TikTok is quite the sensation among Gen Z and Alpha today and with very good reason. It allows users to create and share videos featuring music, special effects, and filters. It might’ve started as a lip-syncing app, but look where it is today! More than 60% of TikTok’s user base is under 30, with the majority being Gen Z and Alpha. These generations grew up with access to the fanciest technology and are choosing TikTok to connect and express themselves innovatively. This worldwide choice says a lot about how efficient TikTok is at its job.
The rise of TikTok has been remarkable, with the app being downloaded over 2 billion times around the world! Today, it’s a hub for creativity, entertainment, and self-expression, making it an extremely attractive destination for young people.
TikTok is extremely attractive to Gen Z and Alpha, mainly due to its algorithm. It analyzes the content users seemingly like, then suggests similar content to them. So, users are basically being constantly exposed to new content, but in the same ballpark that they’re familiar with and comfortable with.
Still, TikTok isn’t just a shallow playground for teenagers with too much money and/or time; it’s slowly shaping up to be a powerful tool for social and political activism. The platform has utilized itself by raising awareness about world-concerning issues like climate change, racial justice, and LGBTQ+ rights.
Even despite all this, TikTok does not have a sterling reputation. In fact, it has been in quite a few controversies over the years: for one, it faced criticism for its user data management and ties to the Chinese government. The app’s potential to spread misinformation and harmful content has also concerned many parents.
TikTok responded to these concerns by introducing new safety features like age restrictions and content moderation. While we’re all aware of how efficient these features will be, sometimes, it’s the thought that counts, won’t you agree?
Today’s blog will discuss how you can find TikTok accounts near you.
How to Find TikTok Accounts Near Me?
If you prefer to have online friends instead of offline ones, it’s entirely understandable. Or let’s say you’ve just joined TikTok, but no one in your tight circle is a part of it. So, how do you meet real-life people you can also connect with on TikTok?
Well, we’ve got the answer for you! TikTok has a feature called “Nearby” designed for this very reason. If you’d rather go a little independent, we’ve also got numerous other options, so read on until the end!
Method #1: Use TikTok’s “Nearby” feature
For all those users who’re looking to make some real-life connections and network on TikTok, the platform has a Nearby feature. This allows you to access and search for accounts and content that are near your location. Isn’t that so convenient?
If this sounds exactly like what you’re looking for, we’re happy for you! Here’s how you can use this feature:
Step 1: Launch the TikTok mobile app on your smartphone.
Step 2: Go directly to your profile by tapping on the silhouette icon at the screen’s bottom right. Tap the three dots on Your profile at the top right corner.
Step 3: From the drop-down menu, select Privacy and Settings, and then go on to Discoverability.
Step 4: You’ll see numerous options here; turn on the toggle next to the Posts in Nearby Feed option, and TikTok will show you content from users near your location.
Method #2: Incorporate location-based hashtags
Hashtags are an essential part of all social media, including TikTok. It’s basically how algorithms decide which category a particular video goes into to reach its target audience. But that’s not all!
When you use or view a particular hashtag more than a few times, the AI will naturally understand and send all similar content to you. So, use location-based hashtags to find accounts near your area!
Let’s say you live in New York City, the Big Apple. Try to implement hashtags like #NYC or #NewYorkCity as much as possible to ensure a guaranteed supply of related content aimed at you.
You can also use hashtags like #local or #nearme to find content from nearby users.
Method #3: Follow local creators and influencers.
Following local creators/influencers is another way to bond with your town’s TikTok elite. These users focus more on local aspects: favorite hangouts, culturally significant spots, and local secrets. Such creators often niche down into more specific areas like local cuisine, best thrift shops, or best places to get your car fixed.
These accounts are a great way to discover new things about your locale and to connect with people who seem to know the ropes around there. To find local creators, you can use TikTok’s search feature and enter your location or city’s name.
Method #4: Join local TikTok groups.
Groups are an effective and engaging way to create a community of like-minded people who are passionate about something, anything.
Almost all social media platforms have seemingly innumerable groups for just about anything. It could be a soap opera, a celebrity, an occupation, a book club, or a game; you can be passionate about anything and find people to share it with!
There are many local TikTok groups on platforms like Facebook and Instagram. They can easily help you connect with other TikTokers around you and find new accounts to follow.
Search for local TikTok groups on Facebook or Instagram by using location-based hashtags/keywords such as “TikTokersinnyc,” “tiktokgroupsnyc,” and “localTikTokersnyc.” You get the gist.
Method #5: Engage with local content.
Finally, engaging with local content can help you find TikTok accounts near you. By liking, commenting, and sharing content from local creators, you can increase the chances of discovering new users in your area.
Now, this doesn’t necessarily have to be that cute teenage girl in your high school who makes cute GRWM vlogs. Even supporting a local small business by engaging with them moderately will signal that this business and location are relevant to you.
And once you’ve got in with your preferred company, don’t forget TikTok’s duet feature! Create videos with local creators/influencers to connect with them on a deeper level and have an overall fun experience.
Final thoughts
TikTok is highly popular among teenagers and young adults. While its potential for harm is concerning, all tangible proof points to it being a tool for teenagers to express, learn, and create.
If you’ve recently joined TikTok and wish to connect with more like-minded people, we’re all for it. TikTok understands the importance of finding someone you can have fun with on the platform, which is why the Nearby feature was created.
However, if you’d like to put in just a little more effort than that, there’s a lot you can do! Joining local groups, engaging with local content, and looking for more local creators are viable and efficient alternatives. It’s all about how far you wish to go in the pursuit of local acquaintance.
If our blog has helped you find the people you’ve been searching for, we’re glad! Let us know your full story in the comments; we’ll be waiting!
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