Despite President Joe Biden’s 2024 presidential campaign, he joined TikTok sources last year the campaign would bet formally to use the social media platform.
The account is managed by campaign staff who will post content regularly, just as the campaign does on other social media such as Instagram, Facebook, X and Threads, campaign consultants said.
“The campaign will continue to meet voters where they are, innovating to create content that resonates with critical audiences and key constituencies that make up the president’s diverse and broad coalition of voters,” the advisers said, explaining the move.
They added that no decision has been made on whether any of the campaign’s “mainstays” will join TikTok in the future.
Addressing concerns about security risks associated with the platform, Biden’s campaign advisers also said they have “taken advanced security measures around our devices and integrated a sophisticated security protocol to ensure security.”
“The president’s TikTok debut last night — with nearly 5 million views and counting — is proof positive of both our commitment and success in finding new, innovative ways to reach voters in an evolving, fragmented and increasingly personalized media environment,” said Biden’s congressional campaign manager, Rob Flaherty.
Last year, sources told NBC News that the president’s 2024 campaign would not join TikTok after the Biden administration called it a national security threat. Instead, they said they would rely on influencers and surrogates to maintain a presence promoting Biden on the platform.
Biden in late 2022 signed a law containing a limited ban it prohibits federal employees from using the app on government devices.
Campaign released his first video During Sunday’s Super Bowl, Biden was asked to play one type of game or another. For example, the president was asked what team he rooted for, but he said he was a Philadelphia Eagles fan.
When asked to choose between Jason Kelce and Travis Kelce, he chose “Mama Kelce” and said he heard she made delicious chocolate chip cookies.
In the end, he was asked to choose between former President Donald Trump and himself.
“Are you kidding me?” he said. “Biden.”
The Biden administration’s stance on TikTok has disappointed young voters in the past. In consideration TikTok ban last year, Gen Z activists warned Explaining the political consequences of this step, he said that it would be a “slap in the face” for young voters.
Voter turnout of young people was evaluated as a help Biden and Democrats winner in recent years. A social media favorite among youth, TikTok has been a powerful tool for mobilizing Gen Z in previous elections. A survey published last March It found that 20% of Generation Z will get political information from TikTok in 2022.
Biden leaned on memes and internet culture to reach young voters. He has a TikTok profile and his first post “Dark Brandon” memeit reappropriates the far-right dig as a symbol of Biden’s accomplishments and power.