1880 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Suite 650, Houston, TX 77077

1880 S Dairy Ashford Rd, Suite 650, Houston, TX 77077

How banning TikTok hurts independent creators like Ness the Kid, Toasty, and creator collectives

In the age of digital media, TikTok has emerged as an indispensable platform for artists and creators to showcase their talent, and both Ness the Kid, an up-and-coming musician, and Toasty1k, a gaming content creator, are a testament to its transformative power. But as recent legislative measures threaten the accessibility of such platforms, the question arises: what impact do these limitations have on the artistic community?

TikTok: A Launchpad for Creators

For creators like Ness the Kid, Toasty1k, and collective organizations like yeSquad, among many others, TikTok has been more than just a social media platform; it’s a launchpad that propels talent into the limelight. Its unique algorithm, capable of amplifying content to a global audience, offers unparalleled exposure. Unlike traditional media, which often necessitates substantial investment and connections for visibility, TikTok democratizes fame. Creators can share their artistry directly with a diverse and engaged audience, fostering an environment where talent, rather than just commercial viability, can shine.

Ness the Kid’s journey exemplifies this. His music, characterized by a blend of catchy melodies and heartfelt lyrics, resonated with millions on TikTok on his @nessthekid823 account, catapulting him from a local artist to a globally recognized name. TikTok’s ability to create viral sensations overnight is not just a boon for artists but also for the music industry, which continually scouts the platform for the next big hit.

Toasty (@Toasty1k on TikTok), while being almost a polar opposite to Ness the Kid in content, also relies on TikTok as a platform to push his content and livestream his gaming content. TikTok LIVE is a powerful tool that brings a large audience to creators with their unique algorithm. Both Toasty and Ness rely on this tool to connect with their fans on a more personal level. Interaction with fans has always been the strongest form of marketing for any creator in any niche, and real-time live video interaction is just about as personal as it gets.

Creator collective groups like yeSquad also rely on TikTok for things like brand deals to effectively reach their audience. With over 2 million followers on their collective TikTok account (@yesquad) and a colossal 30 million on their personal accounts, yeSquad stands to lose an unthinkable level of reach that brands would pay a premium to reach.