People are always surprised when I tell them that I’m a user of TikTok. It’s probably because I’m known for hating a lot of social media channels and, at first blush, Tik Tok seems to be the most frivolous and obnoxious of the mainstream options. Or, you know, it might be because I’m old.
But, like anything else, the value of the medium depends on how you use it, and having now spent half a year checking out the app I can attest that it’s absolutely full of incredible information. I’ve learned—and retained—more with Tik Tok’s ten- to twenty-second videos than anything else in recent memory. There is a ton of creativity to soak in, and I appreciate anything with raw authenticity.
Here are ten accounts I heart the most:
@victoriaaveyard
This account gives us a glimpse into the life and creative process of traditionally published author Victoria Aveyard. What’s odd is that I love watching this woman and yet haven’t actually read any of her books—though my daughter and her friends inhaled the Red Queen series. I appreciate the “day in the life of an author” posts, her recounting the terror of being on deadline, and how she juggles social media pressures. Very down-to-earth and I want to be her friend.
@drmaryclaire
If you’re female and of a certain age, you’ve probably heard about Dr. Mary Claire and the success of her Galveston Diet book/website which “is an anti-inflammatory nutrition program and community designed for those in perimenopause, menopause, and beyond.” Not sure what “and beyond” means, but Dr. Claire has a bunch of great tips for navigating the hormonal mess that commences in your 40s and 50s. She’s great at answering viewers’ comments, especially about Hormone Replacement Therapy, and gives very specific advice on what to talk to your doctor about.
@derrickdowneyjr
I have no idea how this man’s videos popped up given my search history, but here is the basic gist of his posts: funny black man becomes foster father to a family of squirrels, talks to them, feeds them, builds them somewhere to live, does a gender reveal when the mom squirrel is pregnant. Yes, it’s silly, but the incongruity of how Derrick interacts with these creatures always makes me smile and some days that’s exactly what I need. It’s also proof that no matter where we are, nature’s beautiful moments are available to us.
@chooseyourglow
Maddy Prettyman specializes in skincare and makeup techniques for people who struggle with acne—which isn’t my issue anymore—but her videos delving into the ingredient lists of products have taught me a lot. She also has the loveliest, glowiest makeups tutorials that can be adapted to anyone. She’s definitely more of an “influencer” than I usually am drawn to, but there’s a contagious excitement about her work that I find uplifting. She comes across as genuine, thoughtful, and grateful, and I love to spend time with those types of people. She’s also branched out into social media coaching and has a great feed for digital entrepreneurs: @chooseyoursocial.
@effectivespaces
In real life, we all have that friend that knows how to make everything pretty. Their charcuterie boards tell a story. Their gifts are origami masterpieces. Their sheets are perfectly folded and sprayed with lavender water. I am definitely not one of those people, but I like to pretend I am by watching these posts by Natasha Swingler of Effective Spaces. It’s a very Zen experience to observe someone this skillful make a cocktail or organize her office drawers. I love that she knows her audience and regularly takes “folding requests” on what to film. There’s nothing visually jarring here, and her soundtracks are usually upbeat songs or product sounds that satisfy your penchant for ASMR.
@tamsenfadal
I doubt I’d ever have heard of Tamsen if it wasn’t for TikTok. According to her website, she’s an Emmy Award-winning TV journalist and podcast host, but I know and love her for her advice on how to thrive during menopause. Her content about random symptoms that you didn’t realize are related to menopause really opened my eyes. Have you heard of frozen shoulder? I hadn’t either, but it’s a thing. She’s also got great problem-solving product recommendations, like Pit Grit. She’s honest and relatable, kind of like your older sister who holds nothing back.
@cincylibrary
Part of the delight of this medium is finding random communities that you would not necessarily come across. Case in point: Library Tok! This is a subgenre—closely related to Book Tok—in which people who work in libraries reveal their obsessions and experiences. The absolute best channel I’ve come across so far is the one for the Cincinnati Public Library. I don’t know who these people are, but they are hilarious, fearless, and extremely witty. If I’m ever in Ohio, this is my first stop for sure! The little girl in me who wanted to be a librarian gets endless delight from the relatable posts, while the marketer in me wants to give these employees an award for “Best Directing/Acting/Production in a Video Series.”
@vincent.ford
Mr. Ford is the former Global Makeup Artist for NARS and has 20+ years of experience in TV, film, music, and print. Even though he has worked with some of the most gorgeous people in the world, his tutorials are easy to understand and copy. I like that he uses models of all ages and ethnicities in his videos, as well as explains interesting basics like color theory and how to use brushes.
@wemiopakunle
Wemi Opakunle is a life coach and motivational speaker who was born in Nigeria and moved to the US at the age of 13. She’s a prolific creator who helps to empower the human spirit so that we can live the life we dream about. Her channel is full of uplifting content like “Stop Looking for What’s Not Lost” and “A Reminder of Your Superpower.” Wemi is a beautiful person, and her calm, eloquent manner is affirming and inspiring.
@beautyofaboymom
This North Carolina mom of four boys is a blogger who focuses on affordable fashion and accessible beauty. Anna’s outfit inspo is classically stylish and very appropriate for those of us who aren’t trying to put everything on display. I like that she sources things from stores like Walmart and Madewell, and emphasizes clean products. Also helpful is that Anna goes deep into whatever she recommends, like doing a follow-up after a trip and revealing what she used/wore and what she wouldn’t bother with. I love her sunny disposition and healthy approach to life.
Main photo by Jenny Ueberberg at Unsplash.com.
