Watch: Schools Are Now Teaching Students How To Become Influencers, Go Viral

In a world where traditional college courses focus on essays, exams, and lectures, Duke University is breaking the mold with a unique class that teaches students the art of influencing. This isn't your average college course. Instead of writing papers and studying textbooks, students at Duke are honing their skills in a completely different way - by making TikTok videos.

Education Through TikTok

Imagine sitting in a classroom at Duke University and instead of writing an essay, you're asked to create a TikTok video. This is the reality for students enrolled in the course "Building Global Audiences." The goal of the class is to help students understand the power of social media and how to effectively use it to build a platform and reach a global audience.

The impact of this unconventional approach is undeniable. One student proudly shares, "I gained 30,000 followers since I joined this class!" The class is not just about gaining followers, though. It's about learning how to navigate the social media landscape and understand the business structure behind it.

Audience Matters

The core principle of the class is the notion that an audience is almost more important than anything else. You can have the best product or idea in the world, but if nobody knows about it, it's worthless. This is why the class emphasizes the importance of reaching people and capitalizing on trends.

Dr. Aaron, the professor of the course, explains that it's not just about going viral, but building a sustainable platform. He acknowledges that having a large following is valuable, but the ultimate goal is to help students recognize the business potential of social media and how it can be leveraged to create opportunities.

The Rise of Influencer Education

Duke University is not alone in recognizing the importance of influencer education. Classrooms across the country, from Owens Community College in Ohio to East Carolina University, are jumping on the trend. Viral video maker Mr. Beast is even helping launch a new Creator Program at the latter institution.

Professor Robert Causey, a faculty member at USC, has even written a textbook on the subject. He believes that influencer education goes beyond simply gaining Instagram followers. It's about teaching students the art of entrepreneurship and how to navigate the ever-evolving world of social media. It's a phenomenon that deserves serious study by social scientists.

The Value of Influencer Education

Critics might question the worthiness of a college course that teaches students how to gain Instagram followers. However, influencer education is about much more than taking selfies and running a personal brand. It's about teaching students the skills to run their own businesses and secure brand deals.

GG Robinson, a content creator with over 140,000 TikTok followers, attests to the value of learning these skills in a classroom setting. She believes that teaching influencer marketing in the context of the creator economy is vital for preparing students for the competitive world of entrepreneurship.

The students enrolled in Dr. Dennis' class at Duke University are ahead of the curve. They are learning skills that go beyond the conventional college curriculum and are positioning themselves for success in the digital age.

In conclusion, the unconventional college course "Building Global Audiences" at Duke University is challenging traditional education methods and preparing students for a new era of entrepreneurship. By embracing social media platforms like TikTok, the course helps students understand the power of audience building and the business potential of the influencer economy. As influencers continue to shape the digital landscape, it's crucial for colleges and universities to recognize the importance of incorporating influencer education into their curricula. The future belongs to those who can create and captivate audiences in an ever-evolving online world.