Abstract
This study looks at how academic libraries in the New York City metropolitan area are using TikTok to engage with their communities, particularly students. It analyzes the most popular videos from five active library accounts, categorizing content types and measuring engagement through TikTok’s built-in metrics. Results indicate that humorous and lighthearted content consistently receives the highest engagement, while instructional or “how-to” videos tend to underperform. These findings suggest that while TikTok may not be the most effective platform for instructional outreach, it holds potential as a tool for visibility, community engagement, and humanizing the library’s presence. As students increasingly turn to social media platforms like TikTok, academic libraries should consider how to use it as a tool to enhance their relevance, relatability, and connection with students.
Recommended Citation
Bernstein, D. (2025). Lessons from TikTok: Using Popular Social Media Platforms to Engage Gen Z. Urban Library Journal, 31 (1). Retrieved from https://academicworks.cuny.edu/ulj/vol31/iss1/4