The World Health Organization (WHO) has joined TikTok to help educate the younger generation about Coronavirus. It would seem the WHO is leaving no stone unturned in their efforts to inform the public, with TikTok videos being among their latest methods.
The WHO has obviously been busy of late dealing with the Coronavirus, and as of Tuesday morning, over 90 thousand individuals have been affected worldwide. The outbreak that began in late 2019 has made its way to dozens of countries, tragically killing over three thousand people. Due to its spread, many people are starting to worry, and even stocking up on masks, medicine and food to stay safe. As medical experts across the world gather to plan the best action moving forward, the WHO is seeking to educate people on how to stay safe in the meantime.
The United Nations’ health agency joined TikTok last Friday, and the account already has over 180 thousand followers, with one of their videos gaining 31 million views. The video that’s already gained millions of views and nearly 4,500 comments is one about face masks: when and how to use them. While another video has more basic information, such as washing your hands and covering your mouth when coughing. It’s hard to say for sure that the videos have educated the young TikTok audience, but with the sheer number of views and likes, it’s hard to not call it a win for the WHO. Even if their informational videos feel a bit out of place on the app that usually features short goofy clips, it’s a good idea in the long run that could be beneficial to the younger audience.
TikTok Might Be A Long-Term WHO Strategy
Interestingly, the World Health Organization seems to be staying on the popular app, at least for now. The already verified account has posted two new videos about a cause different than Coronavirus, uploading two videos on World Hearing Day. In which the videos promote the “hearWHO” app, a hearing test that’s done on your smartphone. Since then, the account has been silent, but could continue its TikTok PSAs at any time.
TikTok is an incredibly popular app that is very skewed toward the younger audience. Having an official, trusted organization like the WHO on the platform could be a good idea for the younger generation that don’t watch more traditional news. It could also end up being a precursor to other government or United Nation organizations joining TikTok, as well as other platforms that specifically cater to younger users.
