There are probably tens of thousands of content creators around the world monetizing their content on various social media apps, within the realm of Web2, where these users are account holders but not owners. I believe YouTube was the first platform to offer individuals a way to earn from their personal videos, and in my opinion, it still remains the app that pours the most cash into its users' pockets.
I haven't used any traditional social media apps, except for Twitter, for a bit over six years. I've owned my Hive account for roughly the same amount of time, as I embraced Hive shortly after parting ways with Facebook and Instagram. TikTok, on the other hand, is a platform I've never ventured into. Nevertheless, it seems like everyone is hopping on the TikTok train.
This Chinese app, which employs slightly different algorithms within China compared to those in the West, is highly popular, and there are quite a few individuals making substantial income by creating content on TikTok. In fact, I have a neighbor who falls into that category.
Although he no longer resides here, having moved away some time ago, we reconnected this weekend. Among the many topics we discussed, TikTok and his earnings from it came up. At present, he earns slightly more than I do on Hive, yet our content couldn't be more different.
TikTok, in the Western world, doesn't necessarily encourage its users to be smart or promote intellectual growth. Its mission doesn't seem centered around stimulating mental and spiritual development. In contrast, the algorithm in China appears to promote a broader range of content that could be termed educational. In the West, it's almost as if being brash, unintelligent, and disruptive triggers the algorithms to catapult you to fame.
But how does this fellow make money on TikTok, you might wonder? Well, he creates live videos featuring various individuals who engage in banter, provocations, and challenges. Their followers generously donate gifts, which can later be converted into real money.
The so-called tokenomics of TikTok differ significantly from those of Hive. On Hive, you can grow your Hive Power (HP) simply by producing content and collecting rewards, which you can subsequently power up. However, on TikTok, you must purchase rewards with cash, and TikTok deducts more than 50% of users' earnings in some cases, which, in my view, is quite disheartening.
In order to turn a profit on TikTok, one often has to engage in outrageous stunts, accept various challenges—ranging from cross-dressing to shopping sprees—and even scream in front of a camera, among other antics. TikTok doesn't seem to contribute to the betterment of humanity in any productive way.
If you compare the kinds of content monetized on TikTok to the best-paid posts on Hive, particularly photography posts, you'll notice a stark contrast. While platforms like Twitter reward beauty, harmony, and insightful thoughts, TikTok seems to follow a different trajectory. It's no surprise that the world appears to be descending into chaos.
Not long ago, a video went viral featuring a group of teenagers who stole a car, recklessly drove it, crashed into other vehicles, and tragically ended the video by running over a cyclist, resulting in his death—all for the sake of views and likes. This is the unfortunate reality of today's Web2 platforms.
Then, there are those within the Hive community who are eager to bring Web2 masses onto the platform. Personally, I'm not in favor of that. I have no desire to see the floodgates of Hive inundated with such content and behaviors, only to be monetized. Instead, I envision a Hive populated by users who still hold dear their moral values, who perceive blockchain technology beyond its speculative aspects, and who are committed to creating a more virtuous world.
It has been six years since I turned my back on traditional social media, with the exception of Twitter, which, in my opinion, operates on a different plane. I wouldn't contemplate returning to the world of traditional social media for anything in the world. I would not trade my Hive experience, even if it meant ten times the earnings I receive elsewhere.
I don't know about you, but I am cautious about extending a broad invitation to the masses on Hive. While I'd love to witness the platform's growth, I hold a particular fondness for the kind of posts we currently have.
I'm content scrolling through content that may lack drama but is rich in beauty and thought-provoking ideas. It's possible I'm mistaken, but I believe that social media plays a significant role in shaping our world. Hive, though somewhat of a hidden gem, seems to be striving to shape a better version of it, while TikTok-like apps often appear to do quite the opposite. Perhaps, in a future post, I'll delve further into how traditional social media impacts our behavior.
For now, it's time to step outside and bask in the sun. I wish you all a fantastic day and look forward to our next encounter.
Thanks for your attention,
Adrian
Am I the only one, who have not used TikTok so far? I watched TikTok videos uploaded to Facebook, or even to YouTube, but not on TikTok. I have not even visited the website of TikTok. And currently I am not even thinking about trying TikTok.
