I recently took the plunge and signed up to TikTok. I know.. what was I thinking, right?

If you are not familiar, this is a video streaming platform driven by user-driven content. What makes it different to other social media platforms however, is that TikTok is not a ‘social’ network in the true sense, as you do not have to be connected to a network of users to share your content.. you record, edit and upload your video, then the algorithm monitors closely to see if it gets any kind of attention from viewers. If it does, it promotes it to a wider audience...

So, while it is a challenge to standout out from all the incredibly creative content being generated globally on the platform, you CAN - quite unexpectedly - go stratospherically viral if enough eyeballs and mouse clicks engage with your little piece of storytelling. And for me, that’s an exciting prospect.

Of course, very few people on the platform actually post any kind of content.. primarily I’m guessing out of a lack of confidence. They are happy to scroll and view the videos instead. As for those who do post content, the vast majority - me included, for now - invariably don’t get much more traction than a few hundred views and a handful of comments. But the savvy, resilient, and more creative users have been known to go viral, build brands and grow businesses on the platform.. some even capitalising on all three through perseverance and hard work. And it is hard work!

“Having deleted Facebook and Instagram, and getting worn down with same ol’ same ol’ of LinkedIn and Youtube, I wanted to check it out - and I have been pleasantly surprised.”

I was drawn to the creative opportunity that TikTok provides. Having deleted Facebook and Instagram, and getting worn down with same ol’ same ol’ of LinkedIn and Youtube, I wanted to check it out - and I have been pleasantly surprised. The video editing and creator tools are so intuitive for trying lots of ideas. The other big reason was storytelling.. one of my favourite things to do. I felt I had a rich seam of experience to share which other people might find interesting.. and guess what? They do!

It’s a slow burn for sure… but after just a week I have already had 5000 or 6000 views, gained some followers (who are not people I know), and they in turn have responded with likes, shares and comments in response to the tall tales and sanguine stories of a life spent in Hospitality and Entrepreneurship.

If you are not on TikTok.. then here is my feed below. If you are on TikTok, then why click here for @Kitchen__Sync and follow me.. even better; say you found me here and I may respond with a personally recorded video reply! Happy viewing…