TikTok for Nonprofits

TikTok is a worldwide social media platform that allows its users to generate short 15 second to 10 minute videos, edit for special effects and host live streams. The platform launched in 2016 and has grown exponentially to more than 1 billion active users worldwide. Users can quickly gain fame through their videos, which is why it became so appealing in such a short amount of time. 

At first TikTok was flooded with teens creating dance videos and music-focused material, until companies realized the speed in which content could go viral and wanted a piece of the action. Companies and influencers of all types are now using TikTok to gain traction, advertise, disseminate information, and raise funds for their causes. 

How can using TikTok benefit your nonprofit?

TikTok’s creative interface allows its users to create professional quality videos straight from their phones and post for the potential of millions of users to see. This creates a prime opportunity for your nonprofit to connect with a larger audience quicker and more personally. Creating a TikTok account and planning your content can help your nonprofit make an entrance and access more supporters through their platform. The best part of all, it is free to create an account and post content.

If you are planning on using TikTok in your nonprofit content strategy, it is important to understand how to use the app to best leverage it for your brand and mission:

Hashtag challenges

Some of the most viral content on TikTok stems from hashtag challenges, where users perform a certain activity or “challenge” then encourage their followers to participate. The platform even collaborates with nonprofits through their TikTok For Good initiative to create hashtag challenges that encourage a positive impact on the planet and those around them.

When creating a hashtag challenge, be sure there is a clear purpose or goal. This goal should be outlined in your content strategy and should be measurable (i.e. gain followers by 10%).

The hashtag you create should be easy to type, clever, and memorable with clear instructions on how supporters can take action. This is what will drive your audiences’ participation, as well as teaming up with influencers to help boost the popularity of the challenge.

Create an informative video

Some nonprofits have found much success by posting informational videos that educate viewers about their cause; that can be statistics, sharing research studies, and so much more. Give your audience an inside look to your nonprofit by introducing your team members and showing behind the scenes video clips. Put together clips that showcase the impact of your audiences’ support both big and small. Not only does this show transparency but it will also build trust with your audience. 

Add donation stickers

Over the past few years, TikTok has taken quite the initiative in spreading the word about nonprofits and their support. In 2020, the platform rolled out a feature that allows certain users to include which nonprofit they support right in their profile for all their followers to see. It allows users to directly donate to a specific nonprofit and spread awareness directly from their own accounts. 

Post consistently

Post consistently on this platform to put a spotlight on your nonprofit like you’ve never seen before. The more often you post, the more likely it is that your video will go viral. If you have a video that goes viral, take advantage of the spike in engagement and post another video within 24 hours. This will get new followers to engage with the next post and will push your content out to more users.

Share on other platforms

Just like many other social media platforms, TikTok gives users the ability to share their content across all of their other social media channels. Once you make a post, wait until the video is done processing and press the share button.

If you are willing to commit to your TikTok account, it can be a very fun and rewarding platform for your nonprofit. Don’t get discouraged if a few of your videos flop, it is not unusual for some posts to go viral while others don’t even reach a fraction of your audience. Keep your consistency and be unique!

Want to learn more about how we can help your nonprofit? Schedule a call with us!