No, you don't need to put your art on TikTok

[@nickyjamesonarttv]

This is so good - very succinctly put. I have a very recent TikTok account and wanted to use it to park my short videos because I can't really combine them on KZbin unless I did a separate channel. I wouldn't ever count on TikTok for my business for all the reasons you mentioned. It is the biggest time waster of all the platforms... I have found that even by opening the app to post you are swept away by short videos and before you know it an hour... a whole HOUR... can have gone by. It's really quite disturbing and in terms of mental health and more it's also destructive as it pushes a certain type that does well - for a time. In fact if you want to be completely discouraged about your art or anything else in your life that doesn't match the performative nature of TikTok... then just hang out on TikTok for a short while and you'll wonder why bother to even create anything ever again. The algorithm is brutal. When you first start it boosts your posts with hundreds of views... then it restricts your views until you create content in the manner of what the algo wants. I dislike time-lapses.. they offer very little yet I found myself posting the things just to see if they'd get a better reaction (they did, barely). But they do not help my business. And here we are also with KZbin trying to mimic TikTok with their "shorts"...Artists do not need social media. Social media needs us. In fact we are being morphed into "content creators" churning out "content" for these tech platforms to run ads and keep eyeballs on their platforms. All of them do this. So I agree 100% with you. TikTok is definitely not the best place for an artist. It is probably the worst. Have your own website, a weekly or monthly newsletter, even a ko-fi site... and get back to slow and steady reaching out to your real fans - people who love what you do and can support in a way that sustains you and your art and business - and keep SM at arms length. From my experience I can attest that this is really is what works long term. Thanks for the video Louise - and your newsletter is a great read too.

[@fotografsodahl]

It’s so soothing to listen to your videos. It’s in a slow pace in contrast to so many other videos online. It’s great to see that this also can gain a large audience. As you say, it’s not good for our mental health that we are bombarded with content with fast pace, not giving us time to listen before something new appears.

[@MonicaMolinar]

Thank you for putting my thoughts into words. 😊

[@donaldgreen8877]

It’s wonderful to listen to someone "ranting" about something, without ever being hateful! ❤ Besides that, you give so much valuable advise that I don’t have enough thumbs to raise 😊

[@MonicaMolinar]

Here’s an extra raised thumb for you, Donald. Great comment! And an extra thumbs up for you too, Louise! Your habit of honesty without malice is greatly appreciated. Thank you.

[@lunefaeriie]

Thank you for this video

[@milenapastuszak9053]

I feel you! That's really same for me. I hope you'll find your way to promote your art in a way you like it. ❤

[@ZurditaDinamita]

This video comes at perfect time. Last week my 11y.o. cousin visit me, and she and her mother ending recommending me to post my art on, precisely, TikTok. I reject the idea with jokes, saying that just managing Insta is enough for my "old brain", but the girl keep pushing: "But look, even I have 1900 followers!". And that's exactly why I don't like TikTok. My cousin is a normal 11 kid, she just post her face with filters, playing with her mom... Who are these almost 2000 users seeing that content? They can be other kids, or they can be a specific type of adults. Definitely not my public.

[@kackaavrt]

Hi! KZbin recommended me this video and I'm super grateful, because I relate so much. I hate how the focus has shifted to super short videos on all of the platforms. I'm lucky to stay away from TikToku but I really felt pressure when IG reels were introduced, I created 2 and decided that it really isn't something I want to do, that it's not my style and I just kinda left IG. My motivation came back and I started creating for myself again and I'm much happier! It is really nice to hear that I'm not alone in this. Also this is first video from you that I've seen and it was incredibly satisfying!

[@MonicaMolinar]

In case you’ve not already finished watching Louise’s other videos, I suggest that they’re all completely worth the investment of your time, as they are as rich as this one, filled with art and calming conversation.

[@rafriedman]

I admire your calm and the wonderfully considered way you produce your vids!

