Welcome to theforyoupage.com, the #1 TikTok newsletter to help you grow and monetize your TikTok audience. Forward me to a friend. 

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This week I sat down with Laura Bubble, a viral TikTok creator with over 1,000,000 followers! She also has /laura on YouTube (amazing!) and her channel is growing quickly. Thank you Laura for giving us these insights!

Like always, I hope you find value in this newsletter, and if you do, be sure to share it with your friends and colleagues!

Interview with Laura Bubble (@laurbubble), Viral TikTok Creator

When did you first start posting videos on TikTok? What convinced you to start using TikTok?

I started posting videos on the app when it was originally called Musical.ly. It was mainly an app for lip-syncs and dancing videos back then, but I decided to start posting short little comedy sketches. I was mainly just experimenting on a new app by posting different videos, but I really loved the sound effect element where other people could re-use your sound, I’d not discovered that feature on any other app. 

What kind of content did you start creating in the beginning and how has that changed over time?

I started creating comedy content so it’s very similar to what I do now.

When was the first time you went viral on TikTok? Did it come as a surprise?

Yes, it definitely was a surprise. I remember my first successful video and seeing other people start to use my sound for their own videos. I can’t remember when this happened, but it was around 2 years ago. 

Have you used TikTok to grow other accounts like Instagram or YouTube?

I haven’t really tried this properly yet as the type of content can vary across platforms. 

How are you building a business (earning money) using TikTok? How are you thinking about this? 

Most of the money I make from TikTok is from brand deals. I have a YouTube channel so I’m familiar with this kind of work. As well as this I work with production companies and get offers to run various workshops/consulting sessions so I’m lucky enough to do this full time.

What's working and what are the challenges?

Online content is constantly changing so it’s difficult to keep up with new features and trends. Also, as with every platform it’s important to be consistent with video uploads which means having to juggle these with work during busy months.

What advice do you have for creators and brands trying to grow an audience on TikTok?

Keep consistently uploading and enjoy what you’re making. Sometimes it can be a very slow process to get spotted or discovered. I’d also recommend having a varied skillset. For example, I invest my time in online video making but also do stand-up as well, so I know I’m capable of live comedy too.

What are you trying to figure out on TikTok right now?

I’m not trying to figure anything out, I’m currently just enjoying coming up with new ideas.

What TikTok creators do you like watching?

I watch lots of different creators on the app. My favourite comedy accounts are Liza Koshy, Gabe Erwin, Robert Donnelly and Kali Alice, who was one of the first people I started watching on the app. I also love special effects videos from creators like Denver McQuaid and Caleb Natale. 

What questions should we ask other TikTok creators and brands when we interview them?

I’m interested to know how other TikTok creators deal with time management. How much time they choose to dedicate across various platforms. For brands, it would be good to know what they are looking for and what their process is when deciding which creators to work with and how they go about it. 

What TikTok creator do you nominate for our next theforyoupage interview? :)

I’d like to nominate Arron Crascall because he’s hilarious. 

What's one piece of advice you have for how I can make my TikTok account and content better? (@mattcatbat) Be as harsh as you want!

I really like the cartoons and you’re posting original ideas consistently which is great. You’ve got a good opportunity here to really engage with your audience, for example asking viewers for ideas on what to draw next, reacting to “read your mind” comments, or even bringing the cartoon characters into real life and using some current trends. 

Thank you for reading this issue of theforyoupage!

I hope you learned something from this interview! I do my best to bring you the highest quality TikTok information and insights. If you have any questions or suggestions, I would love to hear from you!

Welcome to theforyoupage.com, the #1 TikTok newsletter to help you grow and monetize your TikTok audience. Forward me to a friend. 

Subscribe | Share | Contact: matt@theforyoupage.com

This week I sat down with Spencer Ayala, a Senior Strategist at R/GA, to discuss his thoughts on TikTok.

R/GA is an innovation consultancy with offices in Austin, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, Portland, London, Berlin, Bucharest, Sao Paulo, Buenos Aires, Santiago, Singapore, Shanghai, Melbourne and Tokyo (to name a few). With over 2,000 employees, and clients including Nike, Banana Republic, Capital One, Airbnb, ESPN, Equinox, Google, HBO, LEGO, MasterCard, McDonalds, and more, they are the PERFECT people for us to get some unique TikTok insights from.

