Jordan Smikle is a prominent internet personality with a following on TikTok, Youtube, and Instagram. Jordan began his social media journey in 2019 as a joke and now has accumulated over three million followers on TikTok. He gained this following by posting story-telling POVs, comedy sketches, and get-ready-with-mes. One TikTok user commented on a recent post of his, “One of the only people that post povs that are actually funny” and I couldn’t agree more. With his natural humor and quality acting, Jordan Smikle is a name you will want to remember.
Continue reading to hear from Jordan about his social media journey, his experience as a black creator, advice, and so much more!
When did you begin your social media journey on TikTok/Instagram? What has that journey been like?
I began my social media journey back in late 2019 as a joke after one of my close friends pressured me to download the app. I made a few amusing videos that I assumed would only be watched by a small number of people, but they ended up going viral, which is how my love for TikTok and content creation began! My social media journey has definitely been crazy! As a black creator, I’ve experienced some interesting things these past few years and it made me realize that we as black creators need to change the behind-the-scenes aspect of social media when it comes to brands and even people we work beside. Even though I could go into more depth, I want to focus on the positive aspects of this and explain how my experience on social media has helped me become the person I've always wanted to be! I adore the chance to share my skills and concepts with the public, and social media has given me this possibility. I really feel that this is just the beginning of my journey because I'm constantly learning and growing. Hopefully, in the coming years, I'll be able to look back and proudly reflect on all the successes I've already achieved and how they've shaped my future self into the even better version of who I want to be.
Your TikToks focus a lot on acting. Would you ever see yourself pursuing a career as an actor?
Without a doubt, I intend to pursue a career in acting. I regularly participate in my acting classes, and my managers constantly submit me to different projects! However, I must admit that the acting I display in the audition room is quite different from what is exhibited on my TikTok! Consider my TikTok acting to be a completely watered-down version of my own personal acting for my younger Gen-Z audience!
Has having a platform on TikTok given you any opportunities for acting?
Having a platform on TikTok has given me an opportunity to not only acting but attending industry events and be involved in the entertainment industry! I’ve been able to showcase my social media to different casting directors which has allowed me to further work with the projects presented to me! I actually received the incredible opportunity to work on a shoot that will soon be placed on billboards as a result of my Instagram!
Do you have any advice for people trying to start out on TikTok/YouTube?
My advice is to start NOW! Don’t let the feeling of embarrassment or the thought of your hometown peers seeing it affect your content creation! If you truly want to get into social media, please remember that it takes time and effort and nothing will happen immediately overnight. Your content will ultimately reach the audience it was intended for if you simply post to post without worrying about it going viral or the number of views it gets. When you notice that your page is expanding, consider monetizing and always have a strategy!
What is your creative process like? Where do you get the inspiration for your videos?
My creative process for my videos is quite long. I generally start with a prompt for my story-telling POVs and then consider how I should start it and conclude it. I start writing the plot in my notes after I come up with that, including the actions and dialogue I want to use as well as the other "characters" in the story. I then film it and share it for those interested to see! I occasionally get inspiration for my videos from random thoughts, or from my mutuals, who I always credit in the caption. I always make sure to rapidly jot down any fresh content ideas so I don't forget them.
What do you see for yourself in the future?
It's a good thing you asked because I have no idea! I'm just riding the wave right now and allowing whatever the future has in store for me to unfold. Everything has been positive so far, and I anticipate more of the same in the future.
Are you in school? If so, what do you study? How do you balance your time?
As of right now, I am taking a break from school! When I attended Pace University, I was studying to major in Arts & Entertainment Management! I of course hope to go back but as of right now, my main focus is my career and striving for what I truly want! I manage my time by making a calendar of the key responsibilities I must complete each day, whether that may be taking part in meetings, events, work, or content creation. Finally, I enjoy using my spare time to exercise, meditate, spend time outside, or hang out with friends in order to avoid stress or brain fog.
Where did you grow up? How do you think your hometown helped shape you into who you are today?
I grew up in Aberdeen, New Jersey! If you asked anyone from Jersey if they knew that town they would probably give you a blank stare because it’s that irrelevant. I must admit that because of how diverse my hometown was, I had the opportunity to engage with a variety of people and cultures, which further shaped who I am today by allowing me to develop a deeper appreciation for my own ethnic background. My hometown also taught me how to speak up for what I believe in and to not let anyone intimidate or walk all over me. Surprisingly, my hometown was and is still very encouraging of my content creation on TikTok, which is why I'm so appreciative for all the lessons and memories I have here since without them, I wouldn't be as confident as I am today.
What message do you have for your fans?
A message I have for my followers is that y’all are of course amazing because without each and every one of you guys and your support, I wouldn’t be where I am today! I also want to remind you, guys, that you only have one life to live, so please pursue your goals without letting anyone try to talk you out of them or try to change your mind. Strive to achieve your goals and don't let a poor day stop you from climbing the ladder of success. There are people that will always support you and remember you are your own best friend. With that said, daily affirmations can change your life drastically.
TikTok has many different sides: music, movies, news, acting, etc. What influenced your genre on TikTok? Would you ever consider moving into a different one?
My passion for writing and telling stories in general led me to mostly stick with story-telling POVs. After seeing my mutual friends make up various stories, it inspired me to try it out and ever since then I’ve been in love with it. Even though there have been instances when I've tried to take a break from it, I’ve always found myself returning to that particular genre on TikTok. I do think my content is varied. I now also concentrate on humor, fashion, get-ready-with-me videos, and other trendy material!
Thank you, Jordan for taking the time to talk with us! Make sure you check him out on TikTok, Instagram, and Youtube!
Written and Interviewed by Grace Bugin
Photography by Mark Bluemle
Production Assistance by Ryan Murray
Sun Edit by Khami Auerbach