Audio Podcast

Since Tik Tok has been on the news lately I thought maybe I should become a member to expand my coverage. I didn’t know much about the app, so I went to Grok, Elon’s favorite AI and asked it. Here is how it responded.

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As a blogger who works with written and audio content, joining TikTok could be a solid move depending on your goals and how much you’re willing to adapt your style. TikTok’s all about short-form video—15 seconds to 3 minutes—so it’s not a natural fit for long written posts or audio deep-dives. But it could work as a way to expand your reach and pull people into your existing platforms.

Here’s the breakdown:

Pros:

1. Audience Growth: TikTok’s algorithm is insane at pushing content to new people. If you’ve got a niche (say, storytelling, lifestyle, or commentary), you could tease your written or audio work with quick, punchy videos and drive traffic back to your blog or podcast.
2. Creative Audio Angle: Since you do audio, you could lean into TikTok’s sound features—create original voiceovers, snippets of your podcast, or pair your voice with trending visuals. Audio-driven content does well there.
3. Cross-Promotion: A 30-second clip summarizing a blog post or a dramatic reading could hook viewers and send them to your full work. It’s like a trailer for your brand.

Cons:

1. Time Investment: TikTok rewards consistency and video editing chops. If you’re not into making visuals or learning the platform’s quirks, it might feel like a grind on top of your blogging.
2. Format Shift: Your written and audio strengths don’t fully translate without some reworking. You’d need to distill your ideas into bite-sized, attention-grabbing bits—less depth, more flash.
3. Audience Mismatch: TikTok skews younger (Gen Z and Millennials). If your blog’s readers are older or prefer long-form, they might not bite.

What You Could Try:

• Teasers: Record a quick audio snippet of your latest post or episode, slap some text or visuals on it, and end with a “link in bio” nudge (you’d need a TikTok business account or 1,000 followers for links).
• Behind-the-Scenes: Show your blogging process—writing, recording, brainstorming—in a casual, relatable way.

If you’re up for experimenting and don’t mind the video learning curve, it could be a cool way to amplify your voice. But if you’d rather double down on platforms that fit your current groove (like X for written thoughts or podcast apps for audio), that’s valid too. What’s your main goal—growth, fun, or something else?

Yep, there are definitely older people on TikTok—it’s not just a Gen Z playground! While the platform started with a younger crowd, its user base has broadened over time. Here’s the rundown:

The Numbers:

• TikTok’s core demographic is still young—about 60% of U.S. users are between 16 and 34, according to 2023 stats from Statista. But older folks are carving out space.
• Around 25% of U.S. users are 35–54, and roughly 10% are 55+, per recent demographic breakdowns (e.g., Pew Research, 2023). That’s millions of people—small compared to the kids, but growing.
• Globally, TikTok claims over 1 billion monthly active users (as of late 2024), so even a small percentage of older users adds up.

Older Creators & Vibes:

• Boomers and Gen X Are There: You’ve got folks like @grandadjoe1933 (70+ and cracking jokes), @lynnalanamode (a 60-something fashionista), or @dancinggrannies (self-explanatory). They’re not the majority, but they’re thriving in niches like humor, life advice, cooking, or nostalgia.
• Silver TikTok: There’s even a loose term for it—“Silver TikTok”—where older users share everything from retirement stories to DIY hacks. It’s less dance-heavy, more relatable or quirky.
• Engagement: Older creators often get love because they stand out. Viewers find it refreshing or endearing when a 50+ person nails a trend or just does their own thing.

As a Blogger:

• If your audience skews older, there’s an underserved pocket on TikTok you could tap into. Think quick tips, storytelling, or “day in the life” stuff that resonates with the 35+ crowd. They’re there, just scrolling quieter than the teens.
• The catch? Older users might not engage as much with super trendy, fast-cut content—they often prefer authenticity or slower pacing.

So, yes, older people are on TikTok, and their presence is growing as the platform matures. If you’re eyeing that demographic, you could test the waters with content that bridges your style and their interests. Want me to dig into specific older TikTokers or trends for inspiration?

Alright, let’s dig into TikTok and see if there’s more specific info about older users that could sway your decision as a blogger! You’re into written and audio content, so I’ll focus on how older folks (let’s say 35+) are showing up on the platform, what they’re doing, and whether that aligns with your vibe.

