TikTok maestros weigh in on celebrity accounts
Lewis Capaldi, Cardi B, Will Smith and Ed Sheeran have all joined TikTok. We ask three pro-creators to review their viral dance challenges.
Culture
Words: Amy Francombe
Got an earworm you can’t shake? You can probably thank TikTok, and the young creators leveraging their fame on the app into lucrative record deals, for that. Getting signed off the back of 15-second clips that go viral within the community, TikTok fame has fast become a cheat code for industry success. Little Nas X lassoed the longest run atop the US Billboard charts with his TikTok-able track Old Town Road, while Sub Urban landed a deal with Warner Records thanks to the millions of TikTokers that did the Fortnite dance to his song Cradles. It’s no wonder the heavyweight musicians want in.
Ed Sheeran tanked the platform back in July with his #BeautifulPeople challenge – a video that saw him hold up a sign that read “My beautiful person is…” before unveiling his chosen individual – that racked up 700,000,000 views and prompted thousands of creators to join in.
Meanwhile, Will Smith made his TikTok debut earlier this month with the #GeminiMan challenge, a split-screen format that sees users compete against one another. Instagram Queen Cardi B turned her hand to TikTok to initiate a playful Christmas-inspired “wrap” battle. And Lewis Capaldi has long been claiming that he’s the #KingOfTikTok thanks to his signature comedic style that translates extremely well on the app.
But what do TikTok natives make of their attempts? We asked three masters who’ve nailed the algorithm what they really think of these celebrity attempts…
LEWIS CAPALDI’S COMEDY DUET
What do you rate it out of 10? Nine
Describe it in one word: Hilarious.
Would you attempt to do this challenge? No.
Why not?
The TikTok made sense because it was Lewis doing it – he’s the guy who takes the mickey out of himself for not being super attractive so when he does videos like this pretending to be the person that the shirtless guy is trying to attract, it is just so funny. It definitely wouldn’t have the same effect if I did it!
Do you find his account cool?
Yes – Lewis was made for TikTok and he gets involved and jumps on trends in a natural way just like other TikTokers do, so he feels much more relatable. Plus he is totally himself (and hilarious with it) and people love that authenticity on the app.
What do you rate it out of 10? Ten.
Describe it in one word: Brilliant.
Would you attempt to do this challenge? YES. YES. YES.
Why?
Lewis Capaldi represents the 95% of people on TikTok who don’t take themselves too seriously! His use of the duet feature makes his content brilliant. When I watch his videos it inspires me to keep posting content. He truly is the King of TikTok.
Do you find his account cool?
Yasss! I say that snapping my fingers! He’s a cool guy! I feel like if he posts consistently on TikTok it could mean big things for him and his music.
What do you rate it out of 10? Twenty out of ten.
Describe it in one word: Sexy.
Would you attempt to do this challenge? Lewis can we do a collab please?
Why?
He understands what TikTok is!
Do you find his account cool?
I love his account! He actually communicates with the TikTok community and tries to understand the trends and challenges that happen, so I really appreciate his efforts!
ED SHEERAN’S #BEAUTIFULPEOPLE CHALLENGE
What do you rate it out of 10? Four.
Describe it in one word: Cute.
Would you attempt to do this challenge? No.
Why not?
It didn’t get me excited and was a little boring.
Do you find his account cool?
Seeing more of his personality come through on his TikToks would definitely make his account stand out more for me.
What do you rate it out of 10? Four.
Describe it in one word: Cute.
Would you attempt to do this challenge? Yes.
Why?
The message behind it is inspiring and it resonates with a lot of people on the platform and myself. It’s a great way to get others involved in your content as well.
Do you find his account cool?
I’d love to see loads more content from him!
What do you rate it out of 10? I’d give this trend a six.
Describe it in one word: Cute!
Would you attempt to do this challenge?
Hmmm, personally I can’t think of an animation to go with that unfortunately, but I’d definitely encourage people to jump onto this challenge with their friends or loved ones!
Why not?
As an animator I don’t really do challenges, it’s hard to translate a challenge as an animation nowadays as I have less and less time to animate stuff for TikTok!
Do you find his account cool?
I’m glad Ed Sheeran has recognised the TikTok platform. Personally I think he needs to get involved more!
CARDI B’S “WRAP” BATTLE
What do you rate it out of 10? Five.
Describe it in one word: Mad.
Would you attempt to do this challenge? No.
Why not?
The challenge is about wrapping presents and that part wasn’t made to seem so fun – what made it funny was Cardi’s personality.
Do you find her account cool?
Not yet – I’ve seen her Instagram videos and know how entertaining she is on those so if she brought that kind of vibe to TikTok she would do amazing!
What do you rate it out of 10? Six.
Describe it in one word: Fun.
Would you attempt to do this challenge? No.
Why not?
It’s fun, but not something I think loads and loads of people will love or understand why. I do like that Cardi was herself and just had fun – it’s what TikTok is about! She slays it!
Do you find her account cool?
Overall not cool… sorry! She could make some amazing videos though if she wanted to as she’s so much fun.
What do you rate it out of 10? Eight.
Describe it in one word: Merry Christmas! (Yes, two words but I don’t care.)
Would you attempt to do this challenge?
I probably couldn’t replicate that challenge as an animation, but this seems like this challenge could spark something special. Plus its a good challenge for the Christmas season up ahead.
Why not?
I can’t wrap. (Presents or hip hop.)
Do you find her account cool?
Yeah, it’s really cool to see Cardi B on TikTok too.
WILL SMITH’S #GEMINIMAN CHALLENGE
What do you rate it out of 10? Seven.
Describe it in one word: Quirky.
Would you attempt to do this challenge? No.
Why not?
I remember this challenge coming up at the time and it just didn’t fully make sense to me – with other challenges I can really relate so it gets me excited to jump on it, but with this one I struggled to connect.
Do you find his account cool?
Yes! Will Smith has great content as it is usually unexpected – especially with the crazy transitions/edits he does. The best part is he shows his sense of humour and personality which we all love Will for, so his account is brill.
What do you rate it out of 10? Seven.
Describe it in one word: Memeable.
Would you attempt to do this challenge? Absolutely.
Why?
This is so MEME! Which TikTokers love! It’s a trend that people can have a laugh with and make some pretty cool content! Plus… Will Smith is a legend!
Do you find his account cool? His account is very cool! He’s not been on TikTok long and he already knows how to work his content and his audience! He’s got a keen eye on how to work the platform.
What do you rate it out of 10? IT’S REWIND TIME.
Describe it in one word: POSE.
Would you attempt to do this challenge?
The song Pose by Yo Gotti feat. Lil Uzi Vert that is used in this challenge seems like something I could work with for an animation, maybe it could get people posing more!
Why?
I love working with audios on TikTok, and I’m constantly looking for new audios for animation ideas every day!
Do you find his account cool?
Will Smith seems to be doing just fine on TikTok. Like Ed Sheeran he should try getting involved with the community more!
