TikTok is pushing people to give creators credit to the original creator of an idea or dance. In the past, large influencers have face backlash from the public for doing dances or video ideas that a smaller creator came up with, popularizing it, and not giving credit. TikTok is looking for ways to make this easier on the app.
One instance of this problem was arguably the most iconic dance trend on TikTok, the dance trend that popularized dance trends on the app, Renegade. Many were crediting TikTok sensation Charli Damelio as the original creator of the dance however the real creator was actually a 14-year-old named Jalaiah Harmon.
After Charli received a lot of backlash for failing to mention the creator, she brought her with her to perform the dance at a Los Angeles Basketball Game. This is just one instance of a dance being removed from the creator however this occurrence can be much more likely with ideas, comedic sketches and trends in general.
Marginalized communities have specifically been calling the platform our for the lack of credit where it’s due for creators of color.
“We’re always exploring new ways to amplify the voices of our creator community and celebrate the innovative content creators share on TikTok, Inspiration can come from anywhere, and it’s important that creators are equipped with the right tools that allow TikTok to continue being a place where creativity is celebrated and individually credited.”
TikTok’s director of creator community, Kudzi Chikumbu
TikTok hopes it’s new tools helps credit creators appropriately and improve on amplifying the voices of smaller creators.