Like always, I hope you find value in this newsletter, and if you do, be sure to share it with your friends and colleagues!

Interview with Spencer Ayala, Senior Strategist at R/GA

What is R/GA?

R/GA is an company focused on creating transformation at speed for our clients. We have a global presence in 17 countries with over 2,000 employees. For us, it’s about helping clients stay on the cutting edge of technology and culture.

When did you start working on TikTok?

As a strategist, it’s my job to ensure our clients have a firm grasp of culture. I’m always looking to understand the latest trends, and ensure that we’re looking into the platforms that are emerging, and whether they end up hitting the masses or not. I started looking into TikTok in early 2019 as it started to show up in publications under the constant headlines like “The new app that kids are flocking to.” Honestly, I kind of just fell in love with the platform, as the expectations were far lower than any other platform, and the trends moved so fast. Every time you open the app, something is new. 

How do you think about TikTok? What kind of channel is it for you?

For me, TikTok is about pure entertainment. Every other platform claims to be a place to connect, or a place to share with friends. TikTok is all entertainment, all the time. It’s a chance for people and brands to flex their creative muscles and play. A lot of people view the content as super cringe, but that’s part of its charm.

What kind of content did you start creating in the beginning and how has that changed over time?

I honestly have only made videos of my dog in my house. Whenever I notice a new trend happening, I give it a shot and see how complicated it is as I make a point to try to copy some of the effects and trends.

When was the first time you went viral on TikTok? Did it come as a surprise?

It would be my dream to have a little TikTok clout. But alas, I haven’t gotten there yet.

What advice do you have for creators and brands trying to grow an audience on TikTok?

Be willing to play. I think brands and experienced creators aren’t working well on TikTok to this point because everything is too polished. They’re try-hards and that’s the opposite of TikTok. You have to be willing to be a little cringe, and a little vulnerable to win.

Secondly, I think that brands need to have a clear understanding of the audience they’re going for. Everyone assumes TikTok has to be some kind of sound and dance move, but in reality, there’s a ton of different content floating around that has varying levels of popularity. Looking into your audience, and the way they ingest content is huge in understanding the nuance of how you should show up.

What are you trying to figure out on TikTok right now?

Currently, I’m just trying to play with the algorithm. Everyone has their own micro world with the content they view, so I’m trying to experience as many different worlds as I can. Sometimes it’s digging into teen culture, other times it’s food, other times I’m trying to see what’s being posted internationally. It’s such a great platform because everyone has their own experience and it isn’t yet affected by this perfectionism mentality like Instagram. 

Have you thought of working with TikTok influencers or running TikTok ads? How do you feel and think about these options?

I think TikTok influencers are so, so talented, and I don’t think the ad industry as a whole gives influencers enough credit. They have figured out how to gain popularity on these platforms and amass dedicated followings that brands could only dream of. It works best when brands give influencers control over the branded content, and let them run with it, once it feels too staged, it never works.

I would encourage clients to make their own content at this point. The ad capabilities aren’t quite there in terms of providing a ton of value to brands, and you have a far greater opportunity of raising your brand value through creating content that people on TikTok want to see.

What TikTok creators do you like watching?

I’m very big on Brittany Broski (AKA Kombucha Girl) – I think they’re very talented and has potential to scale to other platforms. @Jake.PNW is also great, they’re from Oregon and talks about nature, which is a completely different spin on the platform. @morgandrinkscoffee is great as well, they have a great take on their brand.

What questions should we ask other TikTok creators and brands when we interview them?

I think it’s huge to figure out the differences between how brands and creators view success. Again, I think brands have a lot to learn from creators and I bet that brand success metrics are different from most creators. 

I would also push brands to think about how they view platforms. Often times I think they focus too much on metrics, and not enough on audience perception and awareness. I hear brands are hesitant to jump on TikTok because they can’t measure the ROI, However, I think the opportunity to be a creator that speaks to their audience in a meaningful way has the most ROI, and only a few brands have tapped that yet. 

