Kevin White, a TikTok creator from Chicago, has seen his life transform in unexpected ways thanks to the social media platform. White, who started his TikTok journey in March 2023, has built a massive following of nearly 124,000 people. The platform has played a significant role in his career, helping him grow from a local event curator to the owner of his own event company.
“TikTok has definitely changed the trajectory of my life,” says White. “It helped me reach thousands of people in Chicago, all looking for unique events and experiences with like-minded individuals.” White’s success on TikTok allowed him to scale his business and hire a team, something he credits directly to the platform.
Revolutionizing Social Media and Supporting Local Businesses
For White, TikTok is more than just a platform for entertainment. It’s a space for discovery and connection. Unlike other social media platforms, which focus on connections within your existing network, TikTok is designed to help users find new content and engage with a wider audience. “TikTok revolutionized how social media is consumed,” White adds.
The creator’s content spans various topics, from tips for navigating the corporate world to restaurant recommendations in Chicago. His restaurant reviews have especially benefited local businesses, creating a ripple effect across the city’s economy. White highlights how TikTok has brought attention to businesses that would otherwise have remained unknown.
“The amount of money TikTok has generated for small businesses in our community is significant,” White notes. “People might not always see it, but they will feel it over time.”
In fact, White’s review of Hide + Seek, a restaurant in the West Loop, had a noticeable impact. The video, which gained around 60,000 views overnight, led to a surge in foot traffic. “The next week, when I returned to the restaurant, they said hundreds of people came in, all mentioning that ‘Kevin White sent us.'”
The Potential Impact of a TikTok Ban
While TikTok has played a central role in White’s success, he worries about what might happen if the app is banned in the United States. A TikTok ban could significantly impact local businesses and creators who rely on the platform for exposure.
“There are hundreds of businesses in Chicago that will be affected if TikTok gets banned,” says White. “It might create opportunities for new creators to push other platforms and help out our communities, but it’s still going to be a challenge.”
To prepare for the worst, White advises fellow creators to diversify their platforms. Months ago, when there were reports that TikTok might be banned in the U.S., White started building his presence on Instagram. “I always tell creators, especially those who’ve built a following on TikTok, to think about diversifying. Don’t put all your eggs in one basket,” he advises.
Looking Ahead
Despite the uncertainty surrounding TikTok’s future, White is optimistic. He recognizes that TikTok has made a lasting impact on the way people engage with content, and he doesn’t believe any platform can replace it entirely. “TikTok will leave its lasting impression,” he says, “but I don’t think anything could fill the void.”
White’s story highlights the profound influence TikTok has had not just on individual creators but on entire communities. While the future of the app is uncertain, its impact is undeniable.
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