My Life Before TikTok

MY SOCIAL MEDIA JOURNEY

An Unexpected Journey

Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash

It’s been a long road as a content creator, beginning long before the rise of TikTok. Allow me to take you on a journey through my life before TikTok, when YouTube was my primary platform, and creativity was my guiding light.

The Early Days of Content Creation

My journey as a content creator started on YouTube, a platform that allowed me to express my creativity and share my passions with the world.

It all began with a simple idea: to create content that informs, entertains, and inspires others. With that goal in mind, I launched several YouTube channels, each linked to a unique Gmail account and dedicated to a specific theme.

It was like painting with vibrant colors on a vast canvas, each channel representing a different facet of my interests.

The Diverse World of YouTube

My channels covered various topics, from the latest tech gadgets to travel adventures, personal vlogs, and deep dives into entrepreneurship and technology.

This variety allowed me to connect with a diverse audience, each with their unique tastes and preferences.

Looking back, it’s remarkable how most of these channels continue to thrive.

They are monuments to their continued relevance and my dedication to keeping them alive.

My Gadget Channel: A Labor of Love

One channel with a special place in my heart is ‘My Gadget.’

Launched 14 years ago, it became a beacon in the tech world, offering the latest news, how-to guides, and insights for Android and iOS users.

It was an exciting time, coinciding with significant technological breakthroughs in smartphones and tablets.

As the world welcomed iPhones and Android devices, I immersed myself in this new world and shared every discovery and insight with my audience.

A Journey Beyond Reviews

My engagement with the tech community went beyond mere reviews.

I delved into the heart of these devices, exploring their capabilities and sharing my findings with a tech-hungry audience.

Jailbreaking iPhones to explore new apps became a staple on my channel, captivating my viewers and offering them a glimpse into their devices’ limitless possibilities.

Expanding Horizons

As my journey expanded, so did the scope of my content.

Travel soon wove into my narrative, allowing me to share the world’s beauty through my lens.

This added a rich, vibrant layer to my digital collection and gave my audience a window into my adventures.

The Birth of Favoriot

The birth of my startup, Favoriot, marked a new era in my life and, consequently, in my content journey.

This venture opened doors to opportunities like interviews and TV and radio appearances, enriching my content with tech talks and adding a new depth to my digital storytelling.

The Challenges of Content Creation

Juggling content creation across various platforms was a colossal task.

It demanded time, meticulous editing, and a never-ending flow of creative ideas.

Eventually, I embraced a more natural, spontaneous approach to video posting.

This approach lightened the editing burden and brought my work a genuine, relatable touch.

The Rise of TikTok

Then came TikTok, a platform that redefined how we create and consume content.

It was an unexpectedly different form of creativity.

I remember my first TikTok video, which quickly garnered attention.

The format was perfect for my spontaneous style, allowing me to share snippets of my life and insights more casually and engagingly.

Discovering the Power of TikTok

As I embraced TikTok, I discovered its power to reach a new audience.

The platform’s algorithm and user-friendly interface made it easy for my content to go viral.

I shared tech tips, travel adventures, and glimpses into my daily life, all within the constraints of a 60-second video.

The response was overwhelming, and I soon found myself with a growing following of engaged viewers.

The Shift to Spontaneity

TikTok encouraged me to be more spontaneous and authentic in my content.

I no longer had to spend hours editing videos; instead, I could capture moments as they happened and share them with my audience.

This shift brought a new level of authenticity to my content, allowing my viewers to connect with me more personally.

The Emergence of Podcasting

As the digital landscape continued to transform, so did my methods of connecting with my audience.

Podcasting emerged as the new frontier, and I set sail in this exciting direction.

With podcasts, I could delve deeper into topics, share stories, and engage in meaningful conversations with my audience.

A Digital Journey

Reflecting on this digital journey, I’m awed by the incredible transformation of technology and social media.

They’ve reshaped our ways of creating, consuming, and sharing content.

From the early days of YouTube to the dynamic world of TikTok and the emerging realm of podcasting, my journey has been a testament to learning, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of passion.


Feel free to check out my TikTok content at IoTMan2030 for more insights into my life and journey as a content creator.

Additionally, you can explore my YouTube channels for a deeper dive into tech, travel, and entrepreneurship.

Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey.

Your support and engagement mean the world to me.

