{"id":13623,"date":"2022-05-17T13:43:47","date_gmt":"2022-05-17T17:43:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.teacherlists.com\/blog\/?p=13623"},"modified":"2023-08-08T09:59:56","modified_gmt":"2023-08-08T13:59:56","slug":"why-your-district-should-be-on-tiktok","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.teacherlists.com\/blog\/why-your-district-should-be-on-tiktok\/","title":{"rendered":"Why Your District Should Be on TikTok"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Photo: antonioguillem\/123RF<\/strong><\/p>\n

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TikTok has been shrouded with controversy over the past two years after catapulting into success in March of 2020. In the fall of 2021, TikTok was the source of students getting prank and challenge ideas to wreak havoc on schools and teachers across the U.S., earning the app a swarm of negative media attention. Reports of such incidents subsided after <\/span>TikTok removed the videos<\/span><\/a> and seemingly banned certain words and phrases from being searched in relation to the challenges.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Yes, TikTok has received a bad rap, and in many ways, rightfully so. However, the algorithm-based social media platform has proven itself to be a surprisingly good tool for district leaders to communicate with families. Here are 5\u00a0 reasons to get your district on TikTok now, and even more ideas to get you started!<\/span><\/p>\n

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It\u2019s not just a kids\u2019 app anymore<\/b><\/h2>\n

If you asked anyone in 2019 what they thought TikTok was, they\u2019d probably say a \u201cdancing app for kids,\u201d and back then, they\u2019d be right. But in 2022, it\u2019s not just for kids anymore. In fact, TikTok launched a parental control feature that lets parents connect their account to their child\u2019s account. This means they can change their child\u2019s privacy settings remotely, but in order for it to work properly, the parent needs a TikTok account themselves.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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This leads us to some interesting data. In the United States,<\/span> 80% of TikTok users are between ages 16 and 34<\/span><\/a>. While we usually think of TikTok as a kids\u2019 app, the data also shows it\u2019s gaining more momentum with an adult audience as it grows. If your district\u2019s social media presence is meant to connect you with parents and families, it\u2019s a good idea to get on the TikTok train now. They likely already have accounts.<\/span><\/p>\n

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The algorithm works with your location<\/b><\/h2>\n

When you agree to TikTok\u2019s terms and conditions (with cookies and everything you allow it to access), TikTok uses your posting location and language preferences to customize your experience with the app. Don\u2019t freak out\u2013 TikTok knows your region and IP address, but not your exact location. You can turn the GPS tracking off on your phone if it makes you nervous. In regards to your district, this means TikTok will actively try to connect you to other accounts near you\u2013 increasing the chances of those in your district seeing your content!<\/span><\/p>\n

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You can monitor activity related to your schools<\/b><\/h2>\n

As mentioned earlier, schools across the country were subject to pranks and challenges, and even just the <\/span>threat <\/span><\/i>of such activity made schools brace for impact. Strangely, many challenges and pranks were hoaxes that never went anywhere, and there was never any trace of the threat existing on the platform. That doesn’t mean you should assume that’s always the case, though.<\/span><\/p>\n

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One of the biggest reasons to be on TikTok is so you can see firsthand what’s going on. With access to what’s trending in schools near you, you can better understand and assess potential threats, challenges, or pranks so you can prepare your schools accordingly. It’s better to stay on top of these situations instead of reacting to them after the fact. Safety first, always!\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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It\u2019s easy to cross-post<\/b><\/h2>\n

You probably know how important it is to post semi-regularly on Facebook and Instagram so you stay in the algorithm\u2019s cycle. Taking your TikToks and moving them to Facebook and Instagram is an easy way to ensure your posts are favored whenever you have an important message to get out.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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For example, Instagram\u2019s equivalent to TikTok is Reels\u2013 they use the same short video format, making it easy for you to download your TikToks and upload them as a Reel to Instagram. Now you have content on all your social platforms, and you only had to make one video. You know what they say\u2013 work smarter, not harder!<\/span><\/p>\n

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It\u2019s fun!<\/b><\/h2>\n

At the end of the day, social media is supposed to be a fun way to engage with your community, and TikTok is a great way to do that.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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Not sure what to post? No problem! We have some great ideas to get your TikTok account going:<\/strong><\/p>\n