16 Charlotte TikTokers to follow — covering food, dad humor, dance moves, and more

Why it matters: It’s hard to overstate the power of social media in our digital age. Any shifting dynamic in popular online platforms will play a big role in everything from marketing strategies to how information is shared.

TikTok originally captured viewer attention with viral dances and funny pranks, but it’s also a place where users learn about new industries, conspiracy theories, cooking tips and every other topic in between.

Background: In February 2020, Emma interviewed a Charlotte teenager named Max Dressler about his hugely popular TikTok account. Many of us didn’t understand the point of the app then, but applauded his ability to earn tens of thousands of dollars off of unedited clips of him dancing and goofing off.

Now, over a year into the coronavirus pandemic, we get it.

[Related Agenda guide: Do I need to be on TikTok? — A guide for oblivious thirty-somethings]

Here are 15 local TikTokers you should follow, in no particular order.

(1) @wyneesworld

Best for: The foodie looking to try something new.

Followers: 70.7K

Wynee Bermudez posts about hole-in-the-wall foodie experiences. She began the channel as an extension of her Instagram, which is filled with shots from all over the world — Miami, Costa Rica, Netherlands. 

(2) @tylerjarry

Best for: Anyone who grew up in suburbia and people who enjoy dad jokes.

Followers: 549.6K

Tyler Jarry is best known as Front Porch Dad on Instagram where he imitates and gently pokes fun of the typical suburban parents. Tyler is relatively new to Charlotte, after relocating here from Atlanta last year.

(3) @queencitytrends

Best for: Moms juggling a lot during quarantine.

Followers: 7K

While Vidya Gopalan’s Instagram feed is filled with glamor #ootd shots, her TikTok is low-key, silly, and relatable — especially for moms.

(4) @aaron_dodge

Best for: Anybody looking for a laugh.

Followers: 18.6K

Beyond comedy, Aaron Dodge is a pretty good dancer, too. You’ll recognize the setting in a lot of videos — Whitewater Center, Pinhouse, and South Boulevard.

(5) @the_queencity_realtor

Best for: House hunters who don’t take the process too seriously.

Followers: 113.4K

Jeffrey Clay is a local realtor who posts actual home buying tips on his Instagram. Head to his TikTok if you want a laugh.

(6) @positivelypri

Best for: Anyone who needs a little encouragement in life.

Followers: 2.3K

The body positive model with a M.S. in public health has been published internationally in magazines like Vogue Italia.

(7) @officialnickkosir

Best for: Knowing the day’s weather, but with dancing.

Followers: 2M

Meteorologist turned influencer Nick Kosir is known for his high-energy dance videos and his #dripchronicles series, where he recreates the outfits of famous people like Cam Newton.

(8) @emilylharris

Best for: Stylish Charlotteans.

Followers: 467.8K

Emily Harris is the owner of Jack & Georgia boutique in Kings Mountain, which explains her trendy wardrobe.

(9) @camifrobabe

Best for: Anyone looking for cute kid content, or natural hair tips for kids.

Followers: 2.6M

Camille Louis is Charlotte’s youngest influencer at just 2 years old. She and her mom create kid-friendly content that centers around self-love and natural hair tutorials.

Her most popular video has over 67 million views. It shows the toddler blowing kisses and giving a tearful goodbye to her grandpa, who’s also her best friend. [Go deeper]

(10) @djsbeercave

Best for: Cat lovers, home renovators, and/or folks interested in selling foot pictures.

Followers: 202.6K

DJ’s content reflects her many hobbies and interests. Some days you’ll find videos of the 27-year-old renovating her home with her boyfriend. Other days you’ll see a cat giving birth, and sometimes she’ll share tips for selling foot pictures and plugging her e-book. [Go deeper]

(11) @mrs.b.tv

Best for: Teachers, students and science lovers.

Followers: 2.4M

At the beginning of the pandemic elementary science teacher Nancy Bullard set out to better engage her students in virtual learning through captivating TikTok videos that demonstrate at-home science experiments. Now, she’s reaching students and teachers far beyond her Charlotte classroom.

Note: Even if you’re not not a K-12 student or teacher, these videos are fascinating. [Go deeper]

(12) @w8ing4guffman

Best for: Southerners in need of a good laugh.

Followers: 200.2K

Christopher Ryan Stamey portrays stereotypical southern church folks in hilarious parody videos. Some of his recurring characters are Barb the church gossip, and Sassy Steve. 

(13) @dr.zionko

Best for: Anyone looking to improve their skincare routine.

Followers: 456.9K

Dr. Zion Ko Lamm, who’s bio reads “doctor not dancer,” shares tips on everything from botox to maskne. She’ll also chime in on popular skin, hair and nail care trends.

(14) @alexpresley_

Best for: Challenges, pranks and jokes.

Followers: 2.5M

Alex Presley makes entertaining videos trying video trends. He went viral after finding a phone and set of keys while scuba diving in Lake Norman. He was able to track down the owner and return the items.

(15) @diymiles

Best for: DIY home renovations.

Followers: 23.8K

Miles Andrews posts satisfying before and after videos of his home DIY renovation projects. 

(16) @juicybodygoddess

Best for: Fashion lovers.

Followers: 510.1K

Juicy Body Goddess is a plus size clothing line. Owner Summer Lucille shows her clothing and personality though her body positive content.

Who are your favorite Charlotte TikTokers? Let me know at [email protected].

Editor’s note: This article was last updated on February 1, 2021.