TikTok series: Methodology

The report details the manual data collection and coding processes used to identify hate speech and extremist content on TikTok. Because ISD lacked API access, researchers used English keywords, misspelled terms to bypass moderation, and 'snowball sampling' of follower networks to identify 212 videos for analysis. The methodology includes specific definitions for 'far right', 'white supremacy', and 'extremism', and a coding framework to assess whether content violates seven specific TikTok Community Guidelines, including those regarding hate speech, misinformation, and violent organizations.

• Due to a lack of access to the TikTok API, the research was conducted manually using qualitative methods, including the use of English language keywords and intentional misspellings to find content designed to evade moderation.
• ISD employed a 'snowball sampling' technique to expand its dataset by identifying new accounts based on the follower networks and bio characteristics of previously identified ideology-supporting accounts.
• The data collection process lasted approximately one month and resulted in a final sample of 212 videos for detailed analysis.
• Videos were analyzed using a codebook from the 2021 Hatescape report to evaluate over 10 elements per video and account, including interaction metrics and the presence of hatred.
• The research assessed content against seven specific TikTok Community Guidelines: Violent Behaviors and Criminal Activities, Hate Speech and Hateful Behaviors, Misinformation, Violent and Hateful Organizations and Individuals, Sexual Exploitation and Gender-Based Violence, Harassment and Bullying, and Firearms and Dangerous Weapons.

APA

Institute for Strategic Dialogue (2024). TikTok series: Methodology. https://www.isdglobal.org/digital-dispatch/tiktok-series-methodology/

Chicago

Institute for Strategic Dialogue. TikTok series: Methodology. 2024. https://www.isdglobal.org/digital-dispatch/tiktok-series-methodology/.

Wikipedia

{{cite report |author=Institute for Strategic Dialogue |title=TikTok series: Methodology |date=13 September 2024 |url=https://www.isdglobal.org/digital-dispatch/tiktok-series-methodology/ |access-date=23 October 2026 |via=Climate Insights Directory}}

BibTeX

@techreport{instituteforstrategicdialogue2024tiktok, author = {{Institute for Strategic Dialogue}}, title = {{TikTok series: Methodology}}, institution = {Institute for Strategic Dialogue}, year = {2024}, month = sep, url = {https://www.isdglobal.org/digital-dispatch/tiktok-series-methodology/}, urldate = {2026-10-23}, note = {Indexed by Climate Insights Directory} }