The vast majority of TikTok users in the U.S. show support for Palestinians, according to a new report by Cybersecurity for Democracy. For every pro-Israel video that appeared on the U.S. version of TikTok in September, there were approximately 17 pro-Palestinian videos — yet their overall engagement levels were nearly identical.
The finding, based on hashtag analysis of user-generated posts, is consistent with results from a similar study conducted nearly two years ago. Despite the overwhelming number of pro-Palestinian videos, this imbalance does not fully translate into online traction. According to the report, the average pro-Palestinian video drew 472 views, while the average pro-Israel video reached 565 — meaning that pro-Israel content, while less common, tends to go viral more often.
According to a new poll, 61% of American Jews believe Israel has committed war crimes in Gaza, and 39% say a genocide is taking place.
When the Israel–Gaza war broke out in October 2023, Republican lawmakers renewed calls to ban the Chinese-owned TikTok platform, claiming it was flooded with pro-Palestinian material.
“I think social media has profoundly influenced how people feel about the war,” said Darrell West, senior fellow at the Brookings Institution. “There are very graphic videos showing the depth of human suffering that’s been caused.”
The data highlight how online narratives — amplified by algorithms and emotion-driven engagement — are shaping public sentiment on one of the world’s most divisive conflicts.