[@EvaSVD]

I'm so glad I found your channel

[@Kalavati.C]

This video brings up valid issues, thank you for reminding us this because I want to have a good relationship with my audience - Know your worth!! Also I love your artwork. Water color painting is fun and I want to get better with it. Just watching your techniques is helpful. Thank you for all that you do.

[@klagosong]

Thank you, I really needed to hear you say this! 😊 I keep on getting upset over Instagram, and have been thinking about TikTok. But I have never downloaded TikTok since I see people all around me getting almost addicted to it. I do want to reach out with my art but when I think about it, it means the most to me if my friends see my art and likes it compared to complete strangers on the internet. So I will keep avoiding TikTok for the time being

[@ErikaLancasterArt]

I'm also an artist and I refuse to use TikTok. 😁 I've been able to grow my online business with long-format videos here on KZbin and via an email list. Thanks for your video!

[@francineh.7825]

I have never done TikTok as the speed of it all makes me feel tense. This is why I read newsletters and watch KZbin videos as I can take my time and sink into what I'm watching. I have 'met' some many wonderful creatives this way and wonderful people in the comment sections.

[@MonicaMolinar]

❤ Your comment! I was just wondering if I’m the only one who spends at least as much time in the comments sections of videos I appreciate, as I do watching the videos themselves. It’s wonderful to connect with like-minded people around the world. We all have something to offer and we all sometimes need a bit of help too, don’t we? If you haven’t already subscribed to Louise’s newsletter, it is just as lovely as her videos. 😊

[@francineh.7825]

@@MonicaMolinar Hi Monica...nice to meet you and sending a wintery hello from Canada! Yes, I am subscribed to Louise's newsletter.

[@MonicaMolinar]

@@francineh.7825 I spent most of my life next door to you in Alaska! Thanks for the wintry greetings! I’m in the Mojave Desert these days, with new growth on the rose bushes!

[@francineh.7825]

@@MonicaMolinar Oh the roses sound absolutely lovely! I miss my garden during these 6 months of winter (as you well know having lived where it's cold haha).

[@lawsdraws]

Mental health has taken a battering lately, so I have taken both IG and TikTok off my phone. The relief is immense. I feel less tense and I have more time and more focus! That said, I don't think I can completely remove myself from either just yet, and will likely use it as a portfolio page. But sitting and scrolling is just horrible and anxiety inducing.

[@theuntroddenpath]

@@electricroxy There's definitely some truth to it. It is an addiction. It is created with that in mind. Best of luck waning yourself off it. :)

[@lawsdraws]

@@electricroxy best of luck to you too! I derive no pleasure from the app like I once used to. I think it has changed quite a lot in recent years. But I feel the need to still be on it because of industry (art directors mostly) connections. Even then, Ive absolutely no idea if this is actually benefical!

[@Space_Princess]

I completely agree

[@bigblue6917]

I am subscribed to a KZbin channel called Channel Makers and he was talking about what people get it wrong when producing Shorts. He points out that people watching the shorts only watch to be entertained. This is why you see so many funny animal videos on KZbin Shorts. So unless you can produce a short that educates while entertaining then people are not interested.

[@jazzmp4]

Your videos are a breath of fresh air. Thank you❤

[@rccomics]

I am not an artist but I do create content and gou gave me a lot to think about. I deleted my tik tok because if the invasive nature of the app and have been trying short and longer content but didn’t think about how we are being pushed into making smaller bite-sized clips until now. You have a new subscriber!

[@HarpistAngelina]

Firstly, what a pleasure to watch you paint this beautiful piece of art. Secondly, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. You have inspired me to delete my (very new) TikTok account. For me I think part of the danger is we start to create what we think people want to see or hear, instead of what brings us joy. It is like playing a lottery, we get so little return on investment. I have a baby so can’t afford to waste time either creating or consuming such addictive, mind-numbing content.

[@mimisart]

Recently found your channel and had this video sitting in my ‘watch later’ for a while. I can’t agree more with you. I started TikTok because someone seemingly had success with it like a portfolio for their art. Initially I enjoyed a new creative way to express myself, but soon it became a ‘I have to’ vs ‘I enjoy doing this’. It feels like a hamster wheel trap, so I no longer create TikTok’s and I don’t consume it either. I actually didn’t consume it to begin with, just wanted to see if it would bring in potential clients. Lesson learnt.

[@VioletsOnMars]

Very informative and something that needs to be at the forefront of discussion these days! Wonderful video and art. 😍

[@clarkbar128]

I am just starting to consider taking art more seriously, and I've found myself intimidated by all of the social media platforms that other creators keep up with. I felt pressured to participate in TikTok and Instagram to the point that it was paralyzing for me and interfering with my creative process. Thank you for making this video (and the one about Instagram). This was really what I needed to hear right now.

[@talimediaart]

Thank you for the video Louise! This was a good reminder for me that I can use other things to reach my audience with my art. And of course I like engaging in longer form videos then short form videos. Keep my attention positive such as your videos!

[@milenapastuszak9053]

This video came to me at a right time. I was just wondering if I should come back to TikTok (which I really! hate) to try to build a bigger audience for selling my books (which is so hard and dissapointing), and your video and newsletter brought me a big relieve! Thank you! I hate SM so incredibly hard and I hate that I have to use it. Thank you. You're my big inspiration in living on your own rules. ❤🙏

[@caracolartstudio]

You just gain a new follower! I love what you just said here!

[@jessicapainting]

Hello Louise, when I started painting I lived extremely anxious and stressed to have that pressure from social networks, I was 20 years old at the time and it was very problematic for my anxiety, nowadays I am 24 years old and I left instagram aside and social networks of this type, where everything is very fast and nothing really seems to matter but a passing fame, my art has evolved a lot and I also after leaving it, and I emphasize what I said, it is possible to be an artist and have sales without exposing yourself to the ridiculous for it, without leaving your values aside, very interesting your video!

[@theuntroddenpath]

Watching you paint was such a nice meditation. And now I'm contemplating which bird print I want to get. P.S. Thank you for constantly talking about the issues and pressures of social media.

[@LouiseStigell]

❤️❤️❤️

[@Ashbri0]

That awkward moment when you're watching a video about why you don't need to put your art on Tik Tok only to be met with a TikTok ad that shows up on your tablet while you were drawing.😬

[@LilaSatori]

Love your calm energy and completely agree with your thoughts. Thank you!

[@jaineo2351]

I couldn’t agree more. I love everything you said. You gave me courage to do me and uphold my personal way of appreciating and sharing my art to the world.

[@kirstenkateline]

Thank you for another great and insightful video. Even though I’ve never used Tiktok, it’s nice to have someone explain why that is a good decision.😅 I love the painting too. It’s probably one of my favourites among your pieces.❤

[@LSCraftyCreations]

You are speaking truth! People think because you have a lot of followers you will make a lot of money when that’s not always the case. A lot of KZbinrs don’t speak the truth like you I greatly appreciate this video. I get more views off my short videos than I do on my regular videos I take all social media with a grain of salt. I have been debating about TikTok and deleting my account I have over 5,000 followers which mean nothing 😂😂😂if I’m not getting traffic to my website or sales from there smdh.

[@deomiddarii]

Thanks for this great video and content you are creating❤

[@ryejack]

I 100% agree with everything you've said in this video and I feel like more people need to talk about these topics. Thanks!

