TikTokTikTok creators in the U.S. and around the world create a positive impact on and beyond the platform. We see this every day through videos from heartwarming heroes like Barbara Costello (@brunchwithbabs) who inspire us with judgment-free advice, to inspiring personalities like JT Laybourne (@jt_laybourne) whose journey of overcoming adversity has been a source of strength for those with heart conditions, as well as sustainability champions such as Franziska Trautmann (@ecofran) and Caulin Donaldson (@trashcaulin) who share their passion for recycling and ocean conservation.
Building on our ongoing commitment to foster a global community who is passionate about using #TikTokforGood, we're honored to introduce the TikTok Change Makers Program, our first-ever global social impact creator elevation program that spotlights creators and non-profits who create meaningful change in their communities through TikTok. Throughout this 6-month program, we will support these creators to build engaged communities, reach new audiences, and unlock real-world opportunities through dedicated tools, resources, and donations to designated non-profit organizations, which will allow them to drive an even greater impact around their causes.
Introducing the TikTok Change Makers
To officially launch this program, we are celebrating and unveiling our inaugural global list of TikTok Change Makers, comprising 50 purpose-driven creators from around the world. Whether it's spreading positivity or sharing good deeds, these Change Makers continue to advocate, inspire, and educate their communities to drive collective change on TikTok and beyond.
Meet the TikTok Change Makers from the U.S. and learn more about their incredible journeys. Click here to get to know more about the Change Makers from all over the globe.
Barbara Costello (@brunchwithbabs) - Kansas, MO
Babs, known as the internet’s favorite Grandma, joined TikTok to share her lifetime of wisdom, aiming to simplify and brighten daily life. Through “Brunch With Babs,” she offers bite-sized, time-saving home and family tips, along with warm, judgment-free guidance.
Brian Brigantti (@redleafranch) - Morrison, TN
Brian Brigantti is a gardener and creator based in Morrison, Tennessee. He recently began his journey back to Mother Nature and now shares his love for gardening, cooking, and leading a life full of abundance with his followers.
Caulin Donaldson (@trashcaulin) - Tampa Bay, FL
Caulin is a creator dedicated to environmental activism and sustainable stewardship. He gained a following by posting daily videos of himself picking up trash. Beyond his viral cleanup content, Caulin serves as an environmental advisor on company boards and hosts community impact events.
Jason Linton (@dadlifejason) - Altus, OK
Jason Linton gained popularity on TikTok for his authentic and relatable content. He uses his unique voice as a father and a special education teacher to create videos that often feature a vocal talk box, adding a distinctive touch to his messages about family, parenting, and life’s ups and downs.
Eli Virkina (@elivirkina) - Tempe, AZ
Eli comes from the Napo River in the Ecuadorian Amazon. She is a passionate advocate for Amazon rainforest and indigenous communities. She’s a storyteller, environmental educator, and community organizer. Through powerful videos, Eli educates their audience on the critical issues facing the Amazon and the people who call it home.
Franziska Trautmann (@ecofran) - New Orleans, LA
Franziska is the CEO of Glass Half Full, a New Orleans-based recycling company that converts glass into sand, which is used for coastal restoration projects and disaster relief efforts. She educates viewers on the importance of recycling glass and shares behind-the-scenes glimpses of Glass Half Full’s impactful work, who recycle over 100,000 pounds of glass every single month.
JT Laybourne (@jt_laybourne) - Farmington, UT
JT Laybourne was born with a heart condition that he’s transformed into a source of strength and inspiration. His journey of overcoming adversity and using his platform to advocate for heart health has motivated many, leading to significant contributions to The American Heart Association (over $1 million). Embodying the spirit of living life to the fullest, JT’s heartfelt passion and commitment to the Change Makers program shine as a beacon of hope and positivity for those with heart conditions.
Kara Lewis (@karaxlewis) - Nashville, TN
Kara Lewis is a talented photographer, videographer, and editor. She has garnered a substantial following of over 4.4 million on TikTok, where she shares captivating behind-the-scenes content related to her work with popular internet personalities and influencers.
Alethea Crimmins (@ms_hdic) - Lafayette, LA
Alethea, a motivational speaker, lovingly empowers her community with daily affirmations, words of encouragement, messages of self-acceptance, and encouragement to surround themselves with love and support. She is a true cheerleader for her audience.
Joel Bervell (@joelbervell) - Snohomish, WA
Joel Bervell is a Ghanaian-American medical student who creates medical content about racial disparities in healthcare, the hidden history of medicine, and overlooked biases in the healthcare industry. He also serves on councils, including the White House Office of Public Engagement Health Care Leaders in Social Media, the Council for Social Responsible Media, the World Health Organization’s ‘Operation Fides,’ and The Atlantic’s Health Equity Advisory Board.
Championing causes with non-profit organizations through the TikTok Change Makers Grant
As a platform celebrates creativity and authentic expression, TikTok brings together creators, non-profit organizations and businesses with a shared vision to rally support, raise awareness and funds for causes that matter. We've also seen over 50,000 posts under the #TikTokforGood hashtag, showcasing the strength and impact of a community that's keen to drive meaningful change and unlock real-world impact.
As we continue forging meaningful partnerships between creators and non-profit organizations, we are also introducing the TikTok Change Makers Grant as an integral part of the TikTok Change Makers program. Through this Grant, we are donating over $1 million to over 30 global and local non-profit organizations supporting a variety of important causes, making a $25,000 direct donation in honor of every Change Maker to support their respective advocacies while elevating the impact of their work.
"The TikTok global community harnesses creative self-expression to drive positive impact by rallying support, raising awareness, and advocating for the causes they truly care about. We're proud to launch the TikTok Change Makers program to help social impact creators and non-profit organizations reach more communities, unlock real-world opportunities, and bring about lasting, meaningful change," said Kim Farrell, Head of Creators, TikTok.
"We are pleased to work with TikTok and content creators worldwide on the TikTok Change Makers Program. By leveraging our combined strengths, we can broaden our reach to communities globally, impacting health and other important issues affecting people. This program enables us to connect with wider audiences, encouraging creativity for meaningful advocacy and health communication," said Dr. Alain Labrique, Director, Department of Digital Health and Innovation, World Health Organization (WHO).
"We're delighted to join hands with TikTok to introduce the Change Makers program. Together, we're amplifying our voices to protect and restore the world's oceans. We believe this program has the potential to reach even more passionate audiences and empower them to use their creativity to drive impactful advocacy," said Carie Lewis Wilt, Director, Digital Marketing, Oceana.
Harnessing #TikTokforGood with the Change Makers
Through the TikTok Change Makers Program, we aim to showcase the diverse voices and the strength of our global community as they educate, advocate and inspire their communities to drive meaningful, positive and lasting change.
Learn more about how you can help make real change happen by checking out our content hub, which will feature inspiring programming and impactful stories over the next six months. Join your fellow Change Makers by championing everyday good using #TikTokforGood, starting today!
