There’s more than one way to address your constituents, but TikTok is an undeniably great way to connect with the chronically online cohort.
Perhaps that’s why, on Tuesday, New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reversed a government TikTok ban, and has begun using the account again despite privacy concerns.
The directive order originally placed under the Eric Adams administration highlighted that the app posed a security threat to the city’s technical networks and banned TikTok from city government devices. Mamdani is taking the account back, allowing the rest of New York City’s government to follow suit.
“New York, we’re back,” the mayor said in one of his first videos on the platform to announce the return of the profile.
@nycmayor
New York City, we’re back.
♬ original sound – Mayor Zohran Kwame Mamdani
Since the ban reversal, the account @NYCMayor, has posted six videos highlighting current and upcoming work from his administration, such as “municipal madness”, childcare efforts, and the rental ripoff hearings. The addendum states that other city agencies can use TikTok again for public-facing communications.
Video Virtuoso
Mamdani’s campaign to win the November mayoral election relied heavily on his use of social media, including TikTok and short-form video content. The millennial was able to reach voters through a “social-first” campaign style that addressed the average New Yorker through a screen. His personal TikTok profile amassed 3.5 million followers, nearly 40 percent of the population of New York City.
Mamdani hopes to continue virtual outreach to city residents through TikTok,
