Academic TikTok Report

Abstract

This report is the main deliverable of a pilot study that looked at the use of TikTok in academic contexts, specifically for teaching and knowledge mobilization (i.e., sharing research findings and academic theories). The pilot study included a review of the relevant literature from both academic and industry sources, an environmental scan, and the compilation of a collection (or playlist) of examples of noteworthy educational TikToks. “Academic TikTok” makes a unique, timely intervention into emerging scholarly discussions about and interest in using a corporately owned social media platform—initially made popular by adolescents creating and sharing user-generated videos—for research knowledge mobilization and pedagogical outreach. While the project’s findings are preliminary, this report provides an informed starting point and lays the groundwork for future research. The intended audience of this report is academics across disciplines and in all stages of their careers who are thinking about using TikTok for professional purposes. To help readers get started with making TikToks of their own, the report provides background and contextual information about the app and the videos that circulate on it; highlights the app’s place within youth culture; describes the aesthetics that shape content on the platform and the features that make TikTok so successful; and concludes with advice for building a community of creators and best practices for using TikTok.