[@SpencerSinclair98]

Your voice is so soothing and I love how informative your videos are!!! Ok ngl I’ve DEFINITELY fallen into the tiktok trap haha

[@krysia3045]

I think it's a realy well made observation on our attention lenght getting shorter, but i personally don't think such short format was meant for showing art process, but rather for finished art like short comic to a certain music (with whitch as far as I'm aware tiktok started it's journey) or art that's funny itself. Because for me, that's what the app is about - jokes and happines - leaving me to feel like some of us forgot app's original idea and are trying to force it to become more like youtube (with longer videos) or other social media to which i don't see a connection right now. I think it's a waste of potential in some way

[@neyptune]

Your videos are so pleasant to listen to. ☺️ I knew you with your video about quitting instagram, and I am so glad to follow an artist my age that does not rely on social media to build all of their career. Thank you ❤

[@FlamingFox59]

I prefer KZbin a lot more I've been using it for years. It recommends videos like this for me and other smaller videos. It just seems like a lot more relaxed place

[@cheryljowen]

I just followed your channel a couple of days ago. Thank goodness I found you! Your voice is beautiful and relaxing and I love listening to you speak (yes even the rants!😅) Your content is gold which is very hard to find nowadays. I also subscribed to your newsletter because your thoughts and insights interest me. You are very inspiring. Looking forward to more videos and emails from you.❤

[@recklessisrecording]

I only use tiktok for cat videos :) I feel somehow conflicted as well towards youtube. Because it is all about monetizing your content. Ultimately it will leads to creators making content that get the most views and the most monetization. How do you deal with this for youtube? How do you stay on the platform without letting the "expected content" to kill your creativity? How do you stick to your path or know if it's the good way? Thank you again ❤

[@MonicaMolinar]

KZbin has been a thing for about fifteen years. When it first began, I wanted my own channel. Back then, I was too busy to do it, but I thought that it would be neat to have a place for the pictures, videos, and stories that I enjoy creating. I was unaware that there was money to be made on the platform. Somewhere between then and now, I finally heard enough KZbinrs asking me to click the like button, check the description box, and so on, that I eventually figured out that some people were selling t-shirts and such from links in the description box, and I thought that was neat. I also thought that it would not be cool to have a garage full of unsold Ts. More recently, within the past three or so years, I’ve figured out that creators sometimes earn income from ads placed on their content, and some creatives are sponsored by brands, on both small and large scales. Still, when I was figuring out that KZbinrs could earn money via the platform, I thought that it might be something like a couple of thousand per year. WOW! I was *way* off in my estimation! There are some who have monthly earnings that would pay off my thirty-year mortgage! I hadn’t realized that KZbin could BE a legit biz for creatives. All this time, fifteen years, I did not know… Yet, I have benefited from the content of KZbinrs. I now know that clicking to like, subscribe, comment and share are four things that I can do to help those doing the work to grow their channels, even if I am not buying whatever they are selling (though I sometimes do that, as well). As for my own channel, which I finally started in June, I decided to stick to my original idea, of simply sharing what I think is interesting, helpful, beautiful… There will (eventually) be things that people can buy, if they want to, and I do look forward to the day when I meet KZbin’s monetization criteria, because it is important that my business be profitable, of course. I’m really here, though, just because I want to be. I am a fan of the KZbin platform for about a zillion reasons. And, with a global reach, I don’t worry about finding my niche or my ideal client avatar or the other buzzwords of the marketing mayhem that I do not understand anyway. Instead, my concerns revolve around learning the best ways to present my ideas so that they resonate with those who resonate with me. There is overflowing abundance all around us. For some, perhaps that’s money. For others, a loaf of freshly-baked bread. Sometimes, those with money have nobody to bake for them. Be happy with what is, and ask yourself how it can get better than this. The answers will come. Be receptive to them. 😊

[@recklessisrecording]

@@MonicaMolinar Thank you for your thoughtful comment and sharing your experience. I think so too, time will tell. I will see where the water leads me :)

[@MonicaMolinar]

@@recklessisrecording … to the sea, to the sky, to the mountains, to the streams, then back to the sea, always. ☺️

[@tommylee6741]

great video, amazing content!! but i have to ask, what music are you using? it's so peaceful, i'd like to use it as my painting playlist. thanks!

