Ads

TikTok's advertising ecosystem has grown sophisticated, providing brands with multiple avenues to reach their audience. The strategy now lies in understanding the platform's unique user behavior: short attention spans and a preference for authentic, engaging content.

In-feed Ads: These blend completely in and are non-interruptive; a way to introduce one's products or services smoothly. Brands experiment with several creatives to nail what is catching eyeballs in the fraction of a second.
TopView Ads: This ad format takes up the screen for up to 60 seconds, offering exactly what brands need to fire up storytelling. It hands them a canvas to draw a story around their products.
Branded AR Effects: This is a playground for creativity because augmented reality ads, with branded lenses or filters, encourage users to interact more and create content around a certain theme or product of a brand.

The key here is relentless testing-understand what resonates through the view duration, engagement rate, and conversion.

2. Creative Content and Short Drama

The storyline on TikTok has now moved to telling a story with a plot twist. The short-form drama or 'series' in TikTok format is gaining popularity, and this is indeed giving brands a way to engage users over time in the following manner:

Mini-Series: Brands have created mini-series to communicate stories aligned with their ethos or even to show usage of a product in context. This not only engages but also builds brand identity overtime.
Creative Challenges: Besides traditional dance or lip-sync challenges, brands now involve narrative or puzzle-based challenges where a user is called to develop a story further or solve the mystery related to a certain product.
User-Generated Content: This enables users to create content, adding a story angle about a product or service in order to build a community surrounding the brand.

3. Influencer Marketing and Public Image Management

The power of TikTok is extending beyond product marketing to influencing public perception.

Crisis Management: Political figures, among other public personalities, have been more and more engaging TikTok influencers for image management or crisis issues that come off as much more credible to the younger audiences.
Narrative Control: Through the usage of influencers with a more trusted voice in some demographics, brands and figures may create or control narratives in ways that are hard to do through traditional media.
Micro-Influencer Strategy: Because TikTok algorithms favor quality over the quantity of followers, micro-influencers are gold in the eyes of brands striving for authenticity and niche targeting.

4. Success Stories and Viral Content

Going viral on the platform has been a goldmine for small businesses in that the authenticity wins; brands showing the human side of their businesses, probably through behind-the-scenes content or telling stories of customer interactions, usually see high engagement.
Algorithm Leverage: Finally, understanding how TikTok's algorithm picks up when new and appealing content increases the visibility by posting consistently as well as catching up to trends.
Case Study: Success stories of various businesses-from the local retailer to new-fangled technical gadgets-who have created a storm online are both informative and help marketers pick up valuable insight. Typically, such cases show an ability to merge creativity and community engagement successfully.

5. Trends and Product Promotion

The trendsetting capability of TikTok drives marketing in the following:

Challenge Marketing: Brands are not just following the trends but often start the trend themselves, using their custom hashtags or challenges for user participation.
Product Demonstrations: Showing products in action, generally in a funny or creative way, can often yield viral moments if one leverages the humoral and surprise culture on TikTok.
Trend Analysis: Equipped with analytics tools, brands are now better at either predicting or promptly reacting to trends, positioning their marketing in line with what people are talking about.

6. E-commerce Integration through TikTok Shop

The TikTok Shop has revolutionized how brands conduct e-commerce:

Direct Sales: The integration enables direct buying options, allowing viewers to become buyers in-app in a highly shortened sales funnel.
Live Selling: The concept of selling live is pretty much like TV shopping, but since TikTok is an interactive platform, a live stream of product demo or review can get directly converted into sales. Shoppable Videos: Product tagging in videos makes it seamless for the user to shop inside the video content.

Without a doubt, the social network that has best succeeded in changing how music is found is TikTok. Today it was announced that TikTok is partnering with music streaming service Deezer to give their users a better, more seamless and fun experience.

Introducing Add to Music App

This collaboration comes in line with the feature "Add to Music App" of TikTok, enabling users to save the songs they come across on TikTok into their favorite music streaming service. This means, with the joining of Deezer to that feature, users can save the track to their Deezer playlist without much effort.

