{"id":12021,"date":"2023-04-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2023-04-14T07:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/pro-migration.local\/blog\/what-is-tiktok-should-nonprofit-use\/"},"modified":"2025-06-10T11:34:14","modified_gmt":"2025-06-10T18:34:14","slug":"tiktok-for-nonprofits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gofundme.to\/__proxy\/pro.gofundme.com\/c\/blog\/tiktok-for-nonprofits\/","title":{"rendered":"TikTok for Nonprofits: Should Your Organization Use It?"},"content":{"rendered":"

This article was written by marketing specialist Maria Sadusky of <\/i>Community Boost<\/i><\/a>. Maria has broad experience running social media and email marketing campaigns.<\/i><\/p>\n

TikTok is one of the most used social media platforms among nonprofits, for-profits, and individuals seeking ways to stay connected. The platform allows users to generate up to 10-minute videos and host live streams, just like Meta and LinkedIn.<\/p>\n

After launching in the United States in 2016, the number of active TikTok users climbed to more than 1.4 billion worldwide.1<\/sup> At first, the social media platform centered around teen influencers creating and sharing short videos in an attempt to \u201cgo viral.\u201d Companies quickly recognized the platform\u2019s prominence and wanted in on the action.<\/p>\n

Now, nonprofits utilize TikTok regularly to connect with younger audiences in a more personal and immediate way. If you\u2019re considering introducing TikTok into your nonprofit\u2019s social media strategy\u2014which we highly suggest\u2014it\u2019s crucial to understand the unique ways the app functions and the best way to leverage it for your mission.<\/p>\n

Below, we\u2019ll give you a look at what this platform is and how it can be beneficial to your nonprofit marketing<\/a> strategy.<\/p>\n

How Do I Create a TikTok Account?<\/h2>\n

All right, let\u2019s get started on TikTok!<\/p>\n

The first thing you have to do is create an account.<\/p>\n

Step 1: Download the TikTok App for Free<\/h3>\n

You might not need explaining on this part, but if you do, we have you covered.<\/p>\n

Download TikTok for free from the Apple Store (for iOS users) and Google Play Store (for Android users). All you have to do is search for TikTok, then select the Download or Install button to begin downloading.<\/p>\n

Step 2: Sign Up for an Account<\/h3>\n

To move to this step, you need your email, phone number, or log-in information for your social media accounts. If you use your email, make sure it\u2019s the one linked to your nonprofit\u2019s account.<\/p>\n

Step 3: Set Up Your Profile<\/h3>\n

Once you create an account, you can set up your profile. Here\u2019s where you add a profile picture and a brief description of your nonprofit organization.<\/p>\n

If you already have an account with 1,000 followers, you can add your donation site<\/a> hyperlink to your bio. Also, be sure to link your Instagram and YouTube accounts to TikTok.<\/p>\n

How Can Nonprofits Use TikTok?<\/h2>\n

It\u2019s vital to keep up with the latest trends and create TikTok content that connects with your audience. Here are a few ways to use TikTok for good to promote your nonprofit:<\/p>\n

Stay Up to Date with the TikTok Trends for Nonprofits<\/h3>\n

Authenticity Is Valuable<\/h4>\n

Creating authentic TikTok content is a key factor in building a strong online presence and standing out in a crowded digital space. It makes your nonprofit brand<\/a> more relatable to viewers and helps establish trust with your audience who will be more likely to support your brand over time.<\/p>\n

By opting for organic content over edited and produced content, you can show your audience that you value nonprofit transparency<\/a>. This, in turn, can lead to better results and a more committed following.<\/p>\n

For example, here are two performance analytics reports from posts on Community Boost\u2019s TikTok<\/a>. The first was a produced and edited video created by a videographer, and the second was a 15-minute, in-app creation on the TikTok platform.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n\"Community\n\"Community\n

As you can see, the more organic content featured in the second video received longer total play times\u2014and average watch time per user. It had a higher retention rate and gained eight new followers.<\/p>\n

Educational Content Is Key<\/h4>\n

Another popular way to use TikTok is to post educational content and informational videos. The Sacramento Museum TikTok account, for example, talks about particular moments in history and uses trending sounds to bring in tourism.<\/p>\n\"Examples\n

