Text-Based Content Thrives on Douyin: A New Frontier for Creators

Can Text-Based Content Thrive on TikTok? A Look at the Journey of a Creative AI Artist

TikTok is known for its short-form video content, but can text-based content find its footing on this platform? We explore this question through the lens of "自己的世界" ("My Own World"), a creative artist who leverages AI to generate captivating images and shares them as text-based posts on TikTok.

The Rise of an AI Art Enthusiast:

Based abroad, "自己的世界" is studying interactive design and immerses themselves in the world of AI-driven creativity. They launched a TikTok account earlier this year, showcasing their AI-generated artwork inspired by diverse prompts like "a winter day in 1992, back at your home in the Hokkaido forest" or "after the apocalypse, what scene on Earth would you want to see?"

Their creative process involves crafting scenarios and then using AI to produce images that evoke emotions.

TikTok's Echo Chamber of Creativity:

The comment section becomes a hub for engagement, with fans weaving narratives inspired by film, literature, or even sharing their own AI creations. This dynamic interaction fuels "自己的世界"'s creativity, providing them with fresh ideas and inspiration for future projects.

Interestingly, the artist has noticed that TikTok's algorithm favors text-based content over platforms like Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book). His TikTok account boasts over 40,000 followers, while his Xiaohongshu account has only a fraction of that number. He attributes this to TikTok's larger daily active user base and stronger engagement metrics.

The Challenges of Monetization:

While building a following seems easier on TikTok, monetizing text-based content remains a challenge.

"自己的世界" shares that although he has an open TikTok shop, it primarily sells everyday items and books, generating only a modest income. Finding the right audience to connect with his AI art niche is still ongoing.

He also points out that TikTok's interface prioritizes visuals, making it harder to seamlessly integrate advertising into text-based content without disrupting the flow.

The Future of Text on Video Platforms:

Despite these challenges, "自己的世界"'s story highlights the potential for text-based content to thrive on platforms like TikTok. The engagement generated by his AI art demonstrates a hunger for unique and thought-provoking content, even in a video-centric landscape.

As more creators experiment with different formats, we may see platforms evolve to better support text-based content, creating new avenues for monetization and audience engagement.