TikTok is the latest social media platform that is flooding with mainstream celebrities attempting to further their reach. Content from these famous figures is often met with polarizing opinions, especially due to the fact that TikTok is intended to be a more casual form of social media compared to sites like Instagram.
After scrolling through various famous profiles for more time than I’d like to admit, I’ve found the key to a perfect celebrity TikTok profile: content that is unique and personal, yet candid. The following list captures some of the best — and worst — mainstream celebrities to follow based on their content.
5. AVOID: CHARLIE PUTH
Unfortunately, like most celebrities on TikTok, Puth’s page is full of ‘new release’ promos that feel disconnected from audiences. He has the occasional sketch or joke, but I find that it misses the mark for TikTok’s general sense of humor.
5. FOLLOW: AMANDLA STENBERG
What makes Stenberg’s TikTok work so well is that they’re young and naturally in tune with Gen-Z humor which commonly dominates the platform. They don’t post super often, but I enjoy seeing them pop up on my FYP from time to time.
4. AVOID: KIM KARDASHIAN
This one is probably my most controversial pick. My favorite thing about TikTok is how simple and laid-back it can be — and Kardashian’s profile is neither. It mainly consists of ads for her latest business endeavor or heavily edited clips of her showing off her designer wardrobe.
4. FOLLOW: EMILY RATAJKOWSKI
Honestly, how could you not be completely obsessed with Emily Ratajkowski’s TikTok? She’s effortlessly cool and keeps up with the latest trends. She is also the perfect account to follow for style inspiration.
3. AVOID: JIMMY FALLON
I really think that all talk show hosts should probably be avoided on TikTok (aside from my queen Drew Barrymore). But, I chose Fallon specifically because his content feels like something only enjoyed by middle-aged moms or people still mourning Vine in 2022.
3. FOLLOW: KEVIN BACON
Okay, hear me out. This profile is a personal favorite of mine. Even if you’re not a huge Kevin Bacon fan (which is likely), it’s impossible to not smile at his content. His most watched series consists of singing covers of popular songs on his farm with his goats. Adorable.
2. AVOID: JUSTIN BIEBER
Bieber’s account is essentially used for promoting his music, which would be okay if his content was fun or different. But, it usually just falls plateaus and blends in with all of the other artists trying to extend their social media identities.
2. FOLLOW: NINA DOBREV
Dobrev’s account is exactly what I think a celebrity’s TikTok should be. A lot of fun, a bit of cringy millennial humor and cameos from some familiar faces (my favorite is her Olympic gold medalist boyfriend, Shaun White).
1. AVOID: JASON DERULO
The content on Derulo’s account is so overproduced that it doesn’t even feel like TikTok anymore. I don’t find his profile to be enjoyable even ironically — it just feels very unnecessary and out of touch with what people are looking for on the platform.
1. FOLLOW: LIZZO
Lizzo is just one of the coolest people alive, so it’s no shocker she’s at the top of my must-follow list. Whether she’s cracking jokes, dancing to her songs or showing off her latest red carpet looks, she’s one of those celebrities that still manages to stay down-to-earth no matter how famous she gets. Even if she’s promoting something, she finds fun ways to do it.
Though the number of famous faces on platforms like TikTok can be overwhelming at times, the most engaging thing a celebrity can do is remind their audience that they’re human beings. It’s just a bonus if you’re Lizzo and happen to be the most iconic human ever.