Ever since the 2020 Summer Olympics, social media has changed the way viewers enjoy the Olympics. Although the last Olympics Games had it’s turns due to the Covid-19 pandemic, one thing that remained fun for viewers were athletes on TikTok. In light of the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, let’s explore how much social media is changing the Olympics!

From behind the scenes content to athletes taking apart in TikTok dancing trends, social media has given viewers a different experience than past games. With Tokyo being the first during which TikTok existed, naturally many athletes participated in creating content.

According to NBCUniversal, more than 100 million unique users visited the Olympics digital channels and social posts by the Olympics generated 3.7 billion engagements. Over the summer, the Olympics’ social media accounts accumulated over 75 million followers. Let that one sink in!

Tik Tok and Olympic Champion Ilona Maher

Team USA’S Ilona Maher became a TikTok and rugby star during the Olympics. She provided fans with a inside scoop of what it’s like to live in the Olympic village. Sharing all things from the cardboard beds, gyms, food, and her daily routine in her infamous tie-dye bucket hat, she gained over 7 millions views. Click below to see one of her hilarious content.

@ilonamaher

Testing out the cardboard beds at the Olympic Village #beastbeautybrains #olympics #cardboardbeds #tokyoolympics #usarugby #japan #athletes #rugger

♬ original sound – Ilona Maher

So How Is Social Media Actually Changing The Olympics?

Many other athletes like Ilona Maher gave similar content to the viewers. They shared fun moments and answered personal question on their social media feeds. So you’re wondering how did actually change the Olympics? One word:humanization. Digital platforms like TikTok is helping fans puts faces to names. You don’t just get to see athletes do their best work on TV but you get to see their pre-game, post-game, and most importantly, their personalities.

Capitalizing on this phenomenon, NBCUniversal partnered with TikTok for the 2022 Winter Games. This partnership hopes to advertise the network’s coverage on the Games. So far, the #TeamofTommorow, TikTok hashtag covering Team USA has already accumulated over 11.4 Billion views.

Social media is an ever-growing tool that will continue to impact lives of many individuals all over the world. It has connected people together in ways that humans never could have imagined. Internet fame for Olympic athletes? Exclusive look at the Olympic villages? Getting to know athletes beyond their sport? Unheard-of until social media. Social media is changing the Olympics and this is why.