Seamless Integration for Music Lovers

Add to Music App will appear next to the track name, below the TikTok video on For You Feed. At first usage, users will be able to select Deezer as a preferred streaming service. Once connected, Deezer will serve as the default destination when tracks are saved from future TikTok use. Integration makes capturing and enjoying your favorite music all too easy.

Increasing Music Discovery

TikTok is known for being one of the best platforms for discovering both new and catalog music. The partnership with Deezer will further this experience in allowing millions more music fans to save and enjoy the music they discover on TikTok. It's a win-win for both platforms and their users as it helps turn brief encounters with music into lasting connections.

Excitement from Industry Leaders

Michael Kümmerle, Global Head of Music Partnership Development at TikTok, said he was excited about the partnership because it has the potential to benefit millions of music fans and artists around the world. Matthieu Gorvan, Chief Product and Technology Officer at Deezer, echoed similar sentiments, saying that music discovery should be effortless and enjoyable.

Phoenix, AZ – On this National Giving Tuesday, we wish to spotlight this past month's very special live fundraiser event hosted by TikTok and Make-A-Wish, with multi-platinum singer-songwriter Jason Derulo and independent singer-songwriter and mental health advocate Alexander Stewart. The evening happened this past Tuesday, November 19, 2024. They aim to raise $250,000 in one hour, to grant life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses.

A Night of Music and Giving

The entire 3-hour LIVE event was replete with music, excitement, and much emotional moments as Jason Derulo and Alexander Stewart performed for their fans. Special gifts could be sent during the LIVE session, for which TikTok would donate to Make-A-Wish for each gift sent. This event spurred the inspiring behavior of the TikTok community to become Wish Makers and support a cause that finally mattered.

The Impact of Wishes

Leslie Motter, president and CEO of Make-A-Wish America, underlined the importance of these wishes for transforming the lives of the children and even improving health outcomes. "Wishes bring hope and inspiration, uplift spirits, and connect people," Motter said. "We are thankful to TikTok and every artist using their platform to help make more wishes a reality."

A Community United

It was a testament to the power of community and the resulting power of pooled giving. Further testifying to the commitment of TikTok to making positive change in the world was a $3 million pledge in funds, along with an additional $1 million in ad credits, to various nonprofit organizations.

In this digital age, social media platforms have emerged as strong domains for discourses on politics, where the emergence of social media influencers is seminal in shaping public opinion. Among such platforms is TikTok, a viral outlet that gives rapid amplification to any voice, reaching millions across the globe. The recent Romanian Presidential Election acts as a strong case study, depicting how TikTok Influencers are changing the Political Landscape across the Globe.

The Evolution of Social Media’s Political Role

While in the initial stages of social media platforms such as Facebook and Twitter, social media was mainly used for disseminating news and debating, the landscape has radically changed. With the likes of Instagram and TikTok setting a different layer of influence, personal branding has intertwined with entertainment to pass on political messaging. Influencers, who had previously engaged in lifestyle or pure entertainment content, have recently found a niche in political advocacy, capitalizing on their huge following bases to create political conversations.

That is most evident on TikTok, where highly engaging short-form videos go viral in no time. Political campaigns and movements now recognize the potential that the platform has for reaching younger, often politically disengaged demographics.

The TikTok Effect: Romanian Presidential Election

A case in point for such political influence of TikTok would be the recent Romanian presidential election. In a surprise twist, the far-right candidate Călin Georgescu gained momentum with the help of TikTok, connecting especially with young voters. His wider success on the platform underlines a broader trend: the power of social media influencers and non-traditional political figures to circumvent mainstream press and reach out directly to the electorate.

This is not some phenomenon peculiar to Romania. In the 2020 U.S. presidential election, TikTok proved to be a major player, where continuously, influencers urged people to register voters and go out to participate in it. In similar trends in Brazil and the Philippines, there was something similar, in which social media campaigns play an influential role in the electoral outcomes.

