TAMUK, TikTok, the Javelina experience

University’s account reaches almost 500 follows 

With over 2 billion downloads of the app worldwide, TikTok has become one of the biggest social media platforms to date.  

 Because of its extreme popularity, the Marketing and Communications (MARCOM) department decided to create a TikTok account last month to showcase student life on campus through the eyes of a Javelina student. 

 “As a marketer, it’s hard not to want to be part of that space but I knew our content would have to be a delicate mix of trend and helpful content that reflected the university’s brand well,” Assistant Director of Marketing Krystal Emery said. 

 In order to make sure the social media account had a potential to reach success, it was important the department found the right student to run the account.  

 TAMUK’s Student Ambassador Trenton Payne is now the face of Javelina Nation’s TikTok account. Since the first video posted less than a month ago, the account has reached almost 500 followers and over 1,000 total likes on the page’s videos. 

The videos posted to the account are created by Payne and Jake Gonzalez, a communications specialist. While both individuals brainstorm ideas based on the latest viral trends, Payne is the one who ends up in front ofw the camera. 

 In the past, MARCOM has worked with students to help create content for social media, but Payne is the first official student social media for the university. 

 “The coolest thing about being highlighted on the account is meeting new people that recognize me from the videos,” Payne said. “I love being able to interact with as many people as I can.” 

 While the videos have been inspired by some of the biggest trends on TikTok, the focus of the account is to showcase student life at the university as well as showing the complete college experience unique to TAMUK. 

 “TikTok provides us with one more platform with which to engage prospective and current students along with recent Javelina graduates,” Director of Marketing and Communications Adriana Garza said. “We will produce content that stays light, while highlighting the campus activities, Javelina culture and information that students can use.” 

 Follow TAMUK’s TikTok @javelinanation to stay up to date with student and campus life.