TikTok Unveils $1 Million Change Makers Program for Creators as It Faces Potential US Ban

TikTok is taking significant steps to counter the looming threat of a potential ban in the United States. In addition to launching legal battles against the U.S. government, the popular social media platform is also working hard to enhance its public image.

TikTok Introduces its Change Makers Program

TikTok recently introduced the TikTok Change Makers Program, which features 50 global creators who aim to positively impact both on and off the platform.

This initiative supports the chosen creators and includes a $25,000 donation from TikTok to a nonprofit organization selected by each creator.

In a blog post, TikTok highlighted ten creators involved in the program, including environmental advocates and motivational speakers.

Among these creators is Joel Bervell, who focuses on addressing racial disparities in healthcare and serves on a committee sponsored by the White House that includes social media leaders in the medical field.

Although TikTok has not explicitly linked this program to its efforts to remain operational in the U.S., the substantial charitable donations undoubtedly cast the platform in a favorable light.

This development follows President Joe Biden's signing of a bill that threatens to ban TikTok unless its parent company, ByteDance, sells the app.

ByteDance, based in China, has shown no indication of complying with these demands, leaving TikTok's future uncertain, especially with the upcoming presidential election potentially influencing the outcome.

How TikTok Change Makers Program Works

TikTok's announcement emphasized the everyday positive impact of its creators, ranging from inspiring advice to stories of overcoming challenges and promoting sustainability.

The company introduced the TikTok Change Makers Program as its inaugural global initiative to elevate creators and nonprofits that effect meaningful change within their communities through TikTok.

Throughout the six-month program, TikTok plans to assist these creators in building engaged communities, reaching new audiences, providing resources, and many more.

The unveiling of TikTok's first global list of Change Makers includes 50 purpose-driven creators from around the world. These individuals utilize the platform to spread positivity, advocate for important causes, and share good deeds.

TikTok aims to unite creators, nonprofit organizations, and businesses with a shared vision to drive support, raise awareness, and fundraise for various causes.

The platform has seen substantial engagement with over 50,000 posts under the #TikTokforGood hashtag.

It has also introduced the TikTok Change Makers Grant, allocating over $1 million to more than 30 global and local nonprofit organizations supporting various causes.

Each Change Maker will have a $25,000 donation made in their honor to support their advocacy work and amplify their impact.

Kim Farrell, Head of Creators at TikTok, expressed pride in launching the program to help social impact creators and nonprofits reach broader audiences and bring about lasting change.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Oceana also supported the program. Dr. Alain Labrique, Director of the Department of Digital Health and Innovation at WHO, noted the collaboration's potential to broaden reach and impact health and other significant issues.

"By leveraging our combined strengths, we can broaden our reach to communities globally, impacting health and other important issues affecting people. This program enables us to connect with wider audiences, encouraging creativity for meaningful advocacy and health communication," Labrique said in a press release statement.