Badger logo large.png

The new capitalism


TikTok’s short-form video platform has attracted a new, more direct kind of capitalism

By REMSO MARTINEZ | Spring 2022

Martinez the new capitalism.jpg

Jimmy Gullberg has 129,200 followers on the social media platform TikTok, many of whom look to him for entertaining advice about his job as a physician assistant in Milwaukee.


Despite his growing audience, Gullberg isn’t quitting his daytime job anytime soon. Nor does he have any intention of letting his TikTok “brand,” @pacollective, stagnate. Since May 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic in full swing, he’s begun producing 20 to 30 short videos a month using comedy to mentor students and illuminate the lives of healthcare workers.


These videos make money. How much, exactly, Gullberg won’t say. But he and other Wisconsin entrepreneurs are part of TikTok’s explosive international growth. In 2017, ByteDance Ltd., the Chinese-based owner of TikTok, generated $63 million in revenue. Last year, it was $4.6 billion, according to Business of Apps data.


Far surpassing Facebook, YouTube and other social media, TikTok’s short-form video platform (think of YouTube videos but much, much shorter) has attracted and encouraged a new, more direct kind of capitalism.


Read the full article.

LinkedIn Share This Email

As the Badger Institute celebrates 35 years of advancing freedom Wisconsin, our work in promoting free markets, opportunity and prosperity in the Badger State is only made possible by generous donations from our supporters. We never have, and never will, accept government funding. Donate online or email Angela Smith, Vice President of Development. The Badger Institute is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit organization.

Support Freedom
Facebook  Twitter  Instagram  LinkedIn