TikTok Music made its debut on Wednesday in Australia, Singapore, and Mexico, with a limited number of users gaining access to the new feature. This move comes shortly after President Joe Biden joined TikTok ahead of the Super Bowl, sparking discussions about the platform’s role in the upcoming election.
Political scientist Maggie Macdonald noted the “meta” nature of Biden’s first TikTok post, where he humorously addressed a conspiracy theory about rigging the Super Bowl. Despite the playful start, Biden’s use of TikTok in his reelection campaign has ignited a debate in Washington about the app’s ties to China’s ByteDance and concerns about potential surveillance.
Members of the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party have introduced a bill that would require ByteDance to divest TikTok or face a ban in the U.S. The company has strongly denied any connections to the CCP, but the debate continues to escalate.
Biden’s campaign on TikTok has garnered over 222,000 followers and 2.4 million likes since his debut, as he aims to reach younger audiences and mobilize Democratic supporters. With the upcoming general election expected to be closely contested, experts stress the importance of engaging with younger voters through platforms like TikTok.
While Biden continues to use TikTok despite the ongoing debate in Washington, the potential ban poses a challenge for his administration. White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre emphasized the importance of reaching the American people through various platforms, including TikTok.
As political campaigns navigate the evolving social media landscape, TikTok has emerged as a key platform for engaging with younger audiences. Despite restrictions on political ads, campaigns are leveraging influencers and content creators to rally support and raise awareness on important issues.
Although TikTok remains a niche tool in politics, its growing popularity has prompted both Democrats and Republicans to explore its potential in reaching voters. As the debate over TikTok’s future in the U.S. continues, political campaigns are adapting to engage with “young Americans where they are” on social media platforms like TikTok.