Commentary

The Joy Of A TikTok National Convention

Next week's Democratic National Convention is shaping up to be a study in contrast with the GOP's retro tonality, not just because of the party's message focusing on America's future, but in the media it will be using to convey it.

While the Democratic National Committee, various down-ballot groups and candidates all have been leaning heavily into some social media -- notably TikTok -- detested by their GOP counterparts, the DNC officially made the 2024 convention one for the TikTok generation, announcing the politicized platform will be one of multiple social media platforms live streaming the event.

And while even X is among them, so is Twitch, YouTube, and pretty much anywhere you'd expect a Gen Z-er to tune in from.

Here's the full list, including some links, in case you want to bookmark them:

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Computer + Tablet + Mobile Device

TV Device Apps (search for “Democratic National Convention” or “2024 DNC”)

  • AppleTV
  • RokuTV
  • FireTV

TV Providers

  • Comcast Xfinity X1
  • Comcast Xfinity Flex
  • DIRECTV via Satellite
  • DIRECTV satellite-free and DIRECTV STREAM
  • U-verse TV

Don't get me wrong -- I've been among the staunchest critics of political campaigns' embrace of short-form social media -- especially TikTok -- for messaging, going so far as to label it "Peak Idiocracy" following a series of TikTok case studies at MediaPost's 2023 Marketing Politics conference in D.C. But just like the Democratic party, sometimes you can teach old trade reporters new tricks too.

I may be slow to the draw vis a vis some new media, but I'm not exactly a Luddite either.

Campaigns and conventions may deal with very serious -- indeed, potentially existential -- issues, but there is room for short-form messaging. Even silly, funny -- and yes, even joyful -- ones too.

2 comments about "The Joy Of A TikTok National Convention".
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  1. Perry Nusbaum from Engagement Labs, August 15, 2024 at 5:26 a.m.

    Joe:
    you are truly truly a hypocrite most likely without 
     the proper tool needed to correct the vile behavior...a simple mirror. If you expressed your "opinions," as one of being "Anthony other than a facist liberal from NY," you would have need run out of town  tacked up to a Criss Cross

  2. Joe Mandese from MediaPost Inc., August 15, 2024 at 9:08 a.m.

    @Perry Nusbaum from Engagement Labs: Wow, I guess there is no joy in Mudville, or wherever you're posting from?

    I've been called a hypocrite, a liberal, and many other labels, but a fascist? Projection much?

    At least I've never suggested anyone should be crucified.

    I mean, all I did was write a column about the joy of Democrats leaning into TikTok as a media platform (that is what we cover at MediaPost, you know?).

    How in the world is that vile behavior?

    I apologize if it triggered something for you.

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About the Author

Joe Mandese is the Editor in Chief of MediaPost. You can reach Joe at joe@mediapost.com.