Taylor Cassidy
A content creator known for her entertaining bits on Black history, Taylor Cassidy has amassed nearly two million followers on TikTok. Her videos are rooted deeply in storytelling and comedy; Cassidy got her start in content creation on YouTube and Instagram. Perhaps most impressively, she is only a senior in high school—hoping to eventually become a full-time creator. Her dream collab? To one day star with Liza Koshy, whom she considers an authentic role model for young women of color. In her spare time, Cassidy fashions clothes and has recently picked up painting. We spoke to this creator about her creative inspirations, hopes for the future, and more!
Tell us a little about yourself.
Hello! My name is Taylor Cassidy and I am a content creator on Instagram and Tik Tok. I use the platform I’ve been given to teach Black history in a fun way and encourage my audience with self love. I love storytelling in any way I can and TikTok really provided a great way to accomplish that.
Did you have any specific plans or ideas when you joined TikTok?
I was the last person in my friend group to download Tik Tok. When I did, it was only because I wished to support my friend’s account, who had been gaining a following. Although I had no plans or intention to create my own content on the app, I was endlessly inspired as I scrolled through creative videos.
What specific video, if any, do you credit for launching your TikTok career?
I had a few videos go viral in the first months I joined Tik Tok. However, it was not until the beginning of February that I posted the beginning of a series that would change my life. It was the first day of Black History Month and I decided to upload a video teaching about a Black scientist; the video only lasted 15 seconds. As this video gained large feedback, I dedicated myself to finishing out the whole month teaching about Black history figures, calling the series “Fast Black History”.
Your comedy videos don’t seem to follow any one trend. With that said, where do you get inspiration from when making your content?
Inspiration can be found anywhere for me. I find it scrolling down my For You page, flipping through a magazine, or even listening to a song. Every time an idea comes to mind when I encounter inspiration, I write it down in a journal that I call my “Creator Notebook”. In this book I have every video concept, any notes on creating, and goals I have for my career.
What is a secret talent that you have?
If you gave me a few yards of fabric, a sewing machine, and a pair of scissors, I could sew a piece of clothing that is sure to be unique. I’ve had fashion design as a hobby since around middle school and sewing has been a pastime for me. It’s not something I focus my content around, but it has still shaped the way I appreciate style and fashion!
Who are you teaming up with in a dream TikTok collab?
My favorite thing to do for my future is speak things into existence. Ever since middle school, Liza Koshy has been a reflection of authenticity and unapologeticness for me; watching a young woman of color and high energy take the social media world by storm let me imagine myself doing the same. To collaborate with Liza would be partnering with the representation that opened my mind to imagining myself where I’ve been placed today. A.K.A: It would be dope.
What was the last song you listened to?
The last song that blessed my playlist was “Cranes in The Sky” by Solange. I imagine myself sitting in a field during sunrise contemplating my future when I listen to it. I don’t think anyone can have too much of Solange’s music.
What are some of your favorite things you do outside of making TikToks?
I’ve been invested in painting portraits lately. During quarantine I had to find ways to keep myself busy while staying away from my phone, so grabbing my tiny brushes and painting faces takes my mind away for awhile.
Would you ever consider a full time career in social media?
I not only consider becoming a full time creator, but I intentionally plan on it. Tik Tok is not the first platform I have experience creating content with. Because I started playing around with basic video editing skills in elementary school, I’ve been editing my own videos for seven years. Although most of the videos I uploaded to Youtube in middle school are now on private, it allowed me to experiment with different types of content creation. I’ve always been invested in the details of algorithms and content strategies; I remember my freshman year using my own Instagram feed to “play Influencer” when I learned a new algorithm technique. Creating content has allowed me to express myself in a way that I couldn’t give words to before and I’ve fallen deeper into discovering the creative and business side of content creation.
Anything special planned for the future?
As for now, finishing my senior year of high school and continuing to build character and purpose in my social media platforms is a priority. Although I cannot fathom my future, I know that it will be revolutionary.
