Introducing TikTok's Creator Spotlight Series: Celebrating Black Trailblazers

At TikTok, we are always seeking opportunities to showcase the incredible creators on our platform. That's why we're thrilled to introduce our Creator Spotlight Series – an ongoing feature that highlights our amazing creators and their inspiring contributions to creativity and joy.

To celebrate Black History Month, we are starting with our Black Trailblazers, exploring their journeys on TikTok and what it means to be a Trailblazer in the community. Our first spotlight is on @taylorcassidyj, a creator who has taken TikTok by storm. With her inspiring content on Black culture and innovative teaching techniques for Black history, she has made a name for herself on the platform.

From her educational series "Fast Black History" to her hype videos featuring other Black creators called "Black Girl Magic," Taylor brings something new and exciting every day. We had the opportunity to chat with Taylor and learn more about her TikTok journey – read on to hear her own words!

Taylor started creating on TikTok after being a viewer for about a month. Inspired by the creativity of others' content, she couldn't help but come up with more and more video ideas. Her first TikTok video was a simple one, featuring an echoing audio saying, "What are we going to do now?" She held a pencil, pretending to take a test, with the caption "Me struggling on a test," and as the audio echoed, the caption read "everyone cheating off me." Though not complex, Taylor was proud of it.

TikTok is the perfect platform for Taylor's content because of its fast-paced nature. With only 60 seconds to create, it has challenged her to deliver information effectively in a video. Her content works well on TikTok because she not only teaches people something new but also encourages them to find pride and joy in themselves and their culture. Taylor continues to create on TikTok because she wants to provide the content she needed when she was younger to discover her Black identity and gain confidence in it.

When asked about her favorite TikTok, Taylor finds it hard to choose just one. However, she mentions a TikTok she posted last year about Mum Bet, the first Black woman to have freedom in Massachusetts. It was the first time she took a more cinematic and creative approach to telling Black history, and she had so much fun creating it.

Creativity is what lights a fire in Taylor. Coming up with new ideas to tell stories in different ways with Black history excites her. She feels a sense of endless possibilities and boundless creativity. Maya Angelou's words resonate with her – the more she uses her mind and creativity, the more there is to create. That's what truly ignites her passion.

Maya Angelou is a Black historical figure who inspires Taylor. She admires Maya Angelou's multifaceted nature, as she was not limited to being just a poet but also a dancer, actress, singer, and professor. Taylor aspires to accomplish everything she is passionate about and not confine herself to one thing out of fear.

For new creators, Taylor advises choosing impact over popularity. It's important to create content that one loves, regardless of the number of views. In the end, it's passion and authenticity that make a lasting impact.

Being a Trailblazer means a lot to Taylor. It fills her with gratitude and honor to be recognized as someone who pushed the boundaries of TikTok to make it a better place. Looking back at her younger self, who was insecure about her skin color, hair texture, and way of speaking, she feels proud of her journey. Being named a Trailblazer sparks a vision in her to keep challenging limits and achieving the seemingly impossible. She is determined to continue making history.

Taylor recommends following two Black creators on TikTok. @anania00 is a hilarious comedian who showcases his creativity in his comedy videos. Watching his content brings laughter and joy. Another creator to follow is @khimberlie, an artist who creates stunning scenes in her living room for her photoshoots. Her creativity shines through in every post, regardless of the time and effort she puts into it.

Overall, TikTok provides a platform for incredible creators like Taylor to share their inspiring content and make a positive impact on the community.