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TikTok has proven to be a new powerful force in the music industry. Thanks to viral dance challenges, unknown artists have made a big name for themselves and even big artists have seen their songs climb up the billboard.

None of this is possible without the creativity of Black Tik Tok. Black TikTokers are not receiving credit for their dances stolen by white TikTokers who are going viral off of the stolen dances. The TikTok app itself is also to blame for its racist algorithm that does not give Black creators the same exposure as white creators.

Everyone remembers the case of “Renegade”, one of the first viral dances to hit TikTok. Charli D’amelio went viral from a dance created by Black teen Jalaiah Harmon. D’amelio did not credit Harmon until she was called out for it. D’amelio blew up and received appearances on SuperBowl commercials, talk shows and so much more. The D’amelio family is still capitalizing on undeserved fame and is expected to soon have a reality TV show. What did Harmon get? A jacket saying “Original Creator.”

White Tiktokers continue to steal and so Black TikTok has provided a solution: Strike. Black creators are not making any new dances. 

Megan Thee Stallion’s new single ‘Thot Sh!t’ is currently sitting at #17 on Billboard Charts when it would have easily been among the top 5 with the help of Black TikTok creators. For now, the app is filled with white creators flailing helplessly to the new single.

It’s a sacrifice that must be made as this strike proves that the success of TikTok, and the music industry, rests on the backs of these young Black creatives.