TikTok’s lip sync video days are long gone. These days, the platform is one of the biggest advertising platforms in the world. It is also a battleground for progressive and socialist ideas.
TikTok boasts more than 1 billion active monthly users, with Gen Z its core demographic. As such, political engagement on the app is unavoidable. This is especially true in today’s volatile political landscape.
Progressive creators and collectives, such as Gen-Z for Change, continue to amass millions of followers. They use TikTok’s short-form video format to debunk false narratives and push for systemic change.
Gen-Z for Change is a coalition of more than 500 creators. It reaches more than 1.7 million followers on TikTok (some sources state 500 million followers). Content posted by this coalition has generated 68 million likes across platforms.
Progressive Organising on TikTok
Progressive TikTok is about much more than just catchy slogans and debates. It is based on meticulous organisation. Campaigns are coordinated for important causes, such as anti-union firings, abortion rights, and even climate justice.
For instance, Black Leftist Hype House was founded by Iyanu Olajide and David Giorgis. It showcases how intersectional leftist content educates thousands on TikTok. This profile is also helping to build mutual aid networks.
Similarly, creators like Chrissy Chlapecka (#BimboTok) and Kat Abughazaleh use TikTok to recast socialist, anti-capitalist, and feminist discourse. They are shifting this discourse towards pop-aesthetic formats, which continue to reach millions. It is an example of political Gen-Z storytelling on the world’s most popular platforms.
TikTok’s Algorithm and Leftist Voices
The TikTok algorithm plays a major role in amplifying leftist voices. Its recommendations fuel left-wing politicization, shaping content streams based on viewing behavior and engagement.
However, as expected, this also goes the other way around. The algorithm doesn’t ignore far-right funnels, which means its recommendations follow the same route.
It is important to note that several creators on both sides have reported being suppressed on the platform. This happens despite no guideline violations and has given rise to reports about uneven moderation and bias on the TikTok app.
Algorithm Impact and Challenges
| Factors That Influence the Algorithm | Positive Impact | Challenges |
| Follow, like, and view signals (engagement) | High potential for going viral | Gaming the system becomes necessary |
| Content moderation | Removal of false narratives (in some instances) | Inconsistent enforcement |
| Political bias | Campaign mobilization | Losing out on TikTok boosts; For example, Republican content had more algorithmic boost during the 2024 U.S. election. |
Gaming the System
When it becomes necessary to game the system, progressive TikTok creators use several strategies to avoid suppression. The most popular include the following:
- Trending formats like memes, viral sounds, duets, and more.
- Paid engagement. Tools like Celebian offer paid views, likes, and automatic engagement to boost videos to the For You page.
Celebian is a great option for leftist content creators to get their voices heard, even if they are just starting on TikTok. Celebian’s packages offer an instant base to grow an audience organically.
Risks That Remain
There are several positives to TikTok’s leftist environment, but several risks remain. Those who spiral left can just as easily spiral right if fed the wrong information.
Moreover, censored or downgraded content has already sparked backlash on the platform and prompted calls for greater transparency from TikTok.
A New Political Reality
In 2025, TikTok is a politicized public space where Gen Z creators share progressive and socialist ideas. At the same time, they must navigate platform bias and suppression to make their voices heard. So, it’s not enough to post strong content; they must also make the most of trending memes, hashtags, and sounds. They should also use tools to boost engagement wherever possible and then grow their audiences organically.
This post was originally published on Canary.