Here’s to more adventures and the endless possibilities of digital content creation.


If you enjoyed this article, don’t forget to check out my books and blog for more content on technology, entrepreneurship, and life as a content creator.

Tik Tok vs Writing on Medium – Different Strokes Different Folks

As a newbie content creator, I’ve faced a dilemma that’s probably familiar to many: picking the right platform that truly resonates with my creative spirit and connects with my audience.

My journey, straddling the worlds of TikTok and Medium, has been nothing short of an eye-opener.

Let’s dive into the numbers first.

On TikTok, where I’m known as iotman2030, I’ve managed to gather a cool 5,783 followers.

Over on Medium, things are a bit more humble with 685 followers. But here’s where it gets interesting: my TikTok videos reel in hundreds, sometimes thousands of views, while my Medium articles?

They’re scraping by with just about ten reads daily.

So, why do I keep pouring my heart into Medium when TikTok is clearly the winning horse in terms of engagement?

It’s a tough nut to crack, and it really made me think about the diverse nature of creating content for different platforms.

TikTok: The Fast Lane

On TikTok, everything moves at lightning speed. Crafting a video is super quick, sometimes taking less than a minute.

This platform loves snappy, visually catchy content, and boy, does it deliver instant gratification!

Seeing those views and likes pile up almost instantly is a real rush.

But, trying to make some cash on TikTok? That’s a whole different ball game. The ways to monetize aren’t as clear-cut as you’d think.

Medium: Digging Deeper

Now, Medium is a different beast altogether.

I spend hours, sometimes days, writing articles, engaging with readers, and fostering a sense of community.

It’s not about churning out content. It’s about crafting pieces that resonate with depth and insight.

Medium’s crowd craves quality over quick fixes. The real reward here isn’t in big numbers, but in the meaningful conversations and connections that bloom from each article.

Different Strokes for Different Folks

The audiences on TikTok and Medium couldn’t be more different.

TikTok is like a buzzing beehive of younger folks who dig my IoT edutainment clips.

Medium, on the other hand, attracts a more mature crowd who appreciate a well-thought-out article that offers more than just surface-level insights.

It’s like catering to two different worlds, each satisfying in its own unique way.

Embracing Both Worlds

After much pondering, I decided why choose one when I can juggle both?

Each platform has its perks. TikTok gets my creative juices flowing with its fast-paced vibe, while Medium allows me to connect on a deeper level with my readers.

This dual approach has become my game plan in the diverse landscape of content creation.

The Adventure Continues…

But wait, there’s more!

My journey doesn’t stop at TikTok and Medium.

I’ve also dipped my toes into podcasting and YouTube, exploring different formats and reaching out to varied audiences.

Podcasting lets me dive into lengthy discussions, while YouTube merges TikTok’s visual charm with more substantial content.

It’s all about mixing and matching to see what resonates best.

Nuggets of Wisdom for Budding Medium Writers

If you’re thinking of taking the plunge into Medium, here are some lessons I’ve picked up along the way:

  1. Know Your Battlefield: Medium is all about depth and quality. Make your articles insightful and valuable.
  2. Connect and Converse: Medium thrives on interaction. Engage with your readers and build that community vibe.
  3. Quality is King: Unlike TikTok’s quantity game, Medium values well-crafted pieces. Put in the time to make your articles stand out.
  4. Carve Your Niche: Medium readers love expertise. Find your special corner and own it.
  5. Patience Pays Off: Growing a following on Medium is a marathon, not a sprint. Build trust and credibility steadily.
  6. Spread Your Wings: Don’t put all your eggs in one basket. Explore different platforms to broaden your reach.
  7. Money Matters: Get to know Medium’s monetization tricks, like the Partner Program, and plan your content strategy around it.
  8. Stay Sharp: Keep up with the latest trends in content creation and evolve your approach accordingly.
  9. Be True to You: Pick topics that you’re passionate about. Authenticity is a magnet for readers.
  10. Diversify Your Portfolio: Treat your social media presence like an investment portfolio. Mix it up for the best overall returns.

In wrapping up, my escapade across TikTok and Medium has been a masterclass in understanding the diverse world of social media.

By embracing the unique flavor of each platform, I’ve learned to navigate the digital realm effectively, striking a balance between reaching out to my audience, engaging them meaningfully, and finding personal fulfillment in the content I create.

