Six TikTok stars to check out

A look at TikTok stars who have captured the attention of many in Dubai

In an age where we've quickly switched over to everything instant and capsule-sized, it's inevitable that TikTok, a short video online platform, has become the norm of the day. Its easy-to-use interface, growing choices and varied languages have helped it spread its base across the globe. With over 800 million active users in 155 countries, this app has shot many budding actors and artists to sudden fame. Here are 6 TikTok stars who have captured the attention of many in Dubai.

Sarah Milad

@sarahhmiladd

With over 5.1M followers, Sarah Milad catapulted herself to fame through short lip-syncs and dubbing videos with impeccable comedic integrity. Born and raised in the UAE, she has kept her fans entertained through the self-isolation period, and even took up the #handwashchallenge. Her content is mostly coupled with groovy dance moves to catchy songs and beats. She stays engaged with her audience and shoots at diverse locations to keep the momentum going.

Issa Haq

@issa_hawk

A 16-year old boy who was identified as a rising star by Sohail Khan himself, Issa Haq discovered TikTok as an escape from homeschooling. He shot to popularity almost instantly, garnering over 10k views in one day, which encouraged him to pursue this further. His nuanced acting skills, innovative concepts and comedic timing have gained him almost 8k subscribers and an immense local fan following. The youngest TikTok star in Dubai, he wishes to explore the cinema industry soon.

Max of Arabia

@maxofarabia

An American-British resident of the UAE, Max was always interested in Arabic culture and Middle-Eastern life. Having graduated from the American University of Sharjah, he grasped the language easily and started shooting TikTok videos in fluent Arabic, which is essentially what intrigues his followers. His videos range from musings on social issues to his adventurous raptures, and he continues to enthrall the audience on various online platforms.

Khalid Al Ameri and Salama

@khalidandsalama

A fun-loving couple who vlog their daily lives, Khalid and Salama have taken the TikTok platform by storm. Their pragmatic advices, pranks on each other and everyday eccentricities have made them a household name. They currently have 1.1M followers, who eagerly await their daily dose of cheer, which are loaded with short storylines, general awareness as well as life lessons. Despite their heavy presence on YouTube, they "quit their jobs to become TikTokers", as they amusingly state.

Pinky Francis

@pinkyfrancis

A Dubai-based social celebrity, Pinky Francis became popular with her choreographed lip-syncs and vignettes. She has also collaborated with various other social media influencers on TikTok for prank videos. Pinky rose to fame with her acting brilliance and witty choice of dialogues, and has now amassed over 2.8M followers on TikTok. Without being overtly elaborate, she has created a massive fan following in a very short period of time with her timely use of few props and apt change of setting.

Yara Aziz

@yaraaziz156

Yara Aziz is an Emirati TikToker who keeps her feed posted with fun pranks along with her friend Islam (@islamafro). Her videos brim over with relatable knick-knacks of everyday life, from girl hacks to funny whimsical observations, and her make up experiments on Islam. Her cheerful personality and obviously close-knit bond with Islam keeps her followers crushing on their #friendshipgoals. She is a social media influencer on YouTube too, where she offers extended peeks into her life.

citytimes@khaleejtimes.com

• City Times