Once upon a time, in a land of laughter and late-night gigs, stand-up comedians like myself basked in the spotlight of dimly lit comedy clubs. The echo of laughter was our badge of honor, a sign that our jests had hit the mark. Then along came TikTok, sweeping us off our feet and into the whirlpool of digital humor.
In the pre-TikTok era, the life of a comedian was much like a sitcom – predictable with a sprinkle of humorous uncertainty. We fine-tuned our jokes in obscure comedy clubs, praying to the gods of humor that our punchlines would land well amidst a sea of expectant faces. Every chuckle earned was like a notch on our comedic belts.
But TikTok entered the scene, turning the tables, or should I say, stages, on traditional stand-up. Suddenly, the world became our stage, and the audience grew from a roomful of patrons to a global congregation of TikTok users. It was like opening a window in a stuffy room, the fresh breeze of digital applause was invigorating, and the landscape of comedy became boundless.
This app isn’t just a platform; it’s a playground for comedians. Its algorithm, akin to a quirky matchmaker, introduces our comedic sketches to users on the ‘For You Page’, expanding our audience with every swipe and tap.
One TikToker who’s riding the tidal wave of digital humor is Gianmarco Soresi. With over 20 million likes on his TikTok account, Soresi has carved a niche for himself, thanks to his candid sketches about the Covid vaccine and clips of his stand-up routine. He’s not one to shy away from sharing his political opinion, which, as he humorously presents, is very left of the center. His bits about his family resonate well with his audience, striking a chord with the TikTok community. The art of condensing humor into bite-sized videos without losing the punch has made Soresi a notable name in the digital comedy scene. His journey is a testament to the boundless opportunities TikTok presents to modern-day jesters, ready to tickle the funny bone of the virtual world1.
Yet, amidst this digital euphoria, a somber reality lurks. The ease and immediacy of TikTok can breed a form of complacency that erodes the raw, edgy skills honed on a live stage. The app may tell us which jokes get the likes, but it can’t replicate the sweat, the palpable tension, the exhilarating fear of facing a live audience. The virtual applause on TikTok is a far cry from the real, gritty experience of earning laughter in a room where you can see, hear, and feel the audience’s reaction.
The dynamics of live performance, the reading of the room, the improvisation in the face of unexpected reactions, are dimensions that TikTok can’t capture. The app is a double-edged sword; while it propels comedians into a realm of widespread recognition, it can also subtly disconnect us from the essence of live performance.
Moreover, integrating TikTok with other platforms like OpenComedy amplifies the ripple effect of our humor. By adding TikTok videos to my OpenComedy profile, I’ve created a rich portfolio that showcases my comedic style to potential bookers. It’s like having a digital resume that laughs back at you. And it’s not just about showcasing; it’s about connecting. Bookers on OpenComedy now have a window into my digital presence, making it easier for them to gauge my audience engagement and comedic flavor. It’s become a vital bridge between the virtual laughs on TikTok and the real applause on live stages, translating online giggles into offline bookings.
But of course, every rose has its thorns, and in the TikTok comedy garden, the thorns come in the form of ephemeral fame and the relentless thirst for viral validation. The race to keep the digital laughter rolling can feel like a hamster wheel of humor. Yet amidst the hustle, the camaraderie among TikTok comedians is the silver lining. It’s a virtual green room where jesters exchange notes and cheer each other on.
Navigating the TikTok wave has been akin to a rollercoaster ride with loops of laughter, twists of trends, and dives into digital discovery. It’s opened a realm where punchlines meet pixels, and where a ‘like’ is akin to a laugh, a digital nod of approval.
The camaraderie I’ve experienced in this digital comedy frontier is heartwarming. The app has morphed into a modern-day agora, where humorists exchange jests and jibes, navigating the capricious tides of digital humor together.
So here I am, a jesting journeyman, riding the TikTok wave, armed with a smartphone and a quiver full of quips. The essence of stand-up comedy remains unaltered – to evoke chuckles and chortles, but the stage has transformed, it now fits snugly in the palm of our hands. And as the digital curtains of TikTok open with every swipe, the adventure of comedy
