Ben Guttmann
I’ve spent more time on TikTok than I ever thought I would. I’m not particularly proud of it – I should probably be using those precious minutes on something more fulfilling, but what are you gonna do? The algorithm is too strong.
But fortunately, not all of it is wasted. There’s some good, non-brain-melting stuff on there! I’ve learned new things, picked up new recipes, and discovered new places to visit. And some of it is actually professionally or intellectually enriching.
So, here are a handful of accounts I’ve come across which, if you’re into the same things I am, you’ll find neat. If you follow them too, maybe you won’t feel as bad about the endless scrolling.
(Advance apologies on the funky spacing below, TikTok's embed features are a little spotty.)
When you’re giving a presentation, writing a report, or building a site, great data visualization is often what separates the pros from the also-rans. (And misleading charts and graphs can be used for all sorts of nefarious purposes.)
If you want to get better at designing to communicate, check out the stuff Chartosaur is putting out. They’re punchy, short videos that explain not just what you should make your charts look like but why you should do it.
If you’re in the user experience or user interface world, you’ll love Zander’s charming breakdowns of breakpoints and the like. But even if you’re not, you’re bound to pick up a few insights on how we interact with the digital world. You know it’s the good stuff because every video has a ton of saves – lots of “oh yeah, I need to remember this” moments.
When people who haven’t fallen prey to TikTok ask me what is on there, this account is the kind of thing I mention. For a large chunk of this year, Geography Joe was going state-by-state and analyzing the population density maps. So nerdy, but so good. I learned a ton, and I looked forward to catching each one when it dropped. (Also, don’t forget the woodworker who made a map out of each state’s official tree.)
Another designer, this time a graphic designer who trades in book covers. He doesn’t make a peep, but he does show some incredible work and the process he takes to get there. If you find this as mesmerizing as I do, be sure to check out the Book Cover Blog I shared in my recent weekly email. (Dropping the Instragram version here since the TikTok embed for this account wasn't working.)
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overflow:hidden; padding:8px 0 7px; text-align:center; text-overflow:ellipsis; white-space:nowrap;"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7fWDxJv6ub/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" style=" color:#c9c8cd; font-family:Arial,sans-serif; font-size:14px; font-style:normal; font-weight:normal; line-height:17px; text-decoration:none;" target="_blank">A post shared by Elisha Zepeda (@ez.bookdesign)</a></p></div></blockquote>
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I’m a space nerd – I dropped at least three NASA anecdotes in my book, and if you’ve been on a Zoom with me, you’ve probably seen either a Saturn 5 Lego set or a Space Shuttle art print in my background. So, naturally, I love Astro Alexandra’s content. Did you know we have a temporary new moon?
Jamelle Bouie does the kind of thinking that I’m jealous of. I’ve read him in the New York Times for years and heard him on a number of podcasts, but it wasn’t until I caught him on TikTok that I became a true admirer.
He’s able to break down complex topics (and respond to disagreements) with such ease and grace that you immediately feel smarter for having heard it. Unlike so many similar talking heads, he doesn’t really have takes – everything is well-researched and thought through. If you’re looking to cut through the noise and truly understand what’s happening in politics and policy, you gotta give him a follow. (Also, he has a cool hat collection.)