The Dynamics of Influence: Trust and Authenticity

What differs with the influencer is a perceived authenticity, something that makes them relatable to their audience. This quality makes their endorsements and opinions potentially very persuasive. What results is an extremely powerful platform for political messaging, but at the same time, the ability to spread misinformation is just as powerful.

The TikTok algorithm, optimized for user engagement, inadvertently fosters echo chambers of information. It greatly exposes users to information that aligns with their current beliefs, which, in turn, can catalyze further polarization during politically sensitive times, like elections, by amplifying extremist views.

Case Studies of Political Influencers

Other countries besides Romania offer a glimpse into how the landscape of influencers is changing politics:

US: Influencers like Charli D'Amelio have used their platforms to promote voter registration, reaching millions of young Americans. The political influence of these social media celebrities, however, cuts both ways: just as the reach can be harnessed to inform, it can also be exploited in spreading misinformation or biased narratives.
- The Middle East to Latin America: Influencers have been key players in organizing protests and social movements, showing that this, too, is a global trend. Yet, the impact differs according to regional political climates and internet regulations.

Benefits and Risks of Influencer Politics

Advantages:
- Increased Engagement: Influencers can mobilize young and disengaged voters, making politics more accessible and relatable.
- 'Simplification of Complicated Issues': Influencers can take difficult political issues and simplify them using short, captivating videos, for a more comprehensive understanding.

Risks:
- Misinformation: The informal nature of content on social media can blur the line between opinion and fact, contributing to the spread of misinformation. During the Romanian election, concerns were raised about the accuracy of information disseminated by influencers.
- Ethical Concerns: It brings up questions about authenticity and transparency in monetizing political content. Are influencers truly advocating for a cause, or are they swayed by financial incentives?

Regulatory and Ethical Considerations

As social media's clout in politics increases, so does the clamor for its regulation. Countries like Australia want strict laws that call for age verification and content moderation on platforms such as TikTok. The European Union recently introduced regulations intended to combat misinformation and increase transparency for political advertising.

The subject of regulating political content on social media has been discussed with great intensity within the context of the Romanian election. Experts warn that unduly unregulated, this information can undermine the democratic process with unverified or biased information spreading at an unimaginable rate through platforms designed for entertainment.

In a surprise twist, President-elect Donald Trump said that he would save TikTok from a ban in the United States. This has been a turbulent year of lawsuits and not knowing whether it had a future within one of its most massive markets.

The Background

TikTok owner ByteDance has been criticized as a national security risk for data privacy concerns. In April, President Joe Biden signed a federal law demanding ByteDance divest its stakes in TikTok within nine months, though the time limit can be extended by another three months if a sale is in process. If that fails, TikTok will be banned in the U.S. come January 19, 2025, a day before Trump's second inauguration.

Trump's Pledge

Trump had promised, during his campaign, to block the ban of TikTok at every turn, in complete contrast to his first term when he himself had tried to ban the app. He says banning TikTok will only help out its competitor, Facebook, which he has repeatedly blamed for the 2020 election outcome. Trump's transition team has made it clear he will make good on the promise, saying the American people re-elected him with a mandate to get his campaign promises through.

Legal and Political Maneuvering

The fate of TikTok remains in the courts, with both sides urging a federal appeals court to rule by December 6. Whoever loses is likely to appeal to the Supreme Court, which would take at least several more months. If Trump takes office before the case concludes, he might press Congress for a repeal or instruct his attorney general not to enforce the ban.

Lobbying Efforts

In an effort to cling to TikTok, ByteDance has been aggressive in its lobbying in Washington, spending millions already. The company has hired several veterans, including David Urban, a lobbyist and former aide to the Trump campaign, and Kellyanne Conway, former senior Trump aide, who has now been pushing TikTok's interests in Congress.

