There has been a lot of conversation – including a federal ban – on TikTok in the government sphere. National League of Cities published an article on the Federal and state bans and what they mean for local government.

TikTok has several potential pros and cons for local governments in terms of communication and engagement with citizens.

Pros:

• Reach: TikTok is a popular social media platform with a large and diverse user base, which makes it a great way for local governments to reach a wider audience.
• Engagement: TikTok allows for creative and interactive content, which can help local governments engage with citizens in a fun and memorable way.
• Community building: TikTok can be used to create a sense of community among local residents and to showcase local events and initiatives.
• Cost-effective: Compared to other forms of advertising or public relations, TikTok can be a cost-effective way for local governments to reach and engage with citizens.

Cons:

• Demographics: TikTok is primarily used by younger generations, and older citizens may not be as familiar with or active on the platform.
• Privacy and security: TikTok is a foreign-owned company, and there are concerns about data privacy and security.
• Misinformation: Like all social media platforms, TikTok can also be a source of misinformation, which could harm the credibility of the local government if not managed properly.
• Time-consuming: Creating and maintaining a presence on TikTok can be time-consuming and may require dedicated resources, which may be difficult for small or underfunded local governments.

Does your community use TikTok? What rules do you have for in-house social media accounts? Tell us in the comments.