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TIKTOK & SAUDI INFLUENCERS: THE TRENDS SHAPING SAUDI ARABIA’S DIGITAL MARKETING


TikTok has become the go-to platform for engaging younger audiences in Saudi Arabia. With extremely high mobile penetration and a predominantly young demographic (over 70% of the population under 35), the Kingdom is fertile ground for viral campaigns. According to DataReportal 2025, over 26 million Saudis are active on TikTok, spending an average of 90+ minutes a day on the app one of the highest engagement rates in the world.



In Saudi Arabia, TikTok is more than entertainment it’s a tool for cultural expression and economic promotion. Local creators blend humor, lifestyle, fashion, and traditions, giving brands a rare opportunity for authentic marketing.


1. Viral music and local sounds

The most successful tracks blend international pop/EDM beats with traditional Arabic influences (oud, percussion). Many influencers also feature remixed heritage songs, bridging past and present. This musical fusion attracts both local audiences and international viewers curious about modernized “exotic” sounds.


2. Short formats and fast storytelling

10–20 second videos dominate, often with a visual hook in the first 3 seconds. The “before/after” format remains king: space makeovers, fashion transformations, or creative processes filmed in time-lapse. Quick tutorials and themed mini-series (“a day in my life in Riyadh”) are also gaining traction, offering brands recurring, engaging narratives.


3. Community challenges

Saudi-specific hashtag challenges (#SaudiStyle, #RiyadhVibes) generate massive participation. Brands succeed when they create challenges that are easy to replicate while subtly embedding their visual identity. Example: during the latest Riyadh Season, several fashion brands launched style challenges featuring local garments, generating millions of views in under a week.


4. Key influencers in Saudi Arabia

Profiles like @azo133 (Abdulaziz Akram), with nearly 6 million followers, and Heba Alabdullah (lifestyle & marketing, around 950k followers) rank among the most influential TikTok creators in Saudi Arabia. Their strength? Authentic, engaging content that stays true to their style while giving brands strong local and regional visibility. They also adapt their content for multiple platforms, enabling efficient cross-channel repurposing.


5. Vision 2030 integration

Some campaigns use TikTok to highlight projects or events tied to Vision 2030, boosting local engagement and promoting Saudi Arabia’s image worldwide. Tourism, events, and sports sectors are particularly active, producing videos that combine spectacular visuals with institutional messaging.


Tips for brands

  • Use trending sounds while adding a Saudi cultural touch.

  • Hook viewers in the first 3 seconds to maximize retention.

  • Prioritize long-term influencer partnerships over one-off deals.

  • Track local hashtags to quickly react to emerging trends.

  • Align storytelling with positive values connected to Vision 2030.

  • Measure performance using precise KPIs (engagement, shares, video completion rates) to adjust strategies in real time.


Conclusion

As Saudi Arabia continues its rapid transformation under Vision 2030, TikTok stands out as both a cultural mirror and a marketing powerhouse. Brands that blend local authenticity with global creative standards and do so with agility will be the ones shaping tomorrow’s conversations.


In this fast-paced digital landscape, staying relevant means staying connected, listening to the audience, and adapting campaigns in real time. The next viral trend might just be one TikTok away.





This article was written with the assistance of AI.



 
 
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