How to Become a Content Creator on TikTok: Overcoming Fear and Finding Success with Vivian Tu
Are you unsure how to become a successful content creator on TikTok? You’re not alone. Many aspiring creators feel overwhelmed by the prospect of putting themselves out there. But what if taking that leap could lead to unexpected opportunities and success?
Let’s explore the inspiring story of Vivian Tu, who went from Wall Street to TikTok stardom, as shared on The GaryVee Audio Experience podcast. Her journey offers valuable insights on how you can overcome your fears to start your content creation adventure.
The Power of Sharing Your Knowledge

In her interview with Gary Vaynerchuk, Vivian states:
“I believe it is grossly negligent as a human in society today to not post videos around your singular either knowledge base or passion base.”
This bold statement underscores a crucial point: your unique insights and experiences hold value.
Vivian emphasizes that content creation isn’t just about gaining followers; it’s about sharing knowledge that can genuinely help others.
She believes that if you have expertise or passion in a particular area, you have a responsibility to share it with the world.
Addressing Common Fears and Learning How to Become a Content Creator on TikTok

If privacy concerns hold you back, take heart. Vivian emphasizes that you control what you share:
“I don’t post anything about my personal life. I’ve never posted my children in my life. People don’t realize you’re in full control.”
You can build a significant following without compromising your privacy or oversharing personal details.
Vivian’s journey began after she left a challenging work environment on Wall Street and joined BuzzFeed.
She noticed a lack of financial literacy among her peers and decided to create educational content on TikTok.
“I really made this as like a hey this is going to be like a fun little passion project.”
Little did she know that her first video would explode:
“First video January 1st 2021, first seven hours I think the video got seven views. Then that night I’m watching a movie with my now fiance and my phone starts to get like hot… I’m like that’s weird I have 7,000 followers.”
By the end of the week, she had 3 million views and 100,000 followers.
This unexpected success demonstrates that you never know how your content might resonate with an audience until you put it out there.
Developing Your Content Strategy and Balancing Work

After initial success, you must refine your approach. Vivian advises:
“Read all the comments, decide what to make next.”
She emphasizes creating more of what resonates with your audience and willingly letting go of ideas that don’t perform well.
“There are certain pieces of content that hit and then there are certain pieces of content that didn’t. And the stuff that didn’t I let it go and the stuff that did I made more of it.”
Worried about juggling content creation with your day job? Vivian managed both:
“I’m working at BuzzFeed full-time and I work there for a year.”
This proves you don’t need to quit your job to start your content creation journey.
Vivian created content consistently while working full-time, showing that it’s possible to balance both if you’re committed to your goals.
The Benefits of Taking the Leap

By starting her content creation journey, Vivian gained what she calls “optionality” and “freedom.”
It’s about creating choices for yourself and potentially opening up new career paths.
In the podcast, Vivian elaborates on the unexpected benefits of her TikTok success:
“I’ve been able to speak at colleges and universities and big banks and hedge funds… I’ve been able to partner with some of the largest financial institutions in the world to create custom content for them.”
These opportunities weren’t just about personal gain. Vivian emphasizes the impact she’s been able to make:
“I’ve been able to help millions of people better understand their money and their finances and feel more confident.”
Moreover, her success on TikTok empowered her to start her own company, Your Rich BFF, which has grown significantly:
“We have almost 20 employees now. We’re doing eight figures in revenue.”
Vivian stresses that none of this would have been possible if she hadn’t taken that first step in learning how to become a content creator on TikTok:
“If I hadn’t started posting videos January 1st, 2021, none of this would have happened.”
Her journey illustrates that content creation isn’t just about building a following; it’s about opening doors to new opportunities, making a real impact, and potentially transforming your career and life.
The key is to start, even if you’re unsure where it might lead.
As Vivian’s experience shows, the benefits of taking that leap can far exceed your initial expectations.
Your Turn to Shine

Being uncertain about how to become a content creator on TikTok might daunt you, but the potential rewards can significantly impact your life.
Whether it leads to new career opportunities, a strong personal brand, or the satisfaction of sharing your knowledge, you must overcome your fears and start creating.
Remember Vivian’s 6 key takeaways:
- Focus on your knowledge base or passions
- Choose a platform that feels right for you (TikTok worked for Vivian, but find what suits you best)
- Start simple—your first video doesn’t need perfection
- Learn from your audience’s reactions and adapt your content
- Stay consistent, but don’t fear changing direction if needed
- Maintain control over what you share—you decide your boundaries
As Vivian puts it:
“I think it makes borderline no sense not to try.”
So why wait? Your unique voice and insights could be exactly what someone out there needs to hear.
Take that first step today—learn how to become a content creator on TikTok or use the advice for any platform!
(Source: The GaryVee Audio Experience podcast featuring Vivian Tu)