Jaelyn Richter, a therapist in Minneapolis, found new inspiration for political activism on TikTok with a video featuring Kamala Harris. Richter’s video, which has garnered over a million views, is part of a wave of online content aimed at celebrating Harris’s presidential aspirations after President Biden announced he would step down.
These videos, known as “fan edits” or “fancams,” portray Harris in a light reminiscent of pop culture icons, using upbeat music and visual effects to showcase her most endearing moments. The surge of TikTok content reflects a shift in political campaigning, with young creators applying their digital skills to support Harris’s candidacy.
Many of the most popular pro-Harris fan videos come from political novices, highlighting the diverse range of supporters contributing to the online hype. These videos play a crucial role in introducing Harris to new voters and energizing her existing base during a shortened campaign season.
Harris’s official campaign has also embraced social media, using TikTok to share fan edit-inspired content to engage with a younger demographic. However, some experts warn that the campaign must strike a delicate balance to avoid alienating voters with overly-produced content.
The enthusiasm for Harris on TikTok is not limited to American voters, as evidenced by international creators like Ronnie Parsons from London, who used his platform to show support for Harris despite being unable to vote in the US. The widespread appeal of these fancams reflects a shift in political discourse online, offering a lighthearted and engaging alternative to the divisive rhetoric that often dominates social media.
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