8 August 2024, Kathmandu
In an age where social media reigns supreme, TikTok has become a powerful platform for travel content creators, offering them a global stage to showcase their adventures.
Impact of TikTok Ban on Nepal’s Travel
However, the recent ban on TikTok in Nepal has sent ripples through the thriving community of travel influencers, leaving many to question the future of their careers.
Roaming Around Nepal: Thriving Amidst Challenges
Vaskar and Urmila, founders of Roaming Around Nepal, a digital marketing travel company, began their journey in November 2021. Over the past two and a half years, they have transformed their passion for exploration into a full-time career, promoting Nepali businesses and destinations through engaging social media content.
They emphasized how TikTok played a pivotal role in their growth, allowing them to connect with a broader audience through short, dynamic videos. However, the ban on TikTok poses significant setbacks. “The ban has reduced a major platform for reaching a large, engaged audience, impacting visibility and community growth,” they shared. Despite this, they remain optimistic, adapting their strategies and looking for new platforms to maintain their momentum.
Ghumante: A Decade-Long Journey
For Ghumante, a travel content creator who began their journey in 2013, TikTok was initially a secondary platform to drive followers to their primary channels like Instagram and YouTube. However, as TikTok gained popularity, it became an essential tool for engaging with sponsors and reaching a wider audience.
“The TikTok ban is a significant blow, especially for creators whose content is primarily short-form,” they explained. Despite the challenges, Ghumante continues to focus on long-form content on YouTube, where they believe their audience remains more engaged.
Nepal 8th Wonder: Adapting to Change
Nepal 8th Wonder, a travel content creator who started in 2018, has built a significant presence across multiple platforms. While YouTube remains their primary platform, TikTok offered them a chance to reach a younger demographic and boost their brand visibility.
They noted, “The ban on TikTok presents significant setbacks, especially for creators relying on the platform for visibility and engagement.” However, they remain committed to adapting their strategy, leveraging other platforms to maintain their audience and continue promoting the beauty of Nepal.
The Road Ahead for Travel Creators
As the TikTok ban in Nepal disrupts the travel content creation landscape, creators are left to navigate an uncertain future. While the ban has undoubtedly impacted visibility and income streams, many creators are determined to adapt and innovate. The future of travel content creation in Nepal may hinge on these creators’ ability to diversify their presence across multiple platforms and continue to captivate audiences with compelling stories and stunning visuals.
In a world without TikTok, the demand for authentic, engaging travel content will persist, and Nepal’s travel creators are poised to meet this challenge head-on, ensuring that their passion for exploration and storytelling continues to thrive.
Impact of TikTok Ban on Nepal’s Travel Content Creators