Another Social Media platform has emerged which means a new way to highlight animals available for adoption! But it also means a new platform to navigate and learn. This article aims to help explain Tik-Tok and give tips on how to best utilize it for Animal Rescues!
What is Tik-tok?
Tik-Tok is a short-form, video sharing app that allows users to create and share videos ranging from 15-seconds to 3 minutes. The app allows users to create, share, and view all in the app which streamlines the process and lowers effort. As soon as Tik-Tok is opened, videos begin, typically full screen, and with very few icons – so the videos take the main stage. Trends come and go quickly and help to create a fast pace, ever changing rotation of content that keeps people entertained and scrolling for hours.
Tips for Animal Rescues
1. Follow a trend!
Tik-Tok always has emerging trends that Animal Rescues can easily jump on! Find a trend and use the set-up to highlight an animal at the rescue, or something about the rescue! For example, there is a trend called “Happy Dog” where people highlight their pets living their best lives – whether that’s derping out of a car window, prancing on a walk, or tail-wagging when they’re happy! Find a trend, make a video, and get people interested in your rescue!
2. Use your expertise!
Showcase what your rescue does best on Tik-Tok by creating a how-to video, DIY video, or tips and tricks of the trade! Each rescue has something they’re great at and Tik-Tok is a great place to show the world! In the past, a video went viral where a woman wraps saran wrap on her head, and slathers peanut butter on it before she clips her dogs nails so that they are distracted! What may seem obvious or easy to you, may be a helpful trick to others!
3. Tell a story
Have an animal with an incredible journey? What about a special talent? Create a Tik-Tok explaining it. Show footage from when they were found, the progress, to where they are now or just them showing off their unique features and talents! People will feel personally connected to the animal and love to see a happy ending (or happy ending in progress!)
4. Use your knowledge from other social media
Just like Instagram, twitter, and Facebook, Tik-Tok uses the same sort of tactics. Use popular and/or relevant hashtags on your videos to get views and to help others find content they’re interested in. Share your Tik-Toks across platforms so those who use other platforms can see your hard work. Try to use well-lit, high quality images and videos for your content so people are more likely to stop scrolling and watch. Have a clear, concise message that gets to the point. Using what you have already learned from other social media platforms will help your Tik-Tok content creation go even better!
5. Access to Talent
Use your current foster and volunteers! These people have a passion for what they do and it only makes sense to use their skills! Ask volunteers, employees, and fosters to send photos and videos so you all can make Tik-Tok content from an arsenal of media and/or encourage them to make Tik-Toks with their fosters and send them your way! Even just posting to your volunteer group asking for ideas from time to time can help rescues generate content ideas.
Tik-Tok is just another great way Rescues can help get their animals rescued, recruit volunteers, and bring in donations. There is always a learning curve when trying something new, but the results are well worth the time!
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