The Nazi Problem on TikTok: An Ongoing Challenge

Neo-Nazis and white supremacists are increasingly exploiting TikTok to disseminate Hitler-related propaganda and recruit new members, according to a recent report from the Institute for Strategic Dialogue (ISD) shared exclusively with WIRED. The findings highlight a troubling trend where TikTok's algorithm appears to promote extremist content to new users, allowing these groups to capitalize on the platform’s vast popularity among younger audiences.

The ISD report reveals that numerous extremist TikTok accounts are openly posting videos that promote Holocaust denial, glorify Hitler and Nazi-era Germany, and present Nazi ideology as a solution to contemporary issues, including the alleged migrant crisis in Western countries. Additionally, these accounts express support for white supremacist mass shooters, often sharing livestreamed footage or recreations of these violent acts. Many of these accounts feature Nazi symbols in their profile pictures and incorporate white supremacist codes in their usernames, making their affiliations clear.

Nathan Doctor, a researcher at ISD and the author of the report, began his investigation after discovering a neo-Nazi account on TikTok while researching for a different project. His exploration quickly unveiled a broader network of extremist accounts that actively support each other by liking, sharing, and commenting on one another’s content, thus enhancing their visibility and reach.

While these extremist groups have historically congregated on fringe platforms like Telegram, the messaging app has now become a hub for discussing recruitment strategies specifically targeting TikTok. White supremacist groups utilize Telegram to share videos, images, and audio tracks, explicitly instructing members to cross-post this content on TikTok to maximize exposure.

One user from a neo-Nazi group remarked on Telegram, "We posted stuff on our brand new TikTok account with 0 followers but had more views than you could ever have on Bitchute or Twitter. It just reaches much more people." This sentiment reflects a growing realization among these groups of TikTok's ability to connect them with wider audiences.

Prominent neo-Nazis have also encouraged their Telegram followers to “juice,” or algorithmically boost, their TikTok videos to enhance their chances of going viral. One extremist Telegram channel with 12,000 followers even urged members to blanket TikTok with reaction videos to promote the neo-Nazi documentary *Europa: The Last Battle*, aiming to generate viral attention. Researchers discovered dozens of TikTok videos featuring clips from the film, some garnering over 100,000 views. One account posting snippets from the documentary reportedly amassed nearly 900,000 views, spreading false and antisemitic claims, including conspiracy theories about the Rothschild family controlling the media.

This is not the first time TikTok’s algorithm has come under scrutiny for promoting extremist content. Earlier this month, the Global Network on Extremism and Technology reported that the platform’s algorithm was promoting the “adoration of minor fascist ideologues.” Previous studies have also shown that TikTok boosts Eurocentric supremacist narratives in Southeast Asia. Additionally, recent reports revealed how TikTok’s search suggestions directed young voters in Germany toward the far-right Alternative for Germany party in the lead-up to last month’s EU elections.

The findings from the ISD report raise significant concerns about the role of social media algorithms in facilitating the spread of extremist ideologies, particularly among impressionable younger users. As extremist groups continue to find innovative ways to leverage platforms like TikTok, it underscores the urgent need for greater accountability and oversight of social media algorithms to prevent the normalization and dissemination of hate-driven content.