Why TikTok Matters for Public History: Shaping the Historical Record in Real Time
Let’s talk about TikTok and why it matters—really matters—for public history. Now, I know what some of you might be thinking: TikTok is just a platform for dance trends, viral challenges, and bite-sized entertainment. But here’s the reality—TikTok has become a major player in how history is being consumed, interpreted, and, yes, even made.
According to recent data, most of Gen Z and over 40% of all Americans now turn to TikTok as their primary source of news and information. Let that sink in for a moment. In a world where more people are scrolling through TikTok than reading history books or academic articles, we, as public historians, have to pay attention. Whether we like it or not, TikTok is where the historical record is being shaped in real time.
TikTok as Part of the Historical Record
Every post, every video, every comment on TikTok becomes part of the historical record. These digital footprints aren’t just fleeting moments—they’re contributions to how history is understood, interpreted, and remembered. And this is where things get serious. Creators on TikTok, whether they realize it or not, are engaging in a form of historiography. They’re adding to the body of knowledge about the past, influencing how millions of people perceive historical events, figures, and ideas.
This means that every piece of content needs to be treated with the same level of care and scrutiny that we’d apply to any other historical source. When misinformation spreads on TikTok, it can quickly become accepted as fact. And once it’s out there, it’s tough to reel it back in. That’s why we, as public historians, have a responsibility to police our subjects—making sure that what’s being shared is accurate, well-researched, and grounded in reliable sources.
The Role of Public Historians on TikTok
But it’s not just about playing defense and correcting bad information. TikTok offers a unique opportunity for public historians to engage with a broader audience in ways that traditional media simply can’t. We can present history in dynamic, engaging formats that resonate with today’s audiences, particularly younger generations who might not engage with history in more traditional ways.
What’s more, TikTok’s interactive features—like comments, stitches, and duets—allow for a dialogical approach to history. We’re not just broadcasting information; we’re participating in conversations, responding to questions, and challenging misconceptions in real time. This creates a space where historical scholarship can evolve organically, with input from a diverse and engaged community.
And let’s not forget the potential for TikTok to be a platform for emerging scholarship. New interpretations, fresh perspectives, and innovative ideas can be shared and debated in a public forum, bringing academic discourse out of the ivory tower and into the hands of everyday people. This democratization of history is something we should embrace—so long as we maintain the rigor and integrity that the discipline demands.
The Stakes Are High
The stakes couldn’t be higher. If we, as public historians, don’t engage on platforms like TikTok, we risk ceding the historical narrative to those who might not have the same commitment to accuracy and reliability. We’ve seen how quickly misinformation can spread and how deeply it can take root. Our role is to ensure that the historical record, even on a platform as fast-paced and fleeting as TikTok, remains true, nuanced, and reflective of the complexities of the past.
So, whether you’re a seasoned historian or just someone passionate about the past, it’s time to recognize TikTok for what it is—a powerful tool for shaping how history is understood today. Let’s make sure we’re using it to get history right, to hold each other accountable, and to engage in the kind of honest, rigorous dialogue that our field—and our audience—deserve.
The future of history is being shaped right here, right now. So stay curious, stay interested, and, more importantly, stay engaged.