My Life Before TikTok That Takes an Unexpected Turn

Photo by Eyestetix Studio on Unsplash

My journey as a content creator has mirrored these changes, adapting and growing with each new turn.

Before TikTok captured the zeitgeist of our times, YouTube was my canvas, a space where I painted my creative expressions.

This adventure took off with the creation of several YouTube channels, each linked to a unique Gmail account and dedicated to a distinct theme, like vibrant colors in a kaleidoscope.

These channels spanned a wide array of subjects, from the cutting-edge buzz of the latest tech gadgets to the wanderlust of travel adventures, intimate personal vlogs, and deep dives into the world of entrepreneurship and technology.

This variety in content was an exploration of my multiple interests and a bridge to connect with a diverse audience, each with their unique tastes and preferences.

Remarkably, most of these channels are still thriving, standing as monuments to their continued relevance and my dedication to keeping them alive — a stark contrast to the ephemeral nature of digital content we often saw a decade ago.

More recently, I’ve poured my heart into one personal YouTube channel while simultaneously steering the ship for other business-related media ventures, stories of which I’m eager to unfold soon.

One channel, in particular, resonates with me deeply. Launched 13 years ago, it was a labor of love from my fascination with electronic gadgets.

My Gadget’ became a beacon in the tech world, offering the latest news, how-to guides, and insights, particularly for Android and iOS users.

It was an exciting time, coinciding with significant technological breakthroughs in smartphones and tablets.

As the world welcomed iPhones and Android devices, I immersed myself and shared every discovery and insight with my audience.

My engagement went beyond mere reviews; I plunged into the heart of these devices. Jailbreaking iPhones to explore new apps became a staple on my channel, captivating my tech-hungry viewers.

As my journey expanded, so did the scope of my content.

Travel soon wove its way into my narrative, allowing me to share the world’s beauty through my lens, adding a rich, vibrant layer to my digital collection.

The birth of my startup, called Favoriot, marked a new era in my life and, consequently, in my content journey.

This venture opened doors to opportunities like interviews and TV appearances, enriching my content with tech talks and adding a new depth to my digital storytelling.

Juggling content creation across various platforms was a colossal task, demanding time, meticulous editing, and a never-ending flow of creative ideas.

Eventually, I embraced a more natural, spontaneous approach to video posting, lightening the editing burden and bringing a genuine, relatable touch to my work.

As the digital landscape continued to transform, so did my methods of connecting with my audience.

Podcasting emerged as the new frontier, and I set sail in this exciting direction, eager to open another chapter of connection with my audience.

I look forward to sharing this new journey, filled with unique stories and experiences, soon.

Reflecting on this digital odyssey, I’m awed by the incredible transformation of technology and social media and how they’ve reshaped our ways of creating, consuming, and sharing content.

From the early days of YouTube to the dynamic world of TikTok and the emerging realm of podcasting, my journey has been a testament to learning, adaptability, and a relentless pursuit of passion.

As we welcome the New Year, I extend my warmest wishes to all. Happy reading, and a joyous New Year! I invite you to join me as we continue to navigate and share in this ever-changing world of digital content creation.

https://www.youtube.com/@MazlanAbbasMyGadget


I am also an author of several books, which you can check out here.

And also my blog here.

Should I Become a TikToker Instead of a Medium Writer

The image was created using Midjourney by Author of Startup Journey.

There’s an exciting twist to my social media followers.

I have only 685 Medium Followers as compared to 5,777 TikTok Followers.

I have less than ten views or Reads daily on Medium compared to hundreds or thousands of views on TikTok.

Here’s my TikTok account – iotman2030

But I have spent hours writing and engaging on Medium daily compared to a couple of minutes (sometimes just under one minute) to create my TikTok content.

And yet, my TikTok has better engagement. However, I still need to monetize it.

So, why the heck am I focusing on Medium?

It took me some time to realize that I still stay at Medium because the content is not the same, and the kind of satisfaction is also different.

Although my TikTok channel can be a form of edutainment, it targets different audiences.

I will never get the same followers or demographics from TikTok as my Medium.

Two different markets and two different kinds of satisfaction.

My followers from TikTok are specific to younger audiences attracted to my IoT edutainment content.

Finally, I decided to maintain both accounts.

And hey! Did I also mention that I am also active on Podcast and YouTube?

That will be another story to tell. Cheers!