As TikTok communities like #poetrytok and #writertok continue to thrive and expand over the summer, spoken-word poetry is finding bold new voices and resonating with a new generation. This week, as part of our ongoing #SummerSkills programme, we're shining our creator spotlight on an incredible talent in the scene, spoken-word poet @chloecarterrwith2rs!

@chloecarterrwith2rs One day, you’ll find yourself reaching for this poem like a light switch in the dark. So this is your Sign to pause and write. #SummerSkills #LearnOnTiktok ♬ original sound - Chloe Carterr Henry

For Week Three of the programme, Literature Week, Chloe has been guiding teens through the art of writing a poem to their future selves. With her passion for poetry, she’s been helping young writers perfect their spoken word poetry skills, and has loved seeing all the poems shared by teens on TikTok!

We recently caught up with Chloe to chat about her thoughts on the rise of poetrytok, why she started sharing spoken-word poetry on the platform, and to get a sneak peek into her For You Feed!

But before we jump in... today is the last day to join our Creator Community Program for 2025, a four-month opportunity to learn directly from the TikTok team and fellow creators. Gain insights on content, monetisation, and brand work through exclusive webinars. Open to all creators, with a chance for non-managed talent to join the TikTok Managed Portfolio. Apply here by 11.59 BST, 15 August 2025.

And now to the wonderful Chloe...

Chloe, firstly we were so excited to see you take part in the TikTok Summer Skills campaign, why do you think poetry on TikTok is doing so well at the moment?

I think poetry on TikTok is thriving because people are craving honesty in a world that moves so fast. Poetry is a pause, a moment to breathe, and TikTok’s short format makes it accessible, unfiltered, and intimate. You can feel like someone’s speaking directly to you, and that connection is powerful.

Have you been surprised by the response from the community to your work?

Absolutely. I’ll never forget bumping into two deaf girls at Westfield. They screamed my name, ran over, and signed how much they loved my poetry. It was such a beautiful moment.

This year, my agency Creative Ally and I made it a priority to ensure my work is more accessible, so now all my videos include subtitles. It’s moments like that which remind me poetry isn’t just something I create, it’s communication for all. And using my voice to make sure others feel heard and seen.

Also, with the TikTok Summer Skills Campaign, it’s been so beautiful reading the teens' poems and watching their videos - it’s felt healing too. It’s beautiful to be on a platform where stories are shared, and it heals a part of you too.

@tiktok_uk This is your sign to write a poem instead of texting them 👀 Learn a new #summerskill with @Chloe Carterr #LearnOnTikTok ♬ original sound - TikTok UK

Why did you decide to start sharing content on TikTok?

TikTok was relatively new in 2020, and it felt like the first new app I could trust. By then, I was already a poet, always writing, always creating and I’ve always believed that to have a long career in the creative industry, you have to be a sustainable creator who can adapt to the times. TikTok reinvented what it means to be a Poet and content creator. I was able to story tell, post moments from my performances and for the first time ever, it felt like I was on a platform where the audience was global. For me, the goal has always been to be an artist first, and an influencer second.

I kept it consistent because I wanted this content as a career. Then, I went viral overnight, jumping from 800 followers to 25,000. But I knew I couldn’t rely on one moment of luck; longevity comes from giving people a reason to stay. So I made poetry the reason they’d remember me. Now, when I’m in public and someone says, “You’re the girl that does poetry on TikTok, right?” that’s when I know I made the right choice and I do content FULL time.

What other poetry creators do you follow on TikTok?

I love following other poets like @jrswrld1 and @majormyra, who experiment so beautifully with film, style, and culture. My friends @woodzypoet and @officialbigscoop bring their poems to life on festival stages and on tour. I admire spoken word artists who make the camera feel like the front row always. It inspires me. There’s such a range of talent on here, and it feels like we’re all building this living library together.

What is your goal on TikTok?

To keep making people feel something, whether that’s joy, nostalgia, or hope. I want to encourage others to listen to themselves, write their own narratives and truths, and love the version of themselves that they are and will be. I also want to make people appreciate poetry as an art form to show the power of words to move, heal, and connect us.

What was your first ever TikTok video?

I think it was a hair video, nothing to do with poetry at all. Just me experimenting. I feel like I can post anything on there. I was just figuring out the app, and not realising it would eventually become such a big part of my career.

Finally, what else is on your For You feed?

...It’s a very eclectic mix. Poetry, of course, but also travel and brand trips (I’m itching to go on another one and TikTok took me on my first one!), family content, especially mum content, like the algorithm is trying to tell me, “Have a baby now that you’re married” haha. There’s travel vlogs, beauty, which is definitely a niche I want to get into, and artsy DIY bits because I’m an art child at heart. Very inspirational voice-overs and creative editing/direction. Some cooking videos and luxury content. I'm loving brands like Jacquemus, Chloé and Coach. Oh, and the occasional Jet 2 Holiday video… because, balance.

New to TikTok and want to explore #SummerSkills? Getting involved couldn't be easier, simply download the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon.