If you had asked pastors  in the late 2010s whether churches had a use for TikTok, they probably would have shrugged or laughed the question off. TikTok, the lip-synching app full of silly dances for teenagers? That app?

Maybe you thought TikTok would go the way of Vine or Periscope. Or maybe you figured it would remain a niche fad like Yik Yak.

But TikTok has proven itself a social media juggernaut with the staying power of titans like Meta and X. It’s (probably) not going anywhere—which is why your church ought to be on it if you aren’t already.

We’ve looked at the importance of Facebook and YouTube for churches today. Now, we’re covering perhaps the most contentious social media platform of the day. From concerns about data security to censorship issues to general disdain for anything popular with teenagers, TikTok has no shortage of controversies.

But despite those concerns—or maybe because of them—TikTok is surprisingly fertile ground for your church to do ministry online. Keep reading to learn how.

Reach Young People in Your Community Through TikTok

While all social media platforms see users from all age demographics, TikTok’s user base skews notably young.

According to Pew Research, 1 in 3 American adults are on TikTok. Only 10% of adults aged 65+ are on the platform, compared to 62% of those aged 18–29. Other surveys have found that over 66% of American teens use TikTok, as well as children as young as 11 (despite the app’s rule that users be 13 or older).

What does that mean for you and your church? TikTok has the potential to extend your church’s reach to the teens and young adults in your community.

TikTok is especially important for churches with a younger congregation because that’s the platform your audience is most likely to be using. But even if your church is on the older side, TikTok could be a way to reach a new audience.

TikTok is the Perfect Home for Your Sermon Clips

One of the best reasons to create a TikTok account for your church is that sermon clips are especially viable on the platform.

The other social media sites we typically recommend for churches all have other forms of media that they specialize in. YouTube is for long-form video. Instagram is great for high-quality images of your church in action. Facebook is a bit of a hodgepodge, with the potential to post everything from plain text posts to live video.

But TikTok is all about short-form video. While short-form video is on the rise across all major social media, that trend could be ascribed to the popularity of TikTok.

Most TikTok videos are 30 seconds to 2 minutes long, with a combination of audio and subtitles for accessibility. That’s exactly like sermon clips!

We recommend you take the snappiest, most engaging or poignant segments of your sermons and edit them into short form videos for TikTok. While you’re at it, cross-post those videos to Facebook and Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts. Now you get quadruple the reach for a fraction of the effort.

More Ways Churches Can Leverage TikTok for Ministry

While sermon clips will make up the bulk of your content on TikTok, they don’t have to be the only thing you post. Try these tips and ideas for more ways to use TikTok as a platform for ministry:

• Fill out your profile with language and visuals consistent with your church’s branding. If someone new finds your church through TikTok, you want it to be easy for them to learn more about who you are.
• Post behind-the-scenes or blooper videos of your church staff and volunteers. Show your audience that your church is made up of humans who aren’t afraid to get a little silly.
• Post quick, off-the-cuff devotionals. These can be a little less polished than your sermon clips, quick reminders of Scriptural truth for your followers.
• Post highlights from recent events like a special worship service, outreach project, or mission trip. Let people see what your church looks like “in action.”
• Respond to comments with gratitude and kindness. You’re not just representing your church but the Church. On a platform that often fosters debate and discord, be a beacon of grace and peace.

But What About the TikTok Ban?

Since the start of 2025, TikTok has been in a precarious situation in the US. Out of concerns for data security, the US government has proposed a ban on TikTok unless the Chinese parent company, ByteDance, sells the app.

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The initial deadline was January 19, 2025. TikTok even temporarily shut down services in the US on January 18. However, the government continues to issue extensions on the deadline, and TikTok usage in the States has continued without issue. As of June 17, 2025, ByteDance has another 90 day extension before the ban goes into effect (BBC).

So what does that mean for churches?

Right now, we recommend continuing to use TikTok as normal. Even if a full ban goes into effect in the future, TikTok is still very much a part of our present. Over half of all young adults and teens are using the app, and they will likely continue to do so until a ban is enforced.

And if TikTok is banned in the US? Short-form video remains a staple of social media, and it will continue to perform well across other platforms. Even if TikTok is no longer usable, there will still be places to post your short-form videos.

Conclusion

If you’re already creating clips of your sermon videos, TikTok is a natural addition to your church’s social media strategy. And if you aren’t, we’d love to help! Our team at GraceLed Communications can manage your church’s social media (and more), so that you and your team can focus on the day-to-day work of ministry and pastoral care. Just schedule a call to get started!

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