We are Curious About TikTok.

[ElizabethR]

We have seen headlines about certain TikTok posts and headlines about the top recipes or cleaning hacks on TikTok. Then, we read one of those articles about making money online. The author bypassed freelance writing and blogging. The author suggested finding a niche and write about it on TikTok. This sounds like blogging to us. Is it?

How is TikTok as a promotional tool?

[Windy]

Did they really say to WRITE on TikTok?

My daughter talks about this platform all the time. I thougtht it was primarily, if not STRICTLY video. So maybe more like Vlogging.  Really QUICK vlogging. Segments are short. Demographics skew young.

From Investopedia: TikTok is a popular social media app that allows users to create, watch, and share 15-second videos shot on cellphones. With its personalized feeds of quirky short videos set to music and sound effects, the app is notable for its addictive quality and high levels of engagement. Amateur and professional creators alike can add effects like filters, background music, and stickers to their videos, and can collaborate on content and create split-screen duet videos even if they're in different locations.

[ElizabethR]

Thank you. That doesn't sound promising. I wish we had saved the article. I am sure no one writes a script. I bet they just wing it.

[Windy]

I have thought about doing a video for Instagram. It would involve choosing a few of my product images and zooming in and out and panning, I guess a video montage. I have a special interest that I use Instagram for, and so far I have a little over a hundred followers who mostly share that interest. And it IS something people might buy shirts for. I think I need more followers than that, before I start pushing products over there for that interest. This increase in followers will probably happen gradually over the next year, so I might think about video montage later. 

Besides, I'm spending this year trying to get good at drawing, and building my Zazzle catalog to a certain target goal. 

As you are curious about TikTok, if you have a smart phone (I guess that's what you need), you might just go ahead and download the app and see what it's all about.

[SimplyDesigned]

I dont make TikToks but browse videos there. They used to have a 60 second maximum for video length but I think they made it 3 minutes as of now. It's full of all kinds of things like cute kid/animal videos people make, educational things on almost anything from health to parenting to how to start a small business. If someone regularly purchased Zazzle products showing them off could have potential there. You can add text overlays to your videos and utilize hashtags like #fyp which is "for you page" or your home feed so to speak. You can also use viral sounds from others in your TikTok, sounds are named and searchable like hashtags and usernames. It does seem to be very SEO driven. Folks that make neat content that gets a ton of followers can have brands reach out and give them sponsorships and what not. There is even a "live" feature I guess you could use to promote current sales.

[MarilynR]

Okay, we have Pinterest boards with skateboards and frisbees, so if we were good at either or knew someone who is, video demos could work but how do you add Zazzle products or a link to the Pinterest board or a blog post. Our other focus is decorating, Are shopping network shows still a big thing on TV. Maybe a shopping-network-style video series featuring Zazzle products especially if you emphasized how adding this to your home could be more unique than even items from upscale stores.  Thoughts anyone?

[Malissa]

@MarilynR 

eta- your ideas about adding zazzle decor in or demoing frisbees and skateboards is a fun idea, but definitely a commitment to buying products and seeking out real life homes/people to use them and filming andediting to the short max time frame of 3 minutes.

I asked my 19 yo son what he thought, I think he is in the demographic tiktok is skewed toward and he said people don't watch product videos.  You need to have super short videos that are fun and/or interesting to even make it to the "for you" tab.   A hashtag won't get you there.  It needs to have trending music or a trending topic. Trends move fast.   After you get some attention you might be able to add product reviews or something, but it can't just be slides of products being advertised,  well it CAN, but it probably won't get any views.  Take that for what it is worth, but he is a really smart, techy kid who is fairly up on these things. 

[MarilynR]

Thank you. I think   we'll skip it and stay with blogging and Pinterest.