Influencer Joseph Arujo Talks About Making Tik Tok More Inclusive And Importance of Persistence

This influencer is truly in the big leagues!

With over 5 Million likes on social media, content creator Joseph Arujo is quickly becoming one of our favorites to watch on Tik Tok. Recently, he made headlines by becoming a nominee for one of the 10 Community Leaders in the Tik Tok Creator Diversity Collective.

We had the amazing honor of talking with Joseph about performing Off-Broadway, the Children’s Hunger Fund, and more!

You are an Actor, Creator & Speaker. What made you want to join the entertainment industry?

J: “Ever since I was a little kid, I’ve loved entertaining. I previously went to a performing arts school and dabbled in theatre for five years, then decided to try social media in high school. I’ve always known that I was meant for the entertainment industry, it was just a matter of time before I was discovered.”

You were in plays like High School Musical, Our Town, and Peter Pan. Do you have a favorite theater production that you were part of?

J: “Our Town was one of my favorites. It was my first professional production where I performed off-broadway at a theatre on Hollywood Blvd. I made so many amazing friends and absolutely loved the experience.”

You were recently nominated to be 1 of 10 Community Leaders in the just announced Tik Tok Creator Diversity Collective. What was your reaction to be nominated for that?

J: “It was an incredible honor to be nominated for the TikTok Diversity Collective. Being a part of such a huge initiative has opened my eyes to the many ways we can make TikTok a more inclusive place for minority creators and I couldn’t be more thankful. I can’t wait to share all the exciting changes we’ve made in the app.”

You bring diversity and inclusivity to an even larger number of fans. Why do you think that is important to show on your platform?

J: “I feel like it’s important to represent all groups of people on social media, and making sure that everyone feels included on one of the most popular social networking apps is crucial. A lot of young people look up to me on TikTok and I hope to be a role model for the newer generation.”

You use your skills to bring hope to families in need through such organizations as The Children’s Hunger Fund. What makes you want to help special organizations such as Children’s Hunger Fund?

J: “Over the last summer, I volunteered at The Children’s Hunger Fund to help pack meals for underprivileged families abroad. I think it’s super important to offer your time to charitable organizations and help out whenever you can. If I was in a situation where I needed help, I would hope that others would come to me with guidance. However, because I’m in a position where I can help others, I want to use my time and energy to lift people up!”

Do you have anyone that you look up to as an Actor, Speaker & Creator?

J: “I really look up to all the friends I’ve made in the entertainment industry. I’m a firm believer in the idea that the people you surround yourself with can change the way you live your life, and I always try to spend my time with other business-minded individuals.”

Since quarantine started back in 2020 how much do you think the entertainment industry has changed or developed?

J: “I think a lot has developed in the past two years but things are finally starting to head back to normal. Auditions are all self-tapes now, and many actors and entertainers have turned to social media in order to establish their audiences. Life as an entertainer can change yearly and I always try to be one step ahead of the curve.”

Finally, what is some advice you have for your younger fans who would like to enter into the entertainment industry one day?

J: “Persistence is key. If you want to earn something, go for it, and do not stop until you achieve your dreams. When I started on TikTok, I had 0 followers, but after posting three times a day for over a year, I eventually hit 1,000 followers, then 10,000, then 100,000, and now 850,000 followers. You can do it too; all it takes is a little persistence!”

Photo Credit: Joseph Arujo (selfie photo) Charis Cheung (in front of pool)

Kylie Montigney-Music/Entertainment Editor– Kylie has been a Host/Producer for over a year with her Podcast Talk of Fame at only 14 years old. Kylie enjoys talking to all her guests that are in the Entertainment industry and learn more about their journey to where there are today and to inspire young girls & woman to feel represented in the media.