Nobody doubts the great success that TikTok has amassed. The Chinese short video app has in a very short time become the center of inspiration and entertainment for millions of young people around the world.
Today we have Maria Jeleniwska, a 19-year-old Polish TikTok influencer under our Influencer Spotlight. To understand TikTok from the perspective of a creator, we discussed her social media journey with Maria Jeleniewska, as well as her own experience as an influencer on the network. Let’s jump in and learn more about what it’s really like to be a young influencer on the platform!
Let’s start off with a short introduction: Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I am Maria Jeleniewska – a 19-year-old girl living in Poland. I study New Media at a private University, so being a part of social media and learning about it make my live full of creativity and amazing opportunities. I love doing sports and dancing, leading a healthy lifestyle also by cooking, meditating and reading.
Bu gönderiyi Instagram’da gör
How do you balance social media and schoolwork?
Sometimes it is hard to balance schoolwork with social media, especially now when we’re working online due to the pandemic. The lack of motivation, will to sleep longer and do anything but sitting and learning are most common problems in everyone’s life. I couldn’t live without my calendar and organizing literally everything I have to do for the weekend and how much time I should spend on some things. Without any plan, I know I wouldn’t handle everything I need to do. It’s important to know our priorities and to study this, what we really want to know more about and feel in it. To do everything with pleasure. It also goes with social media – do, what you want and when you can. Do not force yourself to it, because you will give up.
Which platform did you start creating content first & why?
Firstly, I started creating TikTok videos, which became more and more recognition. In my country – Poland – I am mostly known for my transition videos, which were something really different from what everyone was uploading there few years ago. I think that this made people want to watch my work. I always wanted to do something original and creative, so when I saw TikTok I knew it was the app I should post something on and who would believe it would blow up that much with 13 Million followers now?
How would you compare TikTok and Instagram? If you were starting from scratch again, which one would you give importance to?
Your video has a chance to get more recognition, become a viral much more on TikTok that your photos on Instagram. Now, when everyone is sitting, scrolling and watching short, dynamic videos, the app is the best option to start your journey with social media. So if I would have to choose one platform to start with, I would again choose TikTok.
@jeleniewska Przypominam, że wciąż możecie odtwarzać ten układ z #JustDance2022 i mieć szansę wygrać lekcje tańca w @egurrola_official ☺️ #tanecznawspółpraca ♬ dźwięk oryginalny – Just Dance Polska
What was your first video that really blew up?
I am mostly known for my transition videos. Few of them blew up and also became trends few years ago.
@jeleniewska Kocham Cię, mała🙃❤️ Filmik pamiątkowy z koncertu Maty, meeeega mi się podobało😍 #Mata #dlaciebie #dc ♬ Kiss cam (podryw roku) – Mata
Is there anything that all of your most popular videos all have in common?
I try to show my lifestyle, be authentic and tell some stories throughout my videos – something that people could relate to. I also spend some time looking for trends, trendy sounds I could use. I really recommend doing it, because it can give your video more chance to become a viral.
@jeleniewska #newyork #statueofliberty ♬ Chiquitita x Twilight – twibytez
If you could collaborate with any TikToker, who would that be?
I love watching American TikTok stars so I would be the happiest in the world if I could have a chance to even meet Charlie D’Amelio, Avani Gregg or Loren Gray.
How has the pandemic affected the way you make content?
The content on TikTok has changed so much. There are new trends every 2nd day, so I gave up on my transition videos to focus more on trends.
@jeleniewskaWarszawka😎😎😎♬ Let’s Groove – absolutesnacc
Is being an influencer something you want to pursue as a career?
I don’t really consider being an influencer as a career. I do it for fun, I love the contact with my followers and how they make me feel loved and adored in some way. It can really boost your self-esteem if you don’t believe in yourself which was my biggest problem. Everyone has their “5 minutes” and social media isn’t the only thing I am thinking of to do in the future. You always have to have your Plan B, when something would go wrong. That’s why I like studying, deepening my knowledge by reading, leading healthy lifestyle and having a good relations with family and friends. These are my priorities.
Do you have TikTok? What do you think of this social network? We hope that Maria’s experience has been an inspiration for you too.
