MENA creative community scores big in 2019: a look back at the hottest content on TikTok this year

 

  • Popular short-form video platform reveals nation’s top TikTok moments of the year
  • MENA community invited to demonstrate their optimism for the new year in upcoming #2020MakeAWish challenge live on 25th December, in partnership with Emaar
  • TikTok to ring in the new year with a dynamic takeover of the Burj Khalifa on new year’s eve

 

Riyadh, Saudi Arabia: Rounding off a big year for TikTok’s creative community, the world’s leading short-form video platform has revealed the nation’s most memorable moments of 2019. Growing quickly and steadily in the Middle East and worldwide, TikTok has attracted an immense and active base of creators producing creative videos, across music, fashion, sports, education and more.

Challenges, a TikTok feature that inspires users to respond creatively and share content, were a big hit in the MENA region in 2019, generating a whopping 4.7 billion views across the region. Driving a feeling of community on the platform, TikTok challenges are entertaining but can also drive awareness around positive social initiatives, helping users find common ground while expressing their differences.

A look back at 2019:

Under the patronage of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, TikTok partnered with the Arab Hope Makers initiative, launching the #_ (Hope Makers) challenge which invited users to create a short film of themselves doing good deeds. Quickly becoming the most engaging social initiative challenge, this challenge generated 35 million  views.

Rising to the top effects-based challenge spot of 2019, was the #greenscreen challenge allowing users to insert background images or videos into their short films to show off their creative storytelling skills, and generating 190 million views. 

The #choices challenge galvanized 99 million views as content creators used memes to answer a series of questions about themselves, cleverly syncing their answers to music tracks.

 

The most engaging dance-based challenge was the #big_fun challenge, generating 41 million views and seeing users bring a short musical play to life with a fun script and dance routine. 

The most popular game-based challenge was the #_ (Truth or Dare) challenge, generating 44 million views as users spent time playing the classic game, choosing to answer questions or take on dares.

Looking ahead to 2020:

Launching in collaboration with Emaar on 25th December, the last challenge of the year: #2020MakeAWish will inspire users to wish loved ones well for the new year.  Backed by a new song created exclusively for the challenge, #2020MakeAWish is an interactive and memorable way to celebrate the dawn of a new decade. 

 

Commenting on TikTok’s mission to empower creative expression, Rami Zeidan, Head of Video and Creative Content at TikTok, said, “2019 has been a huge year for our creative community in the MENA region who continue to raise the bar with diverse and compelling content. We’re proud to have provided an outlet for artistic expression for so many people. #2020MakeAWish is the perfect platform to propel us into the new year and as we set our sights on 2020, we look forward to shining a spotlight on the region’s best talent.”

 

Closing out the year in style:

Building on a long-term partnership with Emaar, TikTok will be wowing crowds with an extended, creative showcase lighting up Emaar’s iconic Burj Khalifa in the heart of downtown Dubai on New Year’s Eve. The unmissable spectacle, which will take advantage of the latest LED technology promises to captivate audiences’ attention.

TikTok will also be recognizing and honoring the region’s top creators with its inaugural ‘TikTok Hero Awards’, which will be revealed on New Year’s Eve.

  • Ends -

About TikTok
TikTok is the leading destination for short-form mobile video. Our mission is to inspire and enrich people’s lives by offering a home for creative expression and an experience that is genuine, joyful, and positive. TikTok has global offices including Los Angeles, New York, London, Paris, Berlin, Dubai, Mumbai, Singapore, Jakarta, Seoul, and Tokyo. www.tiktok.com.

Media Contact

Abdullah Abdulghani

Media Relations Director at Weber Shandwick

abdullah.abdulghani@ws-mena.com

© Press Release 2019

Disclaimer: The contents of this press release was provided from an external third party provider. This website is not responsible for, and does not control, such external content. This content is provided on an “as is” and “as available” basis and has not been edited in any way. Neither this website nor our affiliates guarantee the accuracy of or endorse the views or opinions expressed in this press release.

The press release is provided for informational purposes only. The content does not provide tax, legal or investment advice or opinion regarding the suitability, value or profitability of any particular security, portfolio or investment strategy. Neither this website nor our affiliates shall be liable for any errors or inaccuracies in the content, or for any actions taken by you in reliance thereon. You expressly agree that your use of the information within this article is at your sole risk.

To the fullest extent permitted by applicable law, this website, its parent company, its subsidiaries, its affiliates and the respective shareholders, directors, officers, employees, agents, advertisers, content providers and licensors will not be liable (jointly or severally) to you for any direct, indirect, consequential, special, incidental, punitive or exemplary damages, including without limitation, lost profits, lost savings and lost revenues, whether in negligence, tort, contract or any other theory of liability, even if the parties have been advised of the possibility or could have foreseen any such damages.