TikTok shapes 2024 presidential campaign with viral moments and youth engagement

TikTok has become a vital platform for the 2024 presidential campaign, especially among younger voters. Nearly 40% of adults under 30 use TikTok for news, making it a key tool for candidates like Donald Trump and Kamala Harris to engage with this demographic. Recent viral moments include Trump serving fries at McDonald's, which garnered over 200 million views, and Harris's nomination, which shifted online sentiment positively towards her. The platform has also seen significant engagement with content explaining conservative policies and highlights from debates. Both campaigns are leveraging celebrity appearances and influencer partnerships to attract attention. This strategy contrasts with traditional media, as many voters now prefer quick, engaging content on social media over lengthy news segments.