RIYADH — Amidst global concerns around COVID-19, communities globally are staying home as part of country lockdowns or as they practice social distancing. Being asked to stay home can be unnerving, especially when there's so much uncertainty, which makes solidarity more important than ever.

During these difficult times, TikTok, the leading destination for short-form mobile video, is supporting its users around the world in ways that are positive and beneficial, bringing people together through launching several challenges and initiatives that can help people stay positive and happy at home.

To encourage people to stay home and and embrace the responsibility of doing the right thing by staying inside and stopping the spread, TikTok launched the #stayathome challenge to bring some comfort and connection in a very isolating moment in time.

The hashtag challenge garnered more than 227M views so far capturing the attention of celebrities. The #stayathome hashtag challenge features some entertaining sub challenges like #fashionfromhome #workoufromhome #cookfromhome #travelfromhome #createfromhome.

Participating in the TikTok #stayathome challenge, celebrities in the region took to TikTok to share their social distancing routine. Emirati singer Balqees (@balqeesfathi), fashion blogger Karen Wazen (@karenwazen) and Hadia Ghaleb (@hadiaghaleb) shared their journeys of social distancing on TikTok and shared advice on activities people can engage in from the safety of their home as part of the TikTok #stayathome challenge, such as optimizing skincare routines and working out.

Saudi actor Abdul Rahman (@tashku8) also took to TikTok to remind his users which fruits and vegetables can help boost immunity in these uncertain times.

Finally, the Al Jazira Club joined TikTok to share their own PSAs, becoming the first club in the UAE to officially join TikTok and the first club in the GCC to collaborate with the platform.

Commenting on the launch of the channel, Nick Garcia, Group CEO for Al Jazira FC, said: “We are very proud to be the first Emirati club on TikTok. We see a lot of potential to reach a young audience with interesting, engaging video content and we’re always looking for innovative ways to bring our community closer to the club.

“At a time of uncertainty and social distancing, brands on TikTok are bringing people together with memes about coping during the coronavirus pandemic. Players and staff at Al Jazira FC want to play their part and we plan to share information to help keep the community safe and active during this time.” — SG