Celebrating AAPI Heritage Month on TikTok

TikTok recently celebrated Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month by honoring and learning from the AAPI community. They recognized the talent and diversity of AAPI creators and launched the #AAPIFamily hashtag to express the importance of AAPI cultures.

To provide a safe space for AAPI creators, TikTok invited several creators to take over their Instagram channel, where they shared their journeys and inspirations. They highlighted how many AAPI creators on TikTok broke from traditional paths to pursue their dreams and how growing up in diverse backgrounds and perspectives shaped their creativity.

TikTok also hosted a week of nightly livestreams featuring various activities and discussions. Viewers had the opportunity to cook with @Mrs_dee_penda, get fit with Saweetie, enjoy music from @88Rising, witness magic tricks from @seandoesmagic, and chat with @daxnewman769. These livestreams brought the AAPI community together and showcased the diverse talents within.

As the month came to a close, TikTok organized their first virtual event, connecting 100 AAPI creators to discuss topics such as authenticity and personal branding. In the session 'TikTok is Here For (The Real) You,' creators shared the value of diverse communities on TikTok and the importance of creating authentic content. They expressed their dedication to their work, comparing it to being a doctor.

Another session titled 'Find Your Niche' featured a fireside chat with @alanchikinchow and Patrick Starrr (@patrickstarrr) about personal branding and leveraging unique qualities for success. The importance of self-reflection and finding pillars within oneself to create standout content was emphasized.

The session 'Build It with TikTok' included discussions with TikTok growth strategists, creators, and artists on how to build thriving careers through TikTok. Speakers such as Chriselle Lim (@chrisellelim), Maia (@mxmtoon), and Tim Chantarangsu (@timchantarangsu) shared their insights. They highlighted how TikTok provides opportunities for artists, regardless of industry connections. Finding joy in content creation, resilience, and consistency were also emphasized.

The webinar series concluded with 'A Seat at the Table,' a fireside chat with beauty entrepreneur Michelle Phan (@themichellephan) and creator Zahra Hashimee (@muslimthicc). They discussed the importance of representation and how it inspired them to pursue non-traditional careers. Michelle shared how seeing relatable images fueled her passion for creativity.

As a team with many AAPI colleagues, AAPI Heritage Month was a labor of love and pride for TikTok. They thank all the AAPI creators who participated and the users who tuned in. This month allowed for reflection on the contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to the country's history and culture. TikTok was inspired by the voices of AAPI creators and believes that their content deserves recognition throughout the year.