The Black TikTok Creators Strike Is ‘a Labor Strike Too’

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A growing tension between TikTok and Black creators has come to a head in recent weeks with some creators taking a stand regarding what they see as appropriation and giving credit where it’s due. Last month, TikTok creator Erick Louis posted a dance video that sparked the beginning of the “#BlackTikTokStrike.” Louis sat down with VICE News Reports producer Janice Llamoca to break down the events that inspired the strike and how he sees this as a labor movement. 

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Despite TikTok's racist past, it's become a teaching tool for Black creators.

Trolls can’t stop this Black and disabled activist from taking over TikTok.

CREDITS: 

This episode was reported and produced by Janice Llamoca.

VICE News Reports is hosted by Arielle Duhaime-Ross and produced by Jesse Alejandro Cottrell, Sophie Kazis, Jen Kinney, Janice Llamoca, Julia Nutter, and Sayre Quevedo. Our senior producers are Ashley Cleek and Adizah Eghan. Our associate producers are Sam Egan and Adreanna Rodriguez. Sound design and music composition by Steve Bone, Pran Bandi, and Kyle Murdock. Our intern is Leily Rezvani.

 Our executive producer and VP of VICE Audio is Kate Osborn. Janet Lee is senior production manager for VICE Audio. Production coordination by Steph Brown.