Despite Elon Musk’s preferences for different types of social media content, a new trend is emerging on TikTok, where users are increasingly sharing videos related to birdwatching, appealing to a younger audience.
As online platforms become saturated with divisive and loud content, many individuals in the UK are gravitating towards a more soothing and harmonious experience through videos showcasing the country’s avian species. TikTok has reported a 33% increase in posts featuring the hashtags #birdwatching and #birdtok in the UK over the last quarter. Additionally, there has been a 40% rise in posts tagged with #birding, bringing the global total for these hashtags to one million. A viral video featuring Steven, a docile seagull being fed raw salmon, has garnered over 52 million views.
The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds has seen significant engagement, with its posts accumulating nearly 9 million views in the past year, a third of which came from users under the age of 24. Enthusiasts attribute this surge in interest to the rise of applications like Merlin, which identifies birdsongs, as well as a renewed fascination with nature, a craving for offline hobbies, and the influence of social media platforms.
Jack Baddams, a 33-year-old birdwatching enthusiast from Derbyshire, noted, “There’s a yearning for something genuine, and birdwatching serves as an excellent entry point.” He emphasized that birdwatching is accessible, stating, “Anyone can step outside or glance out their window and spot a bird, fostering community connections.” Baddams, who has amassed 300,000 followers, works as a TV researcher and is one of 3,000 licensed bird “ringers” under the British Trust for Ornithology, which tracks bird populations and migratory behaviors. His informative video on bird ringing has attracted 7.5 million views.
Baddams expressed his surprise at the level of interest, highlighting that he tags common species such as blackbirds, blue tits, and meadow pipits. He commented, “The more familiar a bird is, the more curiosity it seems to generate; people feel a connection to them.”
Tim Jones, a 35-year-old professional ornithologist from York, noted that social media has played a crucial role in attracting younger individuals to birdwatching, a hobby traditionally associated with older generations. With 48,000 TikTok followers for his educational series “learn one birdsong this week,” Jones also boasts 210,000 followers on Instagram under the name Begin Birding. Other prominent figures in the birdwatching community on social media include Jacob Cobb, who is on a quest to observe every bird species worldwide, and musician Bonner Black.
Jones remarked on the evolving perception of birdwatching, noting, “In the past, spotting a birder under 40 was unusual, but that’s changing, as we now frequently see people in their twenties and teens engaging with the hobby.” He pointed out a shift in terminology, with the term “birding” becoming more favored among younger enthusiasts compared to “birdwatching,” while “twitchers” refers to dedicated birders who prioritize rare sightings, a label that does not encompass most hobbyists.
However, this trend may face challenges as the government plans to implement a social media ban for users under 16 next year. Jones indicated that individuals typically start birdwatching around the ages of 10 to 13, although he believes that the main demographic among social media followers tends to be in their thirties.
The British Trust for Ornithology has noted a significant uptick in interest for youth-oriented birdwatching events, including camps and guided walks for those aged 11 to 25. Samuel Levy, a member of the BTO’s youth engagement team, stated, “It was previously difficult to attract young people to our events, but now we are witnessing tremendous demand for all our offerings. For the first time in my life, I can confidently say that I’m trendy.”
Young wildlife and bird photographers are also gaining traction on TikTok, with popular accounts like @TomSkylark and @TommyMcewan. The RSPB expressed delight at the growing interest in birdwatching among younger generations. Joshua Edwards, the organization’s social media manager, remarked, “It’s incredibly encouraging to see more young individuals engaging with birds and wildlife, as this interest can serve as a vital first step towards fostering a lasting relationship with the natural world.”
