TikTok Showcases Athletes Personalities for Fans

With over a billion downloads covering 154 countries, TikTok has quickly become one of the most popular social media platforms in the world. As new content is constantly published, users have the ability to promote themselves and the content they represent. Although each individual has a platform, only the brightest stars and celebrities capture the most attention and views.

Without the opportunity to shine on the field or the court right now, many of today’s professional athletes have found a new spotlight on TikTok. Whether that be to showcase their home life, or to purely entertain themselves, many athletes have found success in their accounts on the app.

Currently, at 1.2 million followers and over 7 million likes, Giannis Antetokounmpo is dominating the TikTok game. Giannis is an active user who posts new videos weekly. The majority of his content reveals his true sense of humor, whether that be playing pranks or cracking jokes to his partner, Mariah. Giannis has also created videos showcasing his “freakish” talent on the basketball court. The amount of views and engagement each highlight receives displays the massive fan base surrounding the NBA MVP.

With the excitement and energy he brings every Sunday, it’s almost as if NFL star, JuJu Smith-Schuster, was meant to be on TikTok. The Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver has eclipsed nearly 700,000 followers and 5 million likes within the app. JuJu’s content is similar to a full season of Dancing with the Stars, as he is constantly showing off his ability to dance. When he’s not learning new moves, JuJu posts clips of his training regime, getting fans excited for the return of the NFL.

The potential number one overall pick in this year’s 2020 NBA draft, James Wiseman, is capturing attention already and getting even more looks on TikTok. Currently, at 140,000 followers and a total of a million likes on all his videos, James uses his youth and rapidly growing platform to his advantage. Similar to JuJu Smith-Schuster, the majority of James’ posts reveal the daily workouts that this prospect undergoes. At the top of his page, James has a SoundCloud account linked. Many of those who follow James now know that basketball isn’t his only talent, as he previews his passion for creating music.

When he’s not on the ice, NHL star PK Subban is publishing content to his 26,000 followers on TikTok. The New Jersey Devils defenseman practically opens up his front door as he is constantly posting exciting moments of his home life. He and his wife, Lindsey Vonn, have found ways to withstand the COVID-19 quarantine by playing games and completing workout challenges. The use of PK’s platform has shown that there are many ways to make light of any situation.

With over 1.2 million followers and almost 5 million likes, Dwyane Wade has proven that TikTok is not only run by current professional athletes but former athletes too. Age hasn’t slowed anything, as he continues to post new content almost daily. On the profile heading, Wade has written “I’m Here To Put Out Great Energy.” Surely he has done just that. The majority of Dwyane’s content is geared towards his family, showing the joy and laughter they share together. As a whole, Wade uses this platform to display the benefits of being a retired athlete and transitioning into a full-time father.

TikTok may have originally gained popularity amongst the world’s teens and youth, however, this versatile app is a form of branding, networking, and socializing that top athletes are embracing. Each one has found a way to utilize it to highlight their personality and skills. Fans of these pros are delighting in seeing the personal side of their favorites, which makes them even more popular to us.