TikTok has introduced a variety of activations for Black Historical past Month, together with a showcase of rising Black creators, a brand new enterprise accelerator program, and even in-person occasions.
First off, TikTok’s introduced a brand new cohort of creators who shall be a part of its 2025 “Black Creators to Watch” initiative.
As defined by TikTok:
“There’s a wealth of Black creators who’re championing communities, breaking boundaries, and uplifting others each on and off of TikTok. This 12 months, we’re seeking to the longer term with a particular highlight on industry-shifting Black creators, neighborhood voices and enterprise homeowners who’re making waves on Tiktok and past.”
The group contains educators, magnificence influencers, enterprise homeowners, and extra, all of whom will get extra publicity and promotional alternatives through the month.
TikTok will even spotlight Black-owned companies through the @tiktokcreators profile, with a particular #ShopBlackOwned collection, whereas it’s additionally working its annual #ShopBlackOwned promotion within the TikTok Store.
“This month’s #ShopBlackOwned collection will embrace product highlights within the TikTok store tab, in-app livestream purchasing periods highlighting Black-owned manufacturers, in addition to a documentary-style showcase that can highlight breakout success tales throughout our neighborhood of various Black-owned SMBs.”
And this time round, there’ll even be an IRL ingredient, with TikTok working varied neighborhood experiences all through the U.S.
Which is very fascinating contemplating TikTok’s present standing within the nation, because it’s technically banned below the sell-off regulation. However the Trump Administration is engaged on another that retains TikTok within the nation, and has assured suppliers that they gained’t be fined for enabling it to maintain working.
At current, individuals who’ve already downloaded the app within the U.S. can nonetheless use it, however no new customers can entry it, because of Apple and Google abiding by the letter of the regulation, and excluding it from their respective app shops. Which signifies that IRL promotions are somewhat bizarre, in that they’re usually used to lift consciousness, and drive downloads, however that may’t occur in TikTok’s case.
However they’re going forward with the plan both manner.
Lastly, TikTok’s additionally launching a brand new “SOAR Collectively” funding program, which is able to present new funding alternatives for Black entrepreneurs.
“We’re excited to announce the 2025 SOAR Collectively, a Black-owned enterprise accelerator program developed to assist develop their companies on TikTok Store, in collaboration with Black Lady Ventures. For this 12 months’s accelerator program, we are going to choose 20 companies to take part in a 6-week program, which incorporates entry to instructional programs, plus enterprise teaching and mentorship from celebrated visitor audio system. Following completion of this system, companies shall be invited to convene for a particular in-person commencement ceremony.”
In a variety of the way, TikTok has helped to amplify Black communities within the U.S., and supply alternatives to rising creators from a broad vary of backgrounds, serving to them to achieve new audiences and construct their careers. As such, its elimination within the area may have a big effect on the identical, and you’ll see that mirrored within the creators that TikTok is highlighting this time round.
It’s one other reminder of what could also be misplaced if TikTok goes away, whereas additionally serving to to spice up these rising voices.
You possibly can learn extra about TikTok’s Black Historical past Month initiatives right here.