Trans TikTokers have mastered the one-line joke

We already knew trans people had some hilarious jokes. But TikTok is where they’re showing them off.

TikToks are getting longer. Back in July, the platform increased its video length limit from 60 seconds to three minutes, after a previous increase from 15 to 60 seconds.

TikTok was hailed as the successor to the late, great Vine, where looping videos topped out at six seconds apiece and creators had to get, well, creative. Now, TikTok is moving more towards the YouTube model of extended videos.

Here’s the thing—if I wanted to watch a multi-minute video, I would simply watch YouTube. I’m a simple person with simple needs. I come to TikTok for bite-sized content to lull my tired brain into a state of peace before I fall asleep every night. Blame my instant gratification-trained millennial brain, but if I scroll to a video and the point of it isn’t clear within the first 10 seconds, I’m gone. I don’t want your rambling story only to reach the end of three minutes and have to watch a “Part Two.” No, I want a quick, short, delightful chuckle. That’s what I’m on TikTok for. 

In this week’s Tik Talk, we’re highlighting some trans creators who have perfected the art of the short and sweet video and the perfect one-liner. 

 
@mikaelaistired

Hang on I like this assignment

♬ The Assignment – taymoneyduh

https://www.tiktok.com/@jessesulli/video/6980908505624530181?lang=en&is_copy_url=0&is_from_webapp=v1&sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6891730160531080709
https://www.tiktok.com/@couplagoofs/video/6979327536069168390?sender_device=pc&sender_web_id=6891730160531080709&is_from_webapp=v1&is_copy_url=0
@ohitsemmarose

When being #trans is your birth control #fyp #comedy #transgender

♬ sonido original – Abi_Barahona7

In particular, TikTok user @nonstopcolepop has become an expert of self-described “trans femme dad jokes.” We love to see it!

Take it from these folks: sometimes less is more. 

Queer TikToker of the week 🌈:

In addition to the short, sweet jokes of trans TikTokers, this week I also wanted to highlight something a bit longer and more conceptual. User @shaqmemes47, a.k.a. Fia Oruene, has perfected the tone of 20-something-year-old humour. Whether it’s about iced coffee or awkward parking, she just gets it, you know?

@shaqmemes47

AND your friend is dairy-free @_toonager #milk #anxiety

♬ I’m A Survivor – Reba McEntire

@shaqmemes47

when your friend parks too far @reallygoodimpressions #parking #friends #dontletparkingruinyourfriendship

♬ In Motion – Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross

Oruene is also a frequent collaborator with fellow L.A. queer TikToker @reallygoodimpressions, and the pair’s take on Brokeback Mountain plays on repeat in my head at all times.

Senior editor Mel Woods is an English-speaking Vancouver-based writer, editor and audio producer and a former associate editor with HuffPost Canada. A proud prairie queer and ranch dressing expert, their work has also appeared in Vice, Slate, the Tyee, the CBC, the Globe and Mail and the Walrus.

Read More About:
Culture, Blog, Tik Talk, Trans

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