Elina Yael
Long Island-born and St. Louis-based TikToker Elina Malamed subverts every expectation of the traditional “college girl” TikTok account. It’s safe to say by now that someone with her talents was almost destined for success, despite her humble start on the app with just a passion for performance and a love of creative outlets. In a rapid span of time, she built up a platform that boasts 474.7K followers and over 16 million overall likes — a feat that not many can say they have achieved. Her content is a reflection of her personality: quirky, fun, eccentric, and even awe-inspiring, as her acting and POV videos, which often rack up hundreds of thousands of likes, demonstrate her talents for performing and makeup art. Not many on the app are doing it like she is, so keep your eyes out for the latest sensation that will undoubtedly be flooding more and more For You Page’s every single day. We had the chance to talk to Elina about her career and her future as a content creator. Scroll through to check out our full interview!
Elina! Thanks so much for speaking with us today. Let’s get started with an introduction. Tell us a little bit about yourself!
Thank you for having me! Well, my name is Elina Malamed, but TikTok knows me by my first and middle name, Elina Yael. I am currently a student at Washington University in St. Louis pursuing a Bachelors degree in International Development with a minor in Women, Gender, and sexuality studies. I am going into my junior year! I turned 20 in March and am from Long Island, New York!
How did you get started making TikToks?
I started making TikToks at the beginning of the pandemic. My friends always told me to make a TikTok cause they thought I’d be good at it, so I did! I began just posting dancing trends and some videos of different outfits. That developed into makeup transformation videos, inspired by the fact that I think I look completely different with and without makeup! Now, I’ve branched into the lip-sync and acting!
Do you remember that first viral video? Which was it and how has your content changed since?
HAHAHA very interesting answer actually – My first viral video was me speaking in reverse and magically summoning a makeup brush. I would say “esrever ni ton si oediv sith” meaning this video is not in reverse. Little kids got a kick out of that! I probably got my first 20k followers from that.
You’re particularly known for your facial expressions – were you known for them before your viral fame?
I wouldn’t say I was too known for my facial expressions before blowing up for them on TikTok. However, I do remember my teachers in elementary school reaching out to my mom with concern about the faces I would make during lessons, which I don’t think I had much control over!
With a growing audience, do you ever feel pressured to make content?
I definitely feel pressure to make content, but it’s so fun to explore different parts of myself through content creation. I would say that this pressure is good pressure because it helps me grow!
Which are some of your favorite TikTok trends right now?
My favorite TikTok trends are always bad a** makeup transitions that give sooo much power to everyone who participates. Right now I think my favorite of those is “If I can’t have you...” *stabs invisible person revealing a made-up self* “no one can”!!
If you could collaborate with any fellow TikToker, who would that be and why?
My fans have been crying out for a collaboration with Chase Rutherford and I would absolutely love that! He’s so funny and I think our personalities are very similar. We could have a lot of fun making cool content together!!
Hate comments are always something an influencer has to deal with. How do you deal with those?
I have gotten more than my fair share of hate and I think hate is what drew so much attention to my page on the first page so I love my haters! Honestly, though, haters don’t really bother me because they don’t know me! It’s all about knowing your own worth and not listening to people hiding behind their screens!
What are some of the things you like to do outside of the content space?
I DREAM of being an actor. A mix between an SNL actor, and an actor in scary movies, comedies, and honestly anything I could get cast in! I do want to make use of my Bachelors degree too! Once I achieve these goals, it’s really important to me that I give back to the global community. This would mean volunteering for NGOs, helping build small local businesses abroad, and contributing to education about global issues.
Who do you owe your biggest thanks to?
My biggest thanks goes out to my fans from the beginning who saw something in me and kept cheering me on. I also owe thanks to my horrible roommates at the beginning of my sophomore year! Without them, I wouldn’t have moved out into my own space where I was comfortable enough to make all kinds of content, whenever I wanted!
If you could have one superpower, which would that be and why?
Oooooo, my one superpower would definitely be speed! I would love to go wherever I want without having to hop on a plane or sit in traffic! (Flying would be cool too!)
Describe your content in just three words.
My content: authentic, animated, diverse
What’s next for Elina Yael? Any exciting coming in 2021?
Next for me: I definitely want to pursue a career in acting. I have to graduate college first and make use of that investment! Hopefully, I can find a way to advance my acting skills and network while taking classes next year. My goal is to graduate early so that I can work on my acting career full-time ASAP!
When Elina Yael makes it to LA, ______________.
You’ll see her on the big screen!