TikTok often makes the headlines for viral trends that are considered less desirable. However, the latest craze taking the video-sharing service by storm is all about spreading the coronavirus word and keeping people safe.
TikTok is a popular option when it comes to quick videos and it has specifically built up a reputation for dance-related content. Every so often a dance will take off on the app and spawn plenty of copycat videos, turning the dance into a sensation overnight. That appears to now be what’s happening once again, although the current dance taking over TikTok comes with an additional safety message.
The #ghencovychallenge hashtag is now taking off on TikTok with more than 4.5 million views already. As pointed out by CBS News, the videos associated with the tag are more affectionately referred to as the ‘wash hands dance' considering the dance moves are designed to remind people to wash their hands more often, in a bid to limit the spread of the virus. In fact, it is not just TikTok where the hashtag is showing up, with similar content surfacing on Instagram and YouTube. Although, with TikTok users being so willing to try out new dance moves, the platform is particularly primed for a movement like this to grow, and quickly.
TikTok Proving It Can Be Used For Good
Over the past few months, TikTok has come under increased scrutiny by the media, and those looking in, due to the various instances that have hit the headlines. These have included an apparent issue with users promoting drugs, and challenges that encourage users to hurt others (as well as themselves). In addition, the service itself came under criticism recently for the way it allegedly handled a teen suicide that was live-streamed on the platform. However, this latest headline shows the other side of the TikTok coin, and how getting positive information out quickly, and to a lot of users, can be achieved. This is even more important considering TikTok has proven immensely popular with a younger audience.
For reference, the actual message in the #ghencovychallenge videos did not technically originate from TikTok. Instead, the dances are based off Ghen Cô Vy. A song (and video) released by the Vietnam Institute Of Occupational And Environmental Health to warn about the importance of washing your hands. The song itself is also a remix of Ghen by artists, Min & Erik, and that’s likely to have further added to the appeal and helped spread the message even quicker. It just seems to have now taken on a new life of its own on TikTok, which can only really be considered a good thing.
Source: CBS News