Top Sounds 

Our curated picks of the top sounds on TikTok

1. Can We Get The Bill? Sometimes you’re a little too excited and you need a little check on it.
2. I Don’t Care That Much A sound for when you do, in fact, care that much.
3. *Anything* Rodger Cleye does So, this isn’t technically a sound. It’s a whole bunch of sounds as sung by @rodgercleye. In this trend, Rodger is edited into a collage room, think cozy evening meets Polyvore.
4. Better Everything A sound for when you’re ready to brag. You’re no Domino’s.
5. That’s Good 
   When you’re fed up of things going well for someone else. I’m ready for us to embrace being haters!

 Our Sound Highlight 

America Has A Problem

Mood: 

And that problem is… whatever you say it is! Lord knows you’ve got options.

 Video Highlight 

Hey, political campaigns folks— give your advance and field crews that TikTok login. I love capturing real moments (not to be all BeReal) on the trail. There’s just something so exciting about hearing from supporters and volunteers directly.

 Effects Highlight 

AI is taking over— TikTok that is.

There’s a rise of AI effects on the platform— which allow for a lot of creative takes on using the effects. The above comes from a trend of using AI Greenscreen to see what your birthday looks like. 

 The Moment 

Issues that are at the forefront of online discourse— Republican governors are… human trafficking?

And I’m not even talking about Matt Gaetz. Republican governors have been moving undocumented migrants from red states to ‘sanctuary’ cities and states— notably, including Martha’s Vineyard. The response in Martha’s Vineyard is a prime example of the responses from other regions, as folks gathered to assist their newly arrived neighbors.

The notion of Republican governors trying to “own” blue states by hoping undocumented people would be subject to harm is sickening. The sad truth is this country is inhospitable to undocumented people— by design. The boundaries are numerous— the lack of a social security number, credit scoring, police cooperation with ICE, and the constant threat of detention and deportation.

Yet, in this hell, it has been a balm (however weak) that communities still rally to support those in need of assistance.

Republicans sent people to cities without explanation, without housing, jobs, or security on the other side. Hoping for the worst.

As the adage goes, the cruelty is the point.

 The Zeitgeist 

Hot topics from across the internet

• The Woman King is out sparking conversations about West African history and the history of slavery.
• Adam Levine’s DM’s went viral. The internet was treated to a wealth of cringe and memes.
• Period Ah girl took over TikTok for a hot second. I’d explain but I’m hoping we don’t Bhad Bhabie this. Blaccents have to come to an end.
• More complications surrounded the Queen’s funeral as protesters were arrested and long-awaited operations and doctors’ appointments were canceled.
• Do influencers belong at NY Fashion Week? Look, the fashion industry is still on the fence about whether fat people or Black people should be in Fashion Week, so this recent question is hardly surprising. The issue itself may be a little more complicated than pure inclusivity though.
• I found one of the worst campaign ads this cycle. Working in politics, you’d think I’d be used to this whole “We’ll encourage right-wing voters with racism!” but it still gets me every time.

 The Takeaway 

Content creation is labor 

Between REVOLVE not paying influencers and online discourse over whether being an influencer is real work, there seems to be a disconnect on the reality of influencer work.

While the odd comment might come across as out-of-touch, it is key to reinforce the idea that content creation is a job. After all, rarely does public gaze extend beyond the ring lights to the managers and marketing departments. The result of this perception may have unfortunate consequences as many brands take advantage of the notion that content creation isn’t “real work” with inequitable deals.

Non-traditional as this profession may be, estimates suggest influencer marketing will account for 4 billion (with a ‘b’!) dollars of ad money spent in 2022. Exposure and gift cards simply aren’t all that a brand should offer, particularly a large one.

As an influencer marketing manager and a human in this capitalist society of ours, let me say this— people need to be paid for their labor! Not a gift card, definitely not ‘exposure,’ actual fair monetary compensation. Content creation is labor, so let’s act like it.

Made it to the end of this newsletter? Here’s a treat, African cinema and LOTR.

Like Vocal Verified? Share it with a friend!