Created by Ari Bennett
Do you feel the content and networks that make up your experience on social media platforms reflect a diversity of people, lived experiences, and thought IRL? If not, and you're working to change that, WE GOT YOU. Whether you’re actively creating content or just taking in the sights across platforms, consider some of these easy practices for engaging with Black Creators and their content.
Follow More Black Creators and Engage with Their Content
First things first. Check your trove of liked content and take inventory. If you’re not already liking, sharing or commenting on the work of Black Creators, add some new friends to your roster so that their content and similar content shows up in your feeds.
Don’t know where to start? Consider looking for Black Creators who are developing content in the spaces that already interest you. Gotta have your daily horoscope interpretation? Search “Black Astrologers.” Love niche conversation about anime? Search #BlackAnimeTikTok, and if you’re lucky. You’ll come across Creators like J axx, who’s built a following of more than 61,000 people by making commentary on anime that ultimately pokes fun at her own quirky viewing behaviors.
Want to Be Involved in Activist Communities and Conversations On Social?
Consider who you are, what you care about, and how you can add value to conversations. Some folks have always had the instinct to address social and political topics, and others have been more reserved in taking up that kind of space. Nevertheless, while scrolling through social, you’re bound to come across a plethora of ideas, theories, and straight-up shots in the dark. So what do you do when you feel the charge to speak out, respond to an idea, or add to someone else’s?
Foremost, make sure that the topic of conversation is something that is meaningful to you. Consider how this topic affects your life or the lives of those around you. Consider how this topic of discussion may have never been part of your lived experience or the experiences of people you care about.
Now add to the recipe: speaking from a place of information. What does that mean? Find legitimate sources to expand your understanding of a topic and contextualize your opinions by using “I” statements when speaking. They’re a great way to remind yourself and others that your opinion is just that: yours.
Pass the Mic to Other Creators
Remember, not all Black Creators are dance enthusiasts or challenge seekers. Many are opinion leaders or specialists (lawyers, recruiters, accountants) giving professional advice. TikTok’s duet feature allows a Creator to integrate other Creators’ videos into their own, and often Creators tend to juxtapose their content so that both videos play at the same time. Duets are great tools for passing the mic and amplifying the voices of others. Many Creators who use the duet tool honor the voice of the featured Creator by using only the featured Creator's sound. The main Creator might use text, hand gestures or other forms of body language to show support or dissent for a viewpoint.
Collaborate with Black Creators
I know you saw this one coming. Yes, create content with Black Creators, introduce them into your network, and get acquainted with theirs. You can film original content, combine existing footage, or repost borrowed content. Whatever you choose to do, be respectful! Not sure where to start, we've got you covered. Check out our roundup of resources to help diversify your film crew.
Remember to Tag Creators
Give credit where it’s due. There’s nothing like coming up with something original only to have it copied. What’s worse is not even being cited. And what hurts more than that? Losing out financially. When Black Creators become more visible because of the content, trends, dances, and challenges that they create, brands and studios are more likely to approach them for partnership opportunities. Conversely, when not tagged, the Creators who are originating these nuggets of culture go largely unrecognized and uncompensated.
Now's you turn to sound off. Tell us about the Black Creators you’re following and how you're engaging, having fun, and building meaningful connections with them!
