Political Performances: TikTok’s Sonic Influence on Affective Activist Expression

Abstract

This study explores political expression on TikTok among Austria-based creators, revealing how the platform’s unique architecture opens up new avenues for civic activism. Employing online ethnography and interviews, it uncovers insights into users’ engagement with local politics, highlighting TikTok’s aural dimensions of activist expression. The research showcases TikTok’s role in fostering political mobilization through creative sonic expressions, like lip-syncs, songs, and skits. It highlights the platform’s significance in youth activism, emphasizing its playful and joyful approach in engaging Gen Z with political discussion. Furthermore, the study analyzes TikTok’s performative aspects, spotlighting its cultural impact on sound and how sonic creativity serves as a tool for engaging audiences. By examining political performances on TikTok, this research contributes to an understanding of affective political engagement on the platform by expanding national studies and positioning TikTok as a catalyst for a new form of political expression, rooted in creative sonic elements and affective mobilization. It advocates for further exploration of TikTok’s role in broader social movements and encourages an investigation of affective dimensions in audiovisual activism across various media landscapes.