Not just for kids - meet 5 more mature TikTok stars

It happens to all social media platforms - first come the kids, then come the older people (just ask Facebook). TikTok is no exception, with recent research noting the rise of the OAP influencers, who dispel assumptions about seniors being less tech savvy and call out ageism. Midlifers are also getting on board - Prime Minister Boris Johnson, 56, launched @10downingstreet last month, in an attempt to win over younger voters. It’s tricky territory to navigate, but here are five TikTok creators over the age of 40 who are worth a follow.

@karinavigier (380k followers)

Fiftysomething Karina is a French children’s magazine editor who joined TikTok in 2020 during lockdown, seeking for something fun to do with her daughter. Two years on, she’s a bonafide midlife fashion influencer. Her playful videos fizz with energy, are crammed with styling tips and showcase her extensive thrift store finds (about half of her wardrobe is secondhand).

@grandadfrankk (7.1m followers)

‘A grandad hopping on the trends’ according to his bio, seventysomething Galway-born Frank shows that age is no barrier to building a following on social media - he’s got a whopping 7.1m TikTok followers. He’s on it with the platform’s viral crazes - cue loads of cute videos of dance routines with his granddaughter, plus karaoke to Harry Styles, a duet with Michael Bublé and clowning around with his wife, Julie. Wholesome stuff.

@emily_jane_johnston (58.8k followers)

You might know Emily as Fashion Foie Gras – the London-based American was one of the original fashion bloggers in the late 2010s. She’s been canny about not putting all her eggs into one social media platform basket over the years and, now in her early 40s, has built a TikTok following, engagingly charting her travel, culinary and sartorial adventures.

@oldgays (7.4m followers)

Mick, Robert, Bill and Jessay are four sixty and seventysomething ‘Old Gays’ from California, who post warm, witty and wise content about their life experiences and advocate for the LGBTQ+ community, alongside the mandatory silly dances. The self-styled ‘four fabulous uncles’ recently hosted Halle Berry on their feed.

@tamingtwins (187.9k followers)

Those with children will understand how triggering the question ‘what’s for dinner?’ can be. Fortysomething Sarah, a mother of twins from Worcester, is here to help, with her quick, healthy, waste-free and affordable recipes for busy families. Check out the butternut squash curry for 65p per portion and the super-easy ice cream that uses up surplus bananas.