Budapest Post

Cum Deo pro Patria et Libertate
Budapest, Europe and world news

TikTok: The reality of being a British Asian influencer

TikTok: The reality of being a British Asian influencer

It's easier than ever to become famous or go viral in a matter of seconds thanks to TikTok.

From catchy songs to funny videos, more and more successful influencers are making a living from the platform.

The lifestyle is full of highs and lows, but can it last forever when it clashes with your culture, community and faith?

BBC Asian Network sat down with three British Asian TikTokers to hear their stories.

Tat'heer Fatemah, Lil Maz and Salwa Aziz got together at the BBC Asian Network studios


'I think before I speak'


Tat'heer Fatemah began her influencer journey during the first Covid lockdown in 2020.

She aspired to be a make-up artist and thought TikTok would help her gain business opportunities.

"My first video was on my hand piercings and this went viral," the 21-year-old says.

But with more than 100,000 followers and a combined total of 4.5 million likes on TikTok, Fatemah is now cautious with what she posts.

"There are some topics I would love to speak about, but now I can't because it will draw more attention to me," she says.

Despite many people praising her make-up skills, Fatemah also experiences misogynistic and racist comments on a daily basis.

Her latest viral video - where she shaves her face - has hit 11 million views and continues to grow.

But Fatemah says the comments underneath were "filled with men asking me if I was a man or transgender".

"People were even diagnosing me with medical conditions," she says.

"A lot of women are hairy, brown girls [and] can relate to me because a lot of us have to shave their face every day.

"It's not fair for someone to call me a man for having facial hair."

Fatemah credits TikTok for helping her to grow her business, but finds herself conflicted due to her faith.

"This lifestyle isn't forever. If I want to improve on my connection with my religion, then I will stop posting myself on TikTok."


'My hate comments are from men'
Salwa Aziz says she experiences abuse online


Salwa Aziz first went viral on TikTok in 2020.

"I posted a video with mum and we were recreating a scene from an EastEnders episode and it went viral and reached over 100,000 views," she says.

"I remember thinking 'this is amazing, I've made it'."

The 22-year-old says she gets a "buzz" when people find her relatable as it shows she is known outside her own community.

But she is no stranger to online abuse.

"From my own experience my hate comments are from men in my community and because I am a brown girl they feel like they have a hold over me," she says.

"I once posted a video on TikTok and so many people loved it, girls were tagging their friends.

"Months later, my video was reposted by a meme page and the comment section was filled with brown men making remarks about weight."

Salwa often finds herself questioning how long she will keeping posting online.

"For me it's not a career right now, but TikTok will give me opportunities," she says.


'I would cry all the time'
Lil Maz has 5.9 million followers on TikTok


Lil Maz is best known for her comedy videos, skincare routines and being 4ft 7in.

Just like Salwa and Fatemah, she also began her TikTok journey during lockdown.

"I was bored out of my head and didn't think I would do this as a full-time career. So I posted my first video and it went viral," she says.

Her famous "stop tickling me" video has since gained 43.5 million views, 5.3 million likes and more than 100,000 comments.

The 20-year-old says the key to her success is her contagious laugh.

But with a growing platform of more than five million followers, Maz regularly experiences racial abuse and negative comments.

"When I first started making videos hate comments would really get to me and I would cry all the time," she says.

"It made me doubt this lifestyle, and I would think 'do I even want to do this anymore?'

"Now I don't let it bother me because they're just jealous they don't have the confidence to post videos."

Maz believes it is important for her to be open and transparent about her mental health.

She is thankful to her millions of followers for being supportive, but admits it's now overwhelming for her to be seen in public.

"When a bunch of people approach me in public I try to hide because I get nervous," she says.

But she adds: "I love TikTok and I don't know what else I could do."

