Keep scrolling to meet TikTok’s new ‘it girl’.
What is the TikTok ‘Black girl follow train’?
Black women on TikTok are helping each other reach 1,000+ followers with a new initiative called #blackgirlfollowtrain.
This trend started about a week ago when a sound clip went viral urging Black women to follow each other.
The intention was to help creators reach a minimum of 1000 followers. This allows users to monetise their accounts by gaining access to TikTok’s live function.
Black women are notoriously suppressed by the algorithm and Black influencers receive fewer opportunities than their white counterparts. This includes press opportunities, brand sponsorships, event invites, and PR gifting.
The concept is similar to a follow-for-follow or follow-back initiative. If a Black woman comes across another Black woman on her FYP, they follow her and let her know that they’ve followed (usually in the comment section of a video) so she can follow them back, too.
#blackgirlfollow train has over 63.5 million views and Black women across the app have since gained thousands of followers.
As the initiative gains momentum, white women on TikTok are now being The Worst™, arguing that an initiative that specifically excludes them will lead to separation rather than equality.
Watch a nuanced take on the pushback to this initiative by equity and justice educator Victoria Alexander via TikTok.
Viral TikTok faces backlash for excluding WOC in 2023 influencer predictions
Speaking of white women monopolising TikTok’s time and energy, a viral video by user Let’s Talk Pop Culture is facing criticism after she failed to include any women of colour in her 2023 influencer predictions.
The “2023 prediction” videos have been trending all month, but none have sparked as much discourse as this one.
In her video, LTPC shares career predictions for influencers like Brianna Chickenfry, Alex Cooper, Trisha Paytas, GirlBossTown, Madison Beer, and more.
Many of the creators named have commented on her TikTok, helping to boost its visibility and reach to nearly 700K people.
LTPC didn’t include a single person of colour in her 13 predictions, which has opened up discussion about the lack of diversity among macro influencers, particularly those who get to become “mainstream”.
As a result, some users are now sharing their favourite non-white creators in an attempt to spread the love, including @ladydianamay, @culturework, @shawtysin, and @monetmcmichael.
Watch LTPC’s predictions via TikTok.
Social media explodes with nepotism baby discourse
A new piece by Vulture has social media by the throat as users can’t stop arguing over which Hollywood nepotism babies actually had a leg up.
The exposé features infographics and family trees for a long list of celebrities who had existing industry connections prior to securing their big break.
Alongside sister duos with A-list parents like the Hadids, Jenners, and Apatows, Vulture included some controversial additions like singer-songwriter Phoebe Bridgers, who is apparently the daughter of a set builder.
This piece has sparked intense debate among readers, particularly about the term “nepotism” and how it differs from general privilege.
Some argue that most children raised in L.A. would have relevant connections, as entertainment is one of the city’s largest industries. However, this doesn’t make every child raised in L.A. a “nepotism baby” unless their parents directly impacted the trajectory of their career.
Others believe that any familial connections (even a set builder) would be an advantage compared to those with no proximity to the entertainment industry at all, and thus could be considered “nepotism”.
Oh, and then Kate Moss’ sister had a meltdown about being called a nepotism baby and Twitter absolutely destroyed her.
Read the full story via Vulture.
Meet TikTok’s new ‘It girl’ Alix Earle
Every few months, a TikTok creator blows up out of nowhere. This time it’s University of Miami student Alix Earle.
Alix is a 22-year-old university senior who’s found recent TikTok fame for her laidback GRWM videos.
Despite being drop-dead gorgeous, Alix remains (relatively) down to earth— she’s honest about using filters, often films without makeup on, and interacts with her fans frequently.
The creator quickly gained 2 million followers over the past few months, kick-starting her influencer career in a big way.
Alix was recently flown to NYC for an intimate influencer event with Selena Gomez for Rare Beauty. (Yes, she’s already at that level.)
Alix was dating MLB star Tyler Wade for three months before calling it quits in recent weeks.
Follow Alix on TikTok.
The 12 Biggest Viral Moments of 2022
Centennial Beauty’s podcast, Renegade w/ Lauren & Jordyn, explores the 12 biggest viral moments and news stories of 2022:
West Elm Caleb
The Oscars slap
Revolve Festival
Kim Kardashian & the Marilyn Monroe dress
BBL body to the "return of thin culture"
Don’t Worry Darling drama
Johnny Depp v Amber Heard
Queen Elizabeth dies & Trisha Paytas trends
Elon Musk buys Twitter
Kanye West’s downfall
Taylor Swift The Eras Tour Ticketmaster debacle
Balenciaga cancelled
Listen to the full episode of Renegade w/ Lauren & Jordyn on Spotify or Apple Podcasts.
*This is the last week of infinite scroll for 2022. Thank you for your support so far and see you in the new year!*