What TikTok creator do you nominate for our next theforyoupage interview?

I think Jake.PNW would be rad. He doesn’t use the traditional sounds. I think he has found a nice audience that follows him, and he has a different POV than what all of the trades/agencies are taking with TikTok. 

What's one piece of advice you have for how I can make my TikTok account and content better? (@mattcatbat) Be as harsh as you want!

I love that you’re entering into the drawing/animation space. Early on it is hard to find that niche, but that seems to be really working for you. I would find creative ways to put your own spin on it. How can you make animation more fun? Additionally, I would move quicker. Part of the platform that works well is quick jumps that get you into the TikTok before you really realize what’s happening. The longer you take, the more opportunity for people to keep swiping.

Thank you for reading this issue of theforyoupage!

I hope you learned something from this interview! I do my best to bring you the highest quality TikTok information and insights. If you have any questions or suggestions, I would love to hear from you!

Welcome to theforyoupage.com, the #1 TikTok newsletter to help you grow and monetize your TikTok audience. Forward me to a friend. 

Subscribe | Share | Contact: matt@theforyoupage.com

More and more brands and publications seem to be realizing that TikTok isn’t just for kids. I think it’s easy to forget that all social networks start with a younger audience and then the user base expands and therefor expands the average age of a user and increases the diversity of content. Can you really think of a popular social network today that started older and then grew younger? It doesn’t happen like that.

One thing that has really stood out during my recent TikTok analysis, is that TikTok may have the biggest impact on the music industry right now out of all other apps or websites in the world. I think this is a fascinating part of TikTok, and is unique to it’s “Sounds” features (something that Instagram doesn’t have). I’m excited to see how TikTok continues to play in the music space… (there is a rumor that they are releasing their own Spotify competitor).

I’ve put together the top trends, sounds, and TikTok news for you. I hope you find it helpful in your own TikTok strategies.

Say hi! If you want to chat, reach out to me at matt@theforyoupage.com or hit me up on Twitter @MattPRD. I’d love to hear from you!

p.s. I just hit 430k followers on TikTok! Follow me @mattcatbat

Top 10 TikTok Trends

1. #friendsgiving

26.4 million views - Sometimes the best Thanksgiving is a #Friendsgiving. Share a video showing how you celebrate #Friendsgiving and you’ll earn 300 Rewards points. Explore TikTok Rewards at https://vm.tiktok.com/HqvhR8

2. #TheReplay (Sponsored by Nike)

4 billion million views - Your favorite Nike athletes are back with more tricks, tips, and #fyp worthy flicks. This is #TheReplay, replayed. Show us how you get out and move. The best posts tagged #TheReplay could be featured on an upcoming episode of Nike PLAYlist. Watch full episodes of PLAYlist now on YouTube.

3. #meetmycar

31.6 million views - Whether you’re driving a beater or a custom classic, introduce us to your ride with #MeetMyCar.

4. #StayFresh (Sponsored by Secret Deodorant)

716.9 million views - Secret Deodorant knows you are All Strength, No Sweat. Show us how you #StayFresh to the beat of Secret’s All Strength, No Sweat anthem using your Secret Dry Sprays. Air guitar or microphone, anyone?!

5. #runforit

259.3 million views - Sometimes you just need to #RunForIt.

6. #DealDropDance (Sponsored by Walmart)

2.2 billion views - Drop it low like Walmart’s Black Friday deals! Tag @walmart and show us how you move using #dealdropdance and #contest for a chance to win a $100 Walmart gift card!

7. #tiktokpets

755.8 million views - Show us your fluffiest friends with #TikTokPets.

8. #dailyroutine

392.3 million views - Show us your #DailyRoutine.

9. #thatsalook

548.8 million views - How do you make your style POP? Show us those little touches that make your style, your style.

10. #jobforme

357.3 million views - This looks like a #JobForMe.

Top 10 TikTok Sounds

1. Lottery by K Camp (Moved up from our #9 spot 2 weeks ago!)

3,100,000 videos using this sound.