AI Disclaimer: An advanced artificial intelligence (AI) system generated the content of this page on its own. This innovative technology conducts extensive research from a variety of reliable sources, performs rigorous fact-checking and verification, cleans up and balances biased or manipulated content, and presents a minimal factual summary that is just enough yet essential for you to function as an informed and educated citizen. Please keep in mind, however, that this system is an evolving technology, and as a result, the article may contain accidental inaccuracies or errors. We urge you to help us improve our site by reporting any inaccuracies you find using the "Contact Us" link at the bottom of this page. Your helpful feedback helps us improve our system and deliver more precise content. When you find an article of interest here, please look for the full and extensive coverage of this topic in traditional news sources, as they are written by professional journalists that we try to support, not replace. We appreciate your understanding and assistance.
Newsletter

Related Articles

Alcaraz and Sinner Advance with Convincing Wins at Roland Garros
0:00
0:00
Open
Alcaraz and Sinner Advance with Convincing Wins at Roland Garros
0:00
0:00
Close
Alcaraz and Sinner Advance with Convincing Wins at Roland Garros
EU Ministers Lack Consensus on Sanctioning Hungary Over Rule of Law
EU Nations Urge Action Against Hungary's Pride Parade Ban
Putin's Helicopter Reportedly Targeted by Ukrainian Drones
U.S. Considers Withdrawing Troops from Europe
Russia Deploys Motorbike Squads in Ukraine Conflict
Critics Accuse European Court of Human Rights of Overreach
Spain Proposes 100% Tax on Non-EU Holiday Home Purchases
German Intelligence Labels AfD as Far-Right Extremist
Geert Wilders Threatens Dutch Coalition Over Migration Policy
Hungary Faces Multiple Challenges Amid EU Tensions and Political Shifts
Denmark Increases Retirement Age to 70, Setting a European Precedent
Any trade deal with US must be based on respect not threats', says EU commissioner
UK Leads in Remote Work Adoption, Averaging 1.8 Days a Week
Thirteen Killed in Russian Attacks Across Ukraine
High-Profile Incidents and Political Developments Dominate Global News
Netanyahu Accuses Western Leaders of 'Emboldening Hamas'
Ukraine and Russia Conduct Largest Prisoner Exchange of the War
The Daily Debate: The Fall of the Dollar — Strategic Reset or Economic Self-Destruction?
Trump Administration's Tariff Policies and Dollar Strategy Spark Global Economic Debate
Germany's Economic Outlook for 2025: Stagnation Amid Tariff Pressures and Investment Initiatives
OpenAI Acquires Jony Ive’s Startup for $6.5 Billion to Build a Revolutionary “Third Core Device”
Leaked Secret Report: How the Muslim Brotherhood Is Expanding in France—With Qatari Funding
BYD Surpasses Tesla in European Electric Vehicle Sales
Hungarian Official Sought Information on Orbán Opponents in USAID Meeting
University of Pécs and Danubiana Collaborate on Grape-Based Gin Innovation
UK Exposes Russian Cyber Campaign Targeting Ukraine Aid Networks
European Parliament Suspends Huawei Lobbyists Amid Corruption Probe
European Parliament Considers Lifting Immunity of Five MEPs in Huawei Investigation
UK and EU Reach Landmark Post-Brexit Deal to Reset Relations
President Biden’s announcement of advanced prostate cancer sparked public sympathy—but behind closed doors, Democrats are in panic
Trump Demands Probe into Kamala Harris for Paying Celebs to Fake Endorsements
U.S. Concerns Mount Over Chinese 'Kill Switch' Components Found in Solar Power Infrastructure
Diplomatic Efforts on the Russia-Ukraine Conflict
Mexican Navy Ship Collides with Brooklyn Bridge, Injuries Reported
A Chinese company made solar tiles that look way nicer than regular panels!
Indian jet shootdown: the all-robot legion behind China’s PL-15E missiles
The Chinese Dragon: The True Winner in the India-Pakistan Clash
US and EU Make Progress in Trade Talks, While Vietnam Negotiations Also Advance
Passenger Travels Under Wrong Identity on British Airways Flight
The Spanish Were Right: Long Working Hours Harm Brain Function
Did Former FBI Director Call for Violence Against Trump? Instagram Post Sparks Uproar
US and UAE Partner to Develop Massive AI Data Center Complex
Russia and Ukraine Hold First Direct Peace Talks in Three Years — But No Breakthrough Yet
Apple's $95 Million Siri Settlement: Eligible Users Have Until July 2 to File Claims
Surge in Visa-Free Entries Boosts International Tourism to Shenzhen
Portuguese Right-Wing Leader Collapses During Campaign Rally
A Pakistani imam in Italy gave a sermon stating that every Muslim should fight the infidels or face ‘catastrophic consequences’.
Strong Warning Issued: Do Not Use General Chatbots for Medical, Legal, or Educational Guidance
CIA Files Reveal Klaus Barbie's Role in Bolivian Drug Trade and Dictatorship Support
×