Advertisement
Vice President Kamala Harris has launched an official TikTok account, marking a strategic move to engage with voters as her 2024 presidential campaign gains traction. In her inaugural video, Harris explained her decision to join the platform, acknowledging her recent visibility on the app and aiming to capitalize on its growing influence.
Harris’s move to TikTok comes as her campaign has generated significant buzz on social media. The platform has seen a surge of user-generated content celebrating her candidacy, including viral videos set to popular music trends.
This digital strategy contrasts with the approach of President Joe Biden, who engaged with voters through the @BidenHQ (now @KamalaHQ) account alongside Harris, reflecting a more traditional campaign method. Concerns over TikTok’s Chinese ownership have been voiced by U.S. lawmakers, although the app remains a key tool for reaching younger audiences.
TikTok’s role in political campaigning has been highlighted by other political figures as well. Former President Donald Trump, who launched his own TikTok account in June, has expressed mixed feelings about the app. Despite concerns about national security and privacy, Trump has suggested that banning TikTok would only strengthen rival platforms like Facebook, which he has criticized.
Harris’s TikTok debut underscores the increasing importance of social media in modern political campaigns, as candidates seek to connect with voters through popular and emerging platforms.