TikTok Creators Inspire Change Across the Globe with Unique Stories

More than one billion users engage with TikTok each month, making it one of the world’s most popular social media platforms since its launch in 2016. While the app has faced significant controversies, including bans in countries like India and restrictions in Australia, it continues to serve as a powerful tool for creators worldwide. Each year, NPR interviews various TikTok creators to highlight the trends and narratives shaping culture, particularly in the Global South. This year, creators from Brazil, Gaza, Kenya, and Tanzania shared their stories, revealing themes of hope, advocacy, and connection.

A New Perspective on Soccer from Brazil

In Brazil, Arthur Marques (@arthurzinnv) has found a unique twist on the traditional game of soccer. At just 20 years old, Marques has turned his passion for the sport into a career through a variation known as altinha, or “a little higher.” This game involves players keeping a ball in the air using their feet, knees, heads, and other body parts, but not their hands. “In Brazil, being a professional soccer player is everyone’s dream as a kid,” he explains through an interpreter. His personal record for keeping the ball airborne is an impressive five minutes.

The origins of altinha trace back to the beaches of Rio de Janeiro in the 1960s, where local soccer enthusiasts sought a way to play without disturbing sunbathers. Despite facing challenges, including a temporary ban in 2009, the game has flourished. Marques, who hails from São Gonçalo, a town near Rio, began practicing altinha in 2021 and sharing his videos on TikTok the following year. His content quickly gained traction, allowing him to engage with fans and fellow players, including Brazilian soccer star Neymar, who joined him for a round of altinha this past July.

Marques aims to elevate the sport to global recognition, with aspirations of featuring it in the Olympics. “I’m able to unite people from different places and social classes when I play altinha,” he states, emphasizing the sport’s unifying power.

Exploring Africa’s History through TikTok

Meanwhile, Valerie Keter (@valerie_keter) from Nairobi, Kenya, is using TikTok to delve into the complexities of African history and culture. A simple observation of a billboard advertising a German language school sparked her interest in the intertwined linguistic histories of Swahili and other languages. “There are more Swahili words that were borrowed from other languages — not just German,” Keter explains. Her videos often feature her wearing traditional Maasai beaded collars, utilizing storytelling to illuminate lesser-known aspects of African heritage.

Keter’s passion for history is fueled by her childhood memories of watching documentaries with her family. Frustrated by the lack of representation of African narratives, she aims to share oral histories passed down through generations. “Creating this type of content has enabled me to interact with other creators from across the continent,” she notes, highlighting her commitment to bridging cultural divides.

Cooking for Hope in Gaza

In Gaza, Hamada Shaqoura (@hamadashoo) has turned to cooking videos as a means of providing hope amidst challenging circumstances. His TikToks, which showcase quick and engaging cooking clips, contrast sharply with his serious demeanor and the rubble often visible in the background. “The situation here is very hard, and through this difficult time, I wanted to try to make something special, especially for these children,” Shaqoura shares through an interpreter.

Since starting his TikTok account in 2024, Shaqoura has shifted from reviewing restaurants to creating meals for children in northern Gaza. The ongoing conflict has profoundly affected his community, with a panel of international experts recently declaring a famine in the region. Despite the hardships, Shaqoura remains dedicated to uplifting spirits through food, emphasizing that “all the children in Gaza are my children as well.”

In October, following a brief hiatus due to skyrocketing food prices, he resumed posting videos, celebrating the arrival of his second child during this tumultuous time. “I want these children to feel that there is still hope — that they can still eat good food and enjoy delicious things,” he expresses, highlighting the duality of his fame as both a blessing and a burden.

A Touch of Humor from Tanzania

Fanuel John Masamaki (@zerobrainer0) from Tanzania has carved out a niche in the world of TikTok through his comedic skits, inspired by the silent film era and the legendary Charlie Chaplin. His signature look, featuring a vintage military-style peaked cap, emerged from a one-off job cleaning a church. “When I started wearing it in the first few videos, people reacted to it positively, so I kept wearing it,” Masamaki explains.

Growing up in the Kilimanjaro region, Masamaki faced financial challenges that pushed him to pursue art as an outlet. He dropped out of university during his final year of mechanical engineering to focus on creating content that brings joy and laughter to his audience. “My work is helping my fans who lost loved ones wipe their tears away. It’s bringing back smiles, happiness, and warmth,” he asserts.

Masamaki’s videos serve not only as entertainment but also as a source of unity in a country grappling with political strife. By focusing on humor rather than divisive topics, he aims to uplift his viewers and foster a sense of community.

The stories of these creators reflect a broader narrative of resilience and creativity in the face of adversity. Their journeys through TikTok not only entertain but also inspire change and foster connections across cultures. As these individuals continue to share their passions, they contribute to a global dialogue that transcends borders, offering hope and unity in a diverse world.