Older People on TikTok: The Raw Data

• User Stats: By mid-2024, about 45% of weekly TikTok users in the U.S. were 35 and older, up from 35% in 2022 (YouGov data). That’s a decent chunk—nearly half the platform’s regular scrollers aren’t teens or 20-somethings. Of those, 27% are 45+, and even the 55+ crowd is creeping in at around 3-4% globally, though it’s higher in some spots (like Boomers jumping on faster than other platforms, per a 2023 study).
• Growth Trend: TikTok’s not just a kid’s app anymore. Usage among U.S. adults doubled from 11% to 21% weekly between 2022 and 2024. Older users are hopping on, and they’re not just lurking—engagement’s up too. Around 45-48% of 45-54 and 55+ weekly users are posting or commenting now, compared to way lower rates a couple years back.

What Are They Doing There?

• Content They Like: Older users lean toward “fun/entertaining” stuff (same as everyone), but they’re also into life lessons, cooking, fashion tips, and nostalgia—think retro vibes or “how I did it back in the day.” Less dance challenges, more practical or relatable content.
• Creators in the Mix: There’s a wave of older influencers killing it. Examples:
  • @grandadjoe1933: 70+, British, does comedy and heartwarming bits—over 2 million followers.
  • @lynnalanamode: 60s, stylish as hell, mixes fashion with life advice.
  • @j_dog_1929: 91, Canadian, 2 million followers, teams up with her grandson for quirky skits and brand deals (like Paramount Pictures).
  • @excusemygrandma: Multi-gen duo (Kim and Grandma Gail) doing fashion, dating advice, and Gen Z slang breakdowns—big with older viewers who like the generational twist.
• Niche Communities: Subcultures like #SilverTok (aging gracefully) or #StyleOver50 are popping off. These aren’t just watchers—they’re active, sharing their own takes.

Could This Work for You?

• Your Angle: As a written/audio blogger, you’re not about quick dance vids, but TikTok’s older crowd might dig your style if you adapt. Think:
  • Audio Clips: Drop a 30-second podcast teaser with text overlay—maybe a storytelling bit or a hot take from your blog. Older users like substance over flash.
  • Written to Visual: Turn a blog post into a quick “3 Tips” slideshow with your voice narrating. Something like “3 Ways I Learned to Blog Smarter After 40” could hit with the 35+ crew.
  • Nostalgia Play: If your content’s got a reflective edge, lean into that—older folks love a throwback vibe.
• Audience Fit: If your current readers/listeners are 35-55, they’re already on TikTok or could be nudged there. You’d be meeting them where they’re scrolling, not chasing a teen crowd that might not care.

The Catch

• Learning Curve: You’d need to figure out video basics—nothing fancy, but enough to make it snappy. Older creators often keep it raw and real, which works, but it’s still a shift from writing or recording audio.
• Time Sink: TikTok loves frequent posts. Can you carve out time to experiment without burning out on your main gig?
• Reach vs. Depth: You’ll get eyes fast, but they might not stick for your long-form stuff unless you hook ‘em hard.

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After reading all this, I thought, “well maybe I should become a member.” It sounded more positive than negative, and I was curious to see what it had to offer. I made the jump and opened an account since I couldn’t preview the site without creating an account. Having access to the account, I started researching its features and layout, and the first thing I immediately noticed was that it has a kind of childish and immature aesthetic that didn’t resonate with my style. I was just thinking of making small video clips directing the viewers to my website TomT2.0 in hopes of drawing in an audience that reflected my age and interests. I am looking to attract older viewers, closer to my age, who might appreciate my content more than a younger crowd. In the response from Grok, it stated that there were indeed older people on the site, which gave me a bit of hope. Unfortunately, after close to an hour of exploring, I could not find any site or person that might be genuinely interested in my website or the content I wanted to create. If there are older viewers on the site, they keep them well hidden. It felt somewhat disheartening, and I began to wonder if TikTok was really the right platform for me after all. After weighing my options and considering the lack of connections, I ultimately decided that TikTok was not for me and deleted the account. It was beneficial to check it out, though, as it gave me valuable insights into social media dynamics and helped me clarify the type of audience I wanted to engage with.