MANILA, PHILIPPINES – TikTok is offering up a new kind of entertainment, one that resonates most especially with people who are staying in their homes while the world grapples with the COVID-10 global pandemic. Its weird humor has tons entertained, helping them cope with being stuck in one place and the potentials of experiencing cabin fever. But that isn’t the only way the video sharing service is aiding in the crisis.
If you browse TikTok yourself, you’ll see a bunch of coronavirus related trends, particularly in giving tips on how to deal with being in a lockdown, some even giving socially distant concerts to their neighbors, and songs to sing while washing your hands.
@benandbenmusicTara ##duet? One way to fight COVID-19 together is to frequently wash your hands for 20 seconds. ##fyp ##foryoupage ##benandbenmusic ##covidー19 ##handwashtunes♬ original sound – Ben&Ben Sponsor
But entertainment (and in some ways, education) isn’t the only way the app is helping out. Tiktok has on several occasions partnered up with and donated to concerned groups like the World Health Organization, and the After-School All-Stars group.
@whoThese are 7 simple steps to protect yourself and others from ##COVID19. ##coronavirus♬ original sound – who
In providing content, TikTok has opened up their platform to host livestreams with WHO experts as well as Q&A sessions with trusted experts, as well as create an informational page on the app itself that provides safety and prevention tips while dispelling any myths that surround the virus.
@whoHow does ##COVID19 spread? ##coronavirus♬ original sound – who
In an article posted on their website, the group states that they have donated a total of 10-million U.S. dollars so far to WHO to provide essential supplies to healthcare workers, ensure communities have access to science-based information, and accelerate efforts to discover treatments and vaccines. They are also encouraging the financially-able to consider donating to WHO’s COVID-19 solidarity fund.
Apart from this, they have also been providing food and supplies to on-the-ground communities, partnering up with different groups including the After-School All-Stars that are currently supporting over 100,000 families across 13 states in the United States.
In a statement shared on their website, TikTok President Alex Zhu wrote:
“In this time of global distress and concern about the impact of COVID-19, we’ve been inspired by people in towns and cities everywhere whose fundamental humanity is shining through when we need it most – people serenading across quarantined buildings; neighbors delivering food and medicine to those who cannot leave their homes; global outpourings of empathy and support for grieving families. This humanity transcends borders and backgrounds, and we’re moved by how people are sharing their strength when we need it most.
Most importantly, it’s been gratifying to see the global community rally behind the true heroes of this crisis: the health care professionals around the world who are battling on behalf of us all.”
TikTok has also initiated a #HappyAtHome series, featuring artists and TikTok creators who will be livestreaming to help provide more entertainment to its users.
