The most popular globaldev organizations on TikTok

Many aid organizations have been slow to catch up with TikTok's popularity, but some have gathered large followings there, especially during the pandemic.

By // 19 February 2021

TikTok has frequently been in the headlines over the past year. Sometimes controversial because of safeguarding and data privacy concerns, it has nonetheless become one of the most popular social media platforms globally — especially among young people, although coronavirus-related lockdowns have helped it attract new audiences. As of July, it had about 800 million active users, a rise of 300 million from the year before.

Many companies and organizations have been slow to recognize the value of TikTok in their social media and digital strategies, but a handful of global development and humanitarian organizations have built a significant following there — particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic — helping to boost their communications work, reach potential volunteers and supporters, and in some cases directly fundraise.

Devex scoured TikTok to find some of the most-followed global development organizations, as of mid-February, and to explore what makes them successful.

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About the author

  • Jessica Abrahams

    Jessica Abrahams

    Jessica Abrahams is a former editor of Devex Pro. She helped to oversee news, features, data analysis, events, and newsletters for Devex Pro members. Before that, she served as deputy news editor and as an associate editor, with a particular focus on Europe. She has also worked as a writer, researcher, and editor for Prospect magazine, The Telegraph, and Bloomberg News, among other outlets. Based in London, Jessica holds graduate degrees in journalism from City University London and in international relations from Institut Barcelona d’Estudis Internacionals.

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