Implications for TikTok Users

For an incoming president who has come out swinging against China, this could be the most significant policy about-face. For TikTok's 180 million U.S. users, this means an uncensored ability to go on using the popular app without disruption. Larger elements related to U.S.-China relations and data privacy, however, remain to be seen.

Dear sports enthusiasts, rejoice! In the upcoming season, i.e. later this fall, TikTok partners with the top Major League Soccer (MLS) to enhance their fans experience with a live stream which will be completely dedicated to Lionel Messi. Titled ‘Spotlight on Messi’, the live feature was announced to air on the app in October. "Player Spotlight: Messi," a special feature, will allow fans to get a close-up and personal look at the iconic football player throughout the MLS Cup playoffs. Let's examine the specifics and discover what makes this partnership unique.

A First-of-its-Kind Experience

For the first time ever, TikTok will broadcast an entire live match with a single player focus. During Inter Miami CF's playoff games, the camera will be trained on Messi, capturing every move, assist, goal, and celebration. This "Messi Cam" will allow fans to virtually be on the pitch with him, experiencing the action from Messi's perspective.

Why Messi?

Lionel Messi, the eight-time Ballon d'Or winner is driving the franchise that is Inter Miami CF . He has been able to put his magnificent talents on display recently with, among other things, a hat-trick of goals in his most recent game. As Inter Miami prepares for their first-ever MLS Cup playoffs, the spotlight on Messi is a no-brainer. Fans can't wait to see how he performs under the pressure of the playoffs.

How to Watch

The @MLS TikTok profile will host the exclusive live feed, while the @InterMiamiCF TikTok profile will simulcast it. Fans will have plenty of time to settle in and get ready for the action as the stream will begin five minutes prior to kickoff. Both soccer fans and tech enthusiasts are likely to take notice of this unusual watching experience.

What to Expect

The camera will direct its attentions on Messi so that the viewer can appreciate the event much more in a personalized way. Everything from his tactical movements to the thrilling soccer moments is to be streamed live. This is a road less traveled in live events and it is a visible sign of TikTok and MLS stepping forward.

Discovering the Magic of AI Tools

I remember the moment when my leisure online browsing transformed into an absorbing TikTok experience. As I scrolled through creative videos, I encountered one that caught my eye as being extremely different from the rest. An interesting thing about this video was that it was not only a visual masterpiece, but also made use of AI tools to augment it within the narrative itself. That’s when I discovered two more names in AI technology used in the filmmaking: ShortX and Runway ML.

What Are ShortX and Runway ML?

ShortX is an AI program designed to help in the easy creation of short video content. It is ideal for use in channels like TikTok’s, YouTube Shorts, and Instagram Reel’s. In ShortX you can easily create exciting content with very little hustle. On the other hand, Runway ML is an art toolbox which applies machine learning to enable designers indulge in the act of creation. The toolkit supports advanced level of video editing, creation of images or even animation.

Trying My Best

I became interested once I saw the videos and that’s when I thought these tools might help. After all one does not sit around and wait for inspiration, but rather goes in search of it. I had a random idea for a short story and it was titled “One Fine Day of a Coffee Mug”. Doesn't that sound interesting? So, I opened the window and placed the scenes in ShortX and got them moving without a pause. After that – Runway ML was used to introduce other fun special effects like steam coming out of the coffee or animation that made the whole cup "move its lips".

The Learning Curve

When I first started working on it, I felt a bit stressed. It wasn’t that easy because there were many ways to try but as much as I tried, the learning curve was rather fun. With the help of ShortX, I was able to put together numerous clips, and Runway ML added some artistic touch. And the main prize was, it was all possible even without having complex programming knowledge.

Going Viral

My video was ready after a few hours of work. Having no high expectations, I posted it on TikTok. I was rather amazed when it began to generate a buzz. The interesting idea and the soft animation touched the minds of many people. In a week’s time, the video has accumulated numerous views and likes, which has turned it into a viral phenomenon.