2. ROXANNE by Arizona Zervas (Moved up from our #6 spot 2 weeks ago!)

778,100 videos using this sound.

3. Candy by Doja Cat (Moved down from our #1 spot 2 weeks ago)

2,600,000 videos using this sound.

4. Buttercup by MixAndMash (NEW!)

157,500 videos using this sound.

5. Good Morning by Mak Sauce (NEW!)

1,400,000 videos using this sound.

6. Woah by $WAVE (NEW!)

612,700 videos using this sound.

7. Danger by Migos & Marshmello (Moved down from our #5 spot 2 weeks ago)

146,500 videos using this sound.

8. Juicy (Feat. Tyga) by Doja Cat (Moved up from our #10 spot 2 weeks ago)

478,100 videos using this sound.

9. Love Songs by Kaash Paige (NEW!)

8,600,000 videos using this sound.

10. I Will Survive by Gloria Gaynor (NEW!)

217,200 videos using this sound.

TikTok News

TikTok Begins Testing Links in Bios

Via The Verge: “TikTok has more than a billion users on its platform, and it appears the company is now experimenting with ways for it and its users to monetize their audiences on the app. Recently, TikTok has begun a limited test of a feature that lets users add links to their bios and posts, which can direct audiences to products or services.”

How TikTok owner ByteDance rose to become China’s second-biggest digital ad player

Via Econsultancy: “…just a few days ago, the news broke that ByteDance is now the second-biggest player in the Chinese digital advertising landscape, taking 23% of all digital media spend in the first half of 2019 – equivalent to 50 billion yuan (or $7 billion). In the process, ByteDance leapfrogged over some of China’s most important tech companies, including the (slightly ailing) search giant Baidu, and Tencent, the owner of omnipresent super-app WeChat.”

Even if they can’t vote, teens are roasting Pete Buttigieg on TikTok

Via Technology Review: “TikTok is confusing for candidates. Last month, the platform announced that it would not allow political ads—but  candidates are still allowed to have their own profiles and post political content. So there’s an opportunity for campaigns to make their presence known and reach some of TikTok’s approximately 80 million US users.”

Young, Amish, and TikTok Famous

Via The Cut: “What I knew about the Amish before watching Fisher’s video — mostly gleaned from listening to “Weird Al” Yankovic — was pretty much limited to their plain dress, and the fact that most don’t use technology. Many of the videos tagged “Amish” on TikTok show horse and buggies — a hallmark of the culture to lay people — and are filmed by non-Amish passersby on their road trips through rural Pennsylvania.”

This Beatles Fan Does Pitch-Perfect Imitations of the Fab Four on TikTok

Via Rolling Stone: “Jones, 27, began posting videos of herself impersonating each Beatle on Vine in 2015 — until the site shut down two years later. ‘People never saw them again, [they] thought I’d stopped making videos,’ she says. ‘Vine just disappeared.’ She began uploading clips onto her Instagram, which gained a steady following. When she joined TikTok a month ago, her videos began to go viral. ‘I feel like people are kind of like uncovering me again,’ she says. ‘It’s definitely a different world.’”

Teens are turning iPhone group texts into collaborative masterpieces on TikTok

Via Business Insider: “Groups of teens have recently been harnessing their group chats to create a series of short videos that, when put together and scrolled through in the chat, combine to tell an illusion-filled story where objects fall from one video to the next.”

TikTok hit 1.5 billion downloads, and is still outperforming Instagram

Via Business Insider: “TikTok's main competitor from Facebook's roster of apps is Instagram, which TikTok outstripped by roughly 238 million downloads so far this year.”

Is TikTok Really a National Security Threat?

Via Slate: “The app’s growing popularity in the U.S. has lawmakers worried about Beijing’s influence.”

'A Low-Key Bop.' How Dancing to the Home Depot Theme Song Became the Internet's Unlikely Obsession

Via TIME: “An unlikely yet catchy melody took the Internet by storm in recent weeks, bolstered by the looping, highly meme-able nature of TikTok, the social media platform that brokers in 15 second clips. The song? The humble Home Depot theme song, which, up until now was only prominently featured in commercials for home improvement, like installing tile or building a patio.”