TikTok’s blend of video-blogging mixed with its influencer-style presence of Instagram has seen the platform rise in popularity since its launch in 2017. But perhaps more surprisingly, during the pandemic; an increasing number of users have been turning to the platform for mental health support.

In times of distress or upheaval, our human instinct is to gravitate towards spaces that provide a sense of community or togetherness. During the pandemic, our access to social media platforms has helped bridge the gap in our ability to connect with others, giving us a sense of community and connection, and for some of us a new way of accessing mental health support.

Research from the Royal College of Psychiatrists earlier this year has suggested that children and younger people (under the age of 24) have suffered the most from mental health issues connected to the pandemic.

With waiting lists for mental health services increasing, many have taken to TikTok seeking guidance from clinicians across a wide range of disciplines, who are actively posting and sharing knowledge and support.  The hashtag #mentalhealth on TikTok has received 15.3 billion views, while the hashtag #therapistsoftiktok has received 318 million views.

The platform’s increase in popularity has seen user numbers soar from 133 million in 2018 to 1 billion users in 2021, an average increase of 1,187,671 users per day, with 28% of their users under the age of 18 and 35% being aged between 19 and 29 years old.

In response to this influx, TikTok has announced a package of guides on wellbeing and support that users can access. In their announcement, TikTok said, “We care deeply about our community, and we always look for new ways in which we can nurture their wellbeing.”

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Carrie Plummer - Editor & Content Manager