[@moriahmylod]

Your channel has been so valuable to me as an artist and fellow INFJ/HSP. I am inspired to create a channel but first an email list-and if I may ask what video editor do you utilize. Anyhow thank you so much for keeping it real. 🖤

[@LouiseStigell]

Thank you! I use Adobe Premiere. 🥳

[@alevel79]

Listen to you is very relaxing can I ask how do you tape your voice for your videos?

[@hayati6374]

Also: the privacy concerns! It’s really scary to spend so much time with an algorithm that’s controlled and approved by Xi Jin Ping. The censorship on there is strong, so many words can’t be said, they’re instead weirdly changed like: killed -> unalived. People are getting used to it, even!

[@hayati6374]

@@majrminer I am not

[@TmHudsonArt]

I tried it and just couldn't get any joy with it and, as with instagram reels, i just don't have time to keep making those things. They take too long for something so short...

[@RafiqArtAndCraft]

nice sharing my dear friend

[@sergiosilvanicacio]

Yes! Very beautiful job, living your birds! One question, if you can please share your thoughts: I'm music producer and composer, and also a music teacher. Should I have 2 channels for these 2 different subjects, or should I continue doing both on this single channel?

[@mimisart]

If I may shine a light on this 💡. I’m no guru or expert, but it is adviced to stick with one topic, but if it’s related to that main topic you can experiment with posting videos about both and see how your audience responds. Give it some time, 3-6 months and evaluate studying your analytics. Having two channels can be a lot of work. I’m playing with the idea of starting a second one once this one is monetized and a bit more established. Hope this helped 😊

[@adriennepriceart]

Where did you go, Louise? I miss hearing you speak about art and life

[@VeraGolosova]

Distraction engine sounds like an another book from William Gibson haha. Indeed this speed is crazy. I also think is it me being too old for that?

[@cat-and-raven]

I downloaded TikTok a while ago, took a look and never went back. Too noisy for me. I have enough of the Reels yelling at me everytime I open Instagram.

[@CLOUDSINTHEKITCHEN]

Thank you. Very much X

[@loati94]

I asure you ADD is going to skyrocket due to the new fast pace trends in the internet like tiktok

[@Miakiyoomi]

You and your art are charming... 🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷🩷

[@TedDaviesArtistry]

Great advice!!

[@gossamyr]

I know it's silly but I just realized you don't speed up your painting, thank you for that. I'm slightly curious which paper you tend to use...

[@LouiseStigell]

I use Arches cold pressed. =)

[@gossamyr]

@@LouiseStigell :)

[@kayende6759]

a good one 👍

[@DaGiannone]

💯 with all your points and I agree if it works for anyone by all means go for it. Quality over quantity.

[@chhayasartsandcreatives2001]

So nice ♥️ beautiful

[@QuittingYoutube24]

I never had TikTok so this video was very interesting.

[@DantheMan_artist]

TikTok seems like it does pretty well for me so far, really didn't want to do it

[@crystalromaine7281]

I hope you are well. :)

[@sobeso]

I had to take a step back from TikTok it got annoying

[@fuzzydragons]

tiktok is evil! lol well ok maybe not evil but its too stressful for me and i already post on too many social media sites as art is, I dont need to try to post somewhere else

[@ReneAlex]

This is the more snobbish take I have heard since the criticisms to MTV in the 90s, or comics books in the 80s or DnD in the 70s, or any other media that the current kids are enjoying. And I'm one of the opinion that social media is cancer for society.

[@elllie3630]

for me I like finding creators I like on youtbe ig and just invest my time and energy. I have found many great creators through reels or yt shorts and just stick with them cause I don't really like just random people they don't resonate with me as much. I feel like people I follow them their journey are almost my friends *parasocial realtionships * lol this video is another nail in the c0ffin to why I don't have tiktok account

[@studiokayley]

I was just thinking of giving up on Tiktok. This def helped me with that. I think I’m just gonna stick with KZbin and Instagram. 🫶🏻 Thank you for this!