In the digital age, content is king. With billions of people using social media and other online platforms every day, creating authentic and engaging content has become crucial for individuals and businesses alike. Authenticity is about being true to oneself, sharing personal experiences, and being honest about one’s values and beliefs. Engaging content, on the other hand, is all about creating value for the audience and inviting them into a conversation.
For Pakistani content creators Irfan Junejo and Kazi Akber, authenticity and engagement are the key ingredients in creating successful online content. Speaking at TikTok’s first Safety Ambassador Program, they emphasized the importance of these values in building a loyal following and creating positive societal change.
The event was held to create awareness around digital safety in the country and was attended by Pakistan’s creators’ community and journalists. The panelists discussed various aspects of digital safety including misinformation, harassment and cyberbullying, and online scams while advocating for responsible usage of the internet and safe content creation. Guests were also given tips and guidelines on becoming good content creators by creating compelling content.
Junejo, a popular content creator and filmmaker, knows first-hand the challenges of staying true to oneself in a world where conformity is often rewarded. “Creating authentic content can be challenging, but it’s so important if you want to build a real connection with your followers,” he said. “It can be tempting to try to fit into a certain mould or follow the latest trends, but at the end of the day, it’s authentic content that resonates with people and makes a lasting impact.”
Junejo’s approach to authenticity is reflected in his work, which often focuses on his personal experiences and reflections on life in Pakistan. “The key is to be true to yourself, share your own experiences, and be honest about who you are and what you stand for,” he said. Through his vlogs and short films, he offers a glimpse into the everyday lives of ordinary Pakistanis, highlighting the beauty and diversity of the country.
For Kazi Akber, a digital content creator, engagement is the key to creating positive societal change. “Creating engaging content is difficult, but it is the correct way of doing things,” he said. “You must create value for the audience and invite them into a conversation with you.”
Akber’s work is always his own creation. He has developed his way of explaining things, and people follow his content. “Society rewards you for taking a risk under your own name. So the content must openly be authored by you and strike a balance between creativity, entertainment, and authentic value creation,” he said.
He added that authenticity and engagement are essential for creating successful online content, but they are only sometimes easy to achieve. “None of this is easy. All of it requires consistent effort and versatility in thought and action. But if done properly, the potential for creating societal betterment might be near limitless,” he said. As Junejo and Akber demonstrate, Pakistani content creators have a unique opportunity to use their platforms to showcase the beauty and diversity of their country, spark meaningful conversations, and create positive change. By staying true to themselves and creating value for their audience, they can build a following that is loyal and passionate about making a difference.
