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Jul 30, 2024
As the Olympic flames ignite, there’s another spotlight that’s catching fire – and it’s happening on TikTok!
While the world’s eyes are on feats of speed and strength, Olympic athletes like Tara Woodhall, Coco Gauff, Tyler Downs, and even cultural icons like Snoop Dogg, are grabbing their phones and turning moments into viral sensations, capturing the hearts of millions across the world.
But what does this have to do with your business, you ask? Well, think about it. In an era where a clip can make or break public interest, these Olympians are mastering the art of keeping us hooked not just every four years, but every day.
In this post, we’ll dive into the TikTok phenomenon, exploring how our athletes are using it to jazz up their public images and snag some sweet sponsorship deals. Plus, we've got some solid tips to help businesses like you get in on the action.
TikTok offers a unique platform for Olympic athletes to connect with fans beyond the traditional broadcasts and press interviews. It's a space where they can share the sweat, the laughs, and those "wait, what?" moments. It’s where they can connect with fans on a whole other level, making them feel more like next-door neighbors than distant sports icons.
For instance, watching Coco Gauff push through a tough training routine or Tyler Downs crack jokes on his day off brings these athletes down to earth. It makes them more approachable to the public and super attractive to brands and media who love athletes who can vibe with the crowd, opening doors to new opportunities.
What’s more, the quick-hit, high-energy style of TikTok means that today’s training clip can be tomorrow’s viral sensation. It’s a stellar way for athletes to expand their fame, grow their fan base, and even land some epic brand deals – all while keeping things light and shareable.
So, what’s the secret behind TikTok’s impact? Its clever algorithm that knows just what you want to watch before you even do. Yep, it’s that advanced!
If people like what they see, that content gets catapulted to more screens, fast. This means rookies on the app, including our Olympic newcomers, can go viral almost overnight if they strike the right chord with viewers.
Let’s be clear: when our athletes post on TikTok, it's not just for kicks. There’s a whole strategy behind those seemingly casual videos.
It’s pretty much like the “For Your Consideration” campaigns you see during awards season in Hollywood. Just like studios campaign to get their films noticed by the right people, athletes use TikTok to keep their brands in the spotlight and engage with fans on a deeper level.
This approach intends to create a persona that people can root for, relate to, and remember when it’s time for sponsorship deals to be signed. Visibility is gold, and engagement is the currency that buys it. Every like, share, and comment can open doors to commercial opportunities that extend well beyond the Olympic Village.
So, while it might look all spontaneous and fun, there’s a lot of thought that goes into what content gets posted. It's this blend of authentic engagement and strategic planning that makes social media such a powerful tool for today’s athletes.
Many brands are getting savvy about teaming up with athletes on TikTok, and there’s actually much more to it than quick shout-outs or flashy endorsements. Athletes like Coco Gauff have huge followings and incredible influence, especially among younger, digital-first audiences. This makes them perfect partners for those looking to make a splash in the social media world.
Here's how it works: brands collaborate with athletes to create content that's authentic and engaging. We’re talking about real stories, challenges, or behind-the-scenes looks that resonate with fans.
This partnership is all about synergy. As athletes share their favorite products or brand experiences, they’re not just showing off something they like – they’re providing brands with a direct line to an engaged and loyal audience.
The result? A dynamic cycle of content that benefits everyone involved. Olympians get to boost their image and connect with fans on a whole new level, while brands get a backstage pass straight to a dedicated, enthusiastic audience.
It’s like hitting two birds with one stone – everyone gets a piece of the pie, making every TikTok post a win-win.
Grab your phones and get ready to hit follow! Here’s who’s trending right now:
Catch Ilona’s uproarious 'Rugby Girl Hacks' series where she gives a cheeky insider’s look at athlete life. Her latest viral clip? A side-splitting run-through of her pre-game run-out practice, complete with humorous tips on psyching out the competition and getting into game mode.
Making a splash with more than just dives, Tyler’s parody of his daily routines is the perfect mix of belly laughs and awe-inspiring flips. One of his most recent posts, which features himself asking Kim K. for more Skims, has been making waves in the TikTok community.
