Marketplace All-in-One For politicians, what makes a successful TikTok?
Nov 18, 2025
Join Joshua Scacco, a communications professor and TikTok strategist, as he dives into the world of political short-form videos. He explains how interactivity is key to engaging content and analyzes the success of New York's mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, highlighting his creative affordability messaging. Scacco also emphasizes the importance of authenticity and relatable soundbites. Discover why traditional TV ads often falter on TikTok and how generational communication skills can set candidates apart in the digital realm.
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Platform-Savvy Messaging
- TikTok political videos succeed by combining clear policy messages with platform-specific features like pithy soundbites and background music.
- Those adaptations make complex issues relatable and capture attention in a crowded feed.
Halal Vendor Street Interview
- Mamdani's TikTok shows him interviewing a halal vendor about permit costs and promising to make halal $8 again.
- That street-interview format blends policy detail with food-influencer visuals to engage viewers.
Authenticity Beats Slick Production
- Authentic imperfections — rough audio, informal shooting — enhance credibility on social platforms by matching audience expectations.
- Those grainy, street-level cues help political content break through competing entertainment and influencer posts.