28 days.
28 videos.
Countless hours writing, filming, editing, posting, hoping.
I started this challenge pretending I had one million followers.
I finish it knowing that even one real supporter can mean everything.
I didn’t go viral.
Most of my videos didn’t even break 300 views.
But I still call it a win.
Because I learned more about showing up — and being seen — than I ever expected.
And I learned even more about what silence sounds like.
Why I Did It
I’m self-publishing my debut YA novel, The Last Girl on Earth: The 23rd Pair, in November 2025.
It’s been 14 years in the making.
A story I’ve carried like a secret heartbeat.
But if I want it to reach readers — I can’t just write it. I have to market it. Loudly. Publicly. Often awkwardly.
So I did something that made me squirm:
I got in front of the camera.
Even though I studied drama, and work for TV – I’ve mostly always stayed behind a camera in my professional life.
This was different. Raw. Weird. Brave. A little chaotic. Fully me.
I launched a 28-day TikTok challenge.
Posted daily. Shared my process. Made jokes. Faked confidence.
And waited.
What Happened
📈 I grew from 52 to 156 followers.
🎥 Most videos got under 300 views.
💛 A few comments made my whole week.
📉 Some days felt like shouting into the void.
And through it all, I started to notice something strange.
The people I expected to show up… didn’t.
Not always. Not often. And that hurt.
So here’s what I’ve learned — the six hard truths about why your friends (and sometimes fellow creatives) might not support you online:
1. They don’t fully understand what you’re doing
Some people genuinely don’t get how content works, how visibility snowballs, or how much a simple comment helps. They might love you — but think, “She’s doing her thing. Cool for her.” Without realizing how much their public support actually matters.
2. They feel awkward showing it
For some, social media feels like a stage they’re not ready to step onto. Liking a video? Sometimes. Commenting or sharing it? Suddenly feels too personal, too public. Especially if they haven’t figured out how to show up online themselves.
3. Jealousy is real
Watching someone go for their dream can be triggering. I understand that completely. My courage might mirror their fear. It’s not personal — but it stings. And sometimes, it shows up as silence.
4. They think support means “when you’re big”
People love a success story. But they forget that success starts with one brave step. Supporting someone early on? That’s the part most people skip — until it’s trendy to cheer.
5. They just don’t use social media like that
Some folks scroll quietly. They don’t engage — not just with you, but with anyone. It’s not that they don’t care. It’s just not how they use the app.
6. They might just not like your content — or care about your book
This one stings the most. But it’s real.
Not everyone will connect with what you’re creating.
Not everyone will be your reader, your vibe, your tribe.
Some people you love might see your posts, your videos, your words — and feel… nothing. Or worse: indifference.
It doesn’t mean you’ve failed.
It doesn’t mean you should stop.
It just means they’re not your audience. And that’s okay. I’m at peace with it – or at least getting there.
You’re not here to create for everyone.
You’re here to reach the right ones — the readers who will feel it.
And when they find you, they’ll binge your work like oxygen.
So don’t waste your magic trying to convince people who were never meant to hold it.
What Did Matter
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My parents and my sister shared every video — even though my parents don’t understand English.
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One friend downloaded TikTok just to cheer me on.
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A few readers commented something kind and specific. That stuck with me.
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And 104 people chose to hit follow — maybe out of curiosity, maybe out of belief. Either way, I see you.
So… Was It Worth It?
Absolutely.
I didn’t go viral.
But I grew.
In visibility, yes — but also in voice. In courage. In clarity.
And that’s the kind of growth you keep.
So here’s to every creative out there putting themselves out there.
To everyone who’s made something out of nothing.
To everyone showing up — even when it’s quiet.
You don’t need a million followers.
You need to keep going.
The real ones will find you.
And when they do?
They’ll binge every video you ever made.
And they’ll know you meant every word.
