• by Colin Kirkland , May 21, 2024

TikTok is continuing its efforts to boost its public image while simultaneously fighting the U.S. government's attempt to ban the platform.

On Tuesday, the ByteDance-owned app announced its “Change Makers Program,” which highlights fifty creators across the globe who create content that aims to make a positive impact.

More specifically, TikTok will feature influencers like Barbara Costello (@brunchwithbabs), who offers “judgment-free advice,” JT Laybourne (@jt_laybourne), “whose journey of overcoming adversity has been a source of strength for those with heart conditions,” “sustainability champion” Franziska Trautmann (@ecofran), Caulin Donaldson (@trashcaulin,) “who share their passion for recycling and ocean conservation,” and more.

Creators involved in the 6-month-long program, which TikTok is calling its “first-ever global social impact creator elevation program,” will receive the platform's support in building communities, reaching new audiences and unlocking “real-world opportunities,” like driving impact around their dedicated causes through closer connection to non-profit organizations.

Part of the program also involves a grant. TikTok says it will donate $1 million to over 30 global and local non-profit organizations supporting a variety of causes, which will be made up of a $25,000 direct donation made on behalf of every Chang Maker included in the program.

TikTok's charitable donation, which could seem minimal for an $100 billion company, but it furthers recent attempts at boosting its public image, following a TV ad spot opposing the ban and an economic impact report stating that the platform generated $14.7 billion for American SMBs in 2023.]