If you had told me when I joined this app that I would be so sad to see it leaving, I don’t think I would’ve believed you. My introduction to TikTok was a messy one. Within one week and one TikTok video, I was nearly bullied off of it. I was a new cosplayer, a good actor, and not great with technology or social media. And back at the beginning, when people hadn’t yet figured out that the purpose of the audios on this app were for sharing and for lip syncing, those three things made quite the dangerous situation. But I persevered. I stayed on this app. I didn’t stay active. I took quite a break. But I kept going anyway. I faced the mean comments with as much strength as I could muster, lifted my chin, and posted again. I finally started growing a little bit of a community. There were people who enjoyed my content, and told me so. Slowly, the positive comments outweighed the negative, and then I was able to unlock some creativity I hadn’t before. I created a couple series of videos that told stories. I found new cosplays in my closet, and ideas for bigger builds everywhere I looked. There was art everywhere. TikTok grew to be more than that, even. Through the videos on this app, I’ve learned new sewing techniques. I’ve learned things about my health that I would have never thought to research, and that my doctors wouldn’t have told me. I learned life hacks. I learned what was going on in the world. I may still not have a lot of friends I talk to, but I felt *connected*. I never got monetized, but I was working hard towards it. I don’t know if I ever created a community, but I had one starting. I’m not an influencer, but maybe one day I might’ve been. Or at least just enough of one that I could afford to keep my creativity alive, not having to be stuck at a “real” job all the time. But starting over feels like a slap in the face and a kick back to square one, and I know I’m not alone in this feeling. I’m trying to stay alive. I’m still on Instagram (it’s my only lifeline right now) and I’ll be on Neptune as soon as that launches. I thought about going to RedNote, but I’m personally not comfortable with it. I sincerely hope that the government gets the message though, with as many people as have gone over there!!! I don’t know if anyone enjoys my content as much as I hope they do, but I’m going to keep going. I don’t know what that’s going to look like in the future. I was working hard on improving my content—video quality, cosplays, stories, acting. But most of all, this app has brought me so much more self confidence, and I refuse to let that much growth be for nothing. No matter what happens, I’m so glad to have joined TikTok. Even with the rough start, I wouldn’t trade it for anything. I sincerely hope that the app stays. I want to keep growing with you all and stay connected to the good parts of the world. I’ve made some of my best friends through this app. It’s crazy how much power we, as humans, have. And I’m so incredibly thankful for every single one of you who has engaged with my content in any way. You’ve made me feel seen and loved, and that is invaluable. You are what makes TikTok so great. I love you all and thank you for everything. 💙
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