One of America's favorite long jumpers gave fans a glimpse of her Olympic Village journey, particularly one where she got to meet NBA's biggest stars. Not only that, Tara also posted a slideshow of selfies she took with several other legendary athletes. Truly a winning moment for this young sport starlet!
Caught in the Olympic Village chaos, tennis champ Coco Gauff gives us a 7-second peek into the morning madness of sharing two bathrooms with nine other female athletes. With a "rage" soundtrack playing, Coco captures the frenzied scene of teammates hustling through their hair and makeup routines.
Curious to see what an Olympic swimmer typically gets in their gear bag? You're not the only one! Mariah Denigan spills the beans in a recent clip, which garnered over two million views!
The Olympics might be about the athletes, but Snoop Dogg stole the show with his one-of-a-kind commentary. But let's talk about his Olympic TikTok chronicles here. From flaunting his funky dance moves to shooting some hoops and practicing his medal pose, it's no surprise that the rapper's social platform has been buzzing with activity, drawing in fans from all corners for a front-row seat to his entertaining antics.
The International Olympic Committee (IOC) has rolled out fresh Social and Digital Media Guidelines for the Olympic Games Paris 2024 and the Winter Youth Olympic Games (YOG) Gangwon 2024. This update comes with a thrilling twist: more freedom for athletes to share their experiences directly from the heart of the action.
Starting from the opening of the Olympic Village in July until its closure in August, athletes are allowed to post audio and video clips of up to two minutes. These can be from moments captured during the Opening and Closing Ceremonies, inside the Village, or right from the competition venues up to an hour before they compete. They can also share clips from their training sessions and practice routines.
This decision followed extensive consultations with various stakeholders and feedback from athletes, aiming to strike a balance. While athletes get to take us along on their once-in-a-lifetime journey, the rights of Media Rights-holders (MRHs) are still safeguarded, ensuring that everyone gets a piece of the pie.
It’s not just the athletes who are affected; coaches, staff, and other accredited individuals also have their own set of rules designed to provide clarity and maintain decorum. This distinction ensures that athletes have the spotlight, allowing them to connect more authentically with their global audience.
These updated guidelines mark a significant shift towards embracing digital engagement, offering athletes a fantastic platform to amplify their voices and share personal highlights from the world’s greatest sporting event. For fans, it means more BTS action, more personal stories, and a closer connection to their favorite stars.
Alright, let’s talk about the how’s of getting your business to crush it on TikTok, taking a page from the playbook of Olympic athletes who are already killing the game.
Get real with your audience. Share the stuff that makes your brand unique. Got a quirky team ritual? A cool production process? Show it off. Let people see the real faces behind your brand – it’s all about authenticity.
Spot a trending challenge? Dive in! Or even better, come up with your own! It's a killer way to engage your audience and show that your brand is up to speed with the latest trends.
Strike a balance between being funny and poignant. Mixing laughs with genuine moments gives your audience all the more reason to engage and come back for more – be it a comic take on daily mishaps or a touching customer story.
Make sure every video is packed with value – whether it’s tips, tricks, or just an ol’ feel-good story. When your content consistently adds value, people don't just watch; they become invested in your brand. This is how you build trust and keep your followers engaged.
Teaming up with other TikTokers or brands means you get to borrow some street cred from your partners, and they get a slice of yours. It's like saying, "If they're cool with them, they must be cool!" This can broaden your fan base and add an exciting layer of trust to your brand.
Kick off a hashtag challenge or run a contest that encourages your customers to post their own content featuring your products. It's a great way to boost engagement and build a buzzing community around what you sell. Plus, when people see real folks giving your product a thumbs up, that's pure gold for your brand’s trust and reach.
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We've just seen how Olympic athletes are killing it on TikTok by simply being themselves, sharing everything from those gritty training sessions to quirky day-to-day moments. It’s not only medals they’re grabbing; but the hearts of new followers as well.
Now, shifting all that into a business strategy might sound like a tough nut to crack. That’s exactly what Digital Resource is here for. We’re pros at taking what works for these TikTok savvy athletes and adapting it to boost your business. Whether you're looking to up your TikTok game, or social media marketing in general, we've got your back.
Ready to get your brand the spotlight it deserves? Get in touch with us now!
Think you've got what it takes to hang with the pros at Digital Resource? Check out our Careers page to browse current job openings!
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