Nonprofits can create educational video content on TikTok by sharing interesting, mission-related facts, statistics, or insights. You can also create how-to tutorial videos demonstrating your work, such as how to plant a tree or care for animals.<\/p>\n

Sharing behind-the-scenes footage of your nonprofit\u2019s operations is another strategic way to attract Generation Z donors<\/a> and other new audiences, giving viewers a glimpse into your daily activities and their impact.<\/p>\n

Get in on Campaigns or Launch One<\/h4>\n

TikTok campaigns provide a chance for nonprofits to build brand awareness and raise funds for a good cause. The \u201c#PetBFF\u201d campaign, for instance, encourages users to post videos with their pets and donate to a nonprofit organization that works with animals.<\/p>\n

Individuals can participate in these campaigns by posting a photo and adding the appropriate hashtag associated with the hashtag challenge or launching a campaign by creating a hashtag and encouraging users to participate.<\/p>\n

Create Content That Corresponds with the Algorithm<\/h3>\n

There are certain things you can do when creating content to cater to the TikTok algorithm. Our top tips are:<\/p>\n

Find Trending Sounds to Implement into Your TikTok Content Strategy<\/b><\/h4>\n

You can do this by going to the search bar in the top right of your screen and typing in \u201cviral sounds.\u201d Then, head to the sounds tab and look for sounds used over 10,000 times.<\/p>\n\"Viral\n

Post at Least Every Weekday<\/h4>\n

This might sound excessive, but considering your content should only be about 11 seconds, it\u2019s possible to produce daily videos if you have the right strategy. This could be repurposed content you already used on Instagram or Facebook or quick clips of daily life at your nonprofit.<\/p>\n

Use Trending Hashtags in Your Captions<\/h4>\n

It\u2019s critical to use trending hashtags that correspond with the content you post and are specific to your niche. For example, say your nonprofit creates a caption for a post about rescuing dogs. The hashtags #animalrescue, #dogmemes, and #cutedogs are trending with millions to billions of views, so these would be great to use.<\/p>\n

When you type the \u201c#\u201d symbol into the caption, trending TikTok hashtags will show. You can use the provided suggestions to inspire your hashtag choices, like #viraltiktok, #viralvideo, or others specific to your video and niche.<\/p>\n

How Do Nonprofits Raise Money on TikTok?<\/h2>\n

Nonprofits can raise money on TikTok by using donation stickers, which allow users to donate directly from the app. Verified nonprofit accounts can add these stickers to videos to encourage donations.<\/p>\n

Additionally, TikTok has added a feature that allows users to display a nonprofit on their profile, making it easier for viewers to support that organization. Nonprofits can also participate in existing campaigns or launch new ones to spread awareness and raise funds. And don\u2019t forget to experiment with TikTok ads<\/a> to target the right users at the right time, as well as TikTok’s integration with Salesforce Marketing Cloud<\/a>. This integration will be a game-changer for businesses looking to tap into the vast potential of consumers on TikTok.<\/p>\n

Display a Fundraiser on Your Profile<\/h3>\n

The newest feature TikTok has added to encourage donations on the platform is the ability for users to display a nonprofit on their profile.<\/p>\n

Underneath the follow button and bio on the profile page, users can add a link to an organization they\u2019d like to support. This feature is available to every user on the platform, including official nonprofit brand accounts.<\/p>\n

Examples of Nonprofits <\/b>Using <\/b>TikTok For Good<\/b><\/h3>\n

1. Aquarium of the Pacific (2.8M followers)<\/h4>\n

This Long Beach, California-based nonprofit uses the cuteness of its animals to the full effect in its TikTok videos. The nonprofit implements a good mixture of trending hashtags and niche hashtags, which has helped elevate its video content to larger audiences. Today, most of its hashtags have over 1 million views.<\/p>\n

The social team does a great job of posting various content. On its profile, you\u2019ll find content such as fun facts about aquatic animals, a day in the life of the staff members, and tours of different aquarium exhibits.<\/p>\n

\n
@aquariumpacific<\/a> <\/p>\n

Better than me! \ud83e\udd74 #eyedrops<\/a> #sealion<\/a> #animalcare<\/a> #aquariumofthepacific<\/a> <\/p>\n

\u266c Epic Orchestra – Red Cat Blue<\/a> <\/section>\n<\/blockquote>\n