I get tiktok links sometimes from friends but never actually used the platform.
I have not received TikTok links so far, but one of my friends recommended TikTok for me a few months ago.
I have a telegram group with a few friends and they use tiktok, thus I sometimes get some tiktok videos through this group that they consider worth sharing. They use tiktok... I don't 😀
I totally agree with your vision. I think Hive is on another level: it demonstrates that collaboration, kindness, originality and quality are still the value to keep on.
Thanks for the post.
A whole different breed.
for sure.
😉. Hive on!
Hive encourages learning and promotes intelligence while the likes of tiktok Facebook promotes more of junk.
I won't also trade my Hive time with other web2 social media
Thanks for sharing.
Cheers
You have a lot to learn from Hive. Personally I developed myself as a blogger on Hive.
Nice! Yes, I like Hive for that as well, though it has its fair share of drama. Our insta account @roving_tracks has over 14K followers so we get freebies now and then which is kinda cool, and I can write pitches to get some heavy discounts off kit for our expedition vehicle,plus, we've met tons of like minded people there as well. I tried Tik Tok and hated it - it's too loud. Hive, though, for life - and yeah I see what you mean!
Instagram world may be a "cleaner than TikTok" world but still can't compare it with Hive. Instagram feels/felt like everyone wants to show-off over there... Here I feel like people just want to share their memories with their communities. I lost all my smartphone photos that I took over the past couple of years but luckily I have the nicest ones here on the blockchain.
I agree with you, of course we need more users but not just any kind. Also, I don't think those people can survive here with such content tho, hive is different and it promotes what a lot of people lack, originality, patience and creativity... Interesting post
Exactly. Hive is not for the masses the way I see it. Look at the people here and compare them with the ones active on Facebook or Tik Tok.
Thank you for sharing your perspective on the stark differences between platforms like TikTok and Hive, I rather prefer hive here to TikTok because it's just a way of entertainment but here on hive, you have everything you need at your footstep. Enjoy your day man.
Hive however is not for the masses imo.
Yeah, I know right, to be here takes a lot of dedication and concentration. Also, it entertains and also fun as well.
We have different incentives and different aspirations the way I see it.
Yeah, you are correct and also different approach to life. But trust me, you are correct in your own way and approach.
Of course. We are all subjective in our own way but somehow we get to form communities around common principles.
You are right, I love these. Have fun and enjoy the rest of your day
Great article! Spread it with my Nostr account too
Oh, thanks. I think I got an account on Nostr as well but haven't used it that much. It was something using the lightning network if I remember correctly.
Setting up an account is super easy but also different, lightning is optional. It’s a great place for real freedom!
I might give it another try then. I think I heard from it from @sanjeem if I'm not mistaken...
I’m using the same handle there, ping me if you get an account :-)
OK. I will. I will have to search for my username and password and login...
Keys only with Nostr, no passwords or email :-)
The secret key that matters starts with “nsec”
!LOLZ
!LUV
!HUG
I sent 1.0 HUG on behalf of @vlad26.
(1/2)
@acesontop, @vlad26(1/1) sent LUV. | connect | community | HiveWiki | NFT | <>< daily
! help(no space) to get help on Hive. Infololztoken.com
They can really get inside your head.
Credit: reddit
@acesontop, I sent you an $LOLZ on behalf of vlad26
(1/1)
ENTER @WIN.HIVE'S DAILY DRAW AND WIN HIVE!
And thousands of people keep signing up on TikTok every day, turning a blind eye to these flaws.
I'm not surprised... Herd mentality will never fade away. Never. That's why some companies capitalize on it in such a way.
For now, it's time to step outside and bask in the sun.
You should make a Tik Tok about it..
Damn sun...
Hahaha, well just wait a little longer. The trend in adopting and establishing short and meaningless content in Hive has already started to grow like wildfire.
You mean threads...
Yeah mainly LeoThreads, the new LeoInfra initiative and some other loose nuts & bolts from the original ProjectBlank idea. But also 3SpeakShorts, Waves, Threadcast, Dbuzz, Hive5 and some other Micro-blogging projects fluttering out there.