TikTok, the popular social media app for making short musical videos, has popularized viral dance challenges like the 'Renegade' and has even spawned bona fide celebrities like 15-year-old influencer Charli D'Amelio. Now, 26-year-old truck driver Joshua Collins is hoping to utilize the user base to support his run for Congress.
"TikTok has been the place where my message resonates most," Collins, a self-proclaimed socialist, told Cheddar.
He's been able to amass 50,000 followers and more than one million likes with a variety of videos both about his campaign and other interests.
In campaign videos, he talks about policies he supports, complete with hashtags like "#anarchy," and "#eattherich." He supports presidential candidate Senator Bernie Sanders, has featured videos of himself at Sanders' rallies, and is vocally opposed to former New York City Mayor Mike Bloomberg's candidacy.
The candidate also is a supporter of LGBTQ issues, and said for young people on TikTok, "trans issues are really popular."
Collins, who describes himself as "really far-left" politically says he uses the app to give his take on issues he believes aren't being talked about enough and has compared the Iraq war to President Trump's Iran escalation last month. He also uses the platform to support agendas like the Green New Deal and Medicare-for-All.
Need some content to curl up with on the big screen, laptop, or tablet this weekend? Cheddar recommends electrifying evolution, a terrifying phone call, and a podcast to which you might find yourself overly devoted.
The first trailer for Wes Anderson's latest, Asteroid City, just dropped. Quinta Brunson is starring in an SNL promo, and Rachel Weisz is taking over Jeremy Irons' role in a remake of director David Cronenberg's Dead Ringers.
This musician serenades healthcare workers for saving his life. A young gymnast brings more diverse representation to her sport. Eli Manning surprises a seven-year-old cancer patient. Jason Derulo leaves a life-changing tip for an Omaha waiter.
Individuals with special needs shared the stage with professional dancers in a first-of-its-kind performance. A high school basketball player with an upper limb difference shoots for the stars. Seniors respond to reaction to viral Rihanna dance TikTok.
Self-proclaimed “affirmation queen” does not let physical obstacles get in the way of gratitude for life. A bakery owner hires employees with special needs to provide life skills. Man has found a way to combine his two passions- an orthodontist and a vintage vinyl record store owner — under the same roof.
