TikTok is one of the fastest growing social media platforms now, with a reported presence in over 150 countries and over 1.5 billion users globally—making it the seventh most downloaded app since 2010. But when you think about TikTok, what comes to your mind? Probably cute videos of pets or trending dances—and sometimes, a combination of the two.
That’s the stereotype, at least. But there is plenty of wholesome, educational content on the platform, if you know where to look. We recently came across the Institute of Human Anatomy’s TikTok account, and it offers bite-sized scientific explanations on… anything and everything to do with the human body.
Most of the videos are hosted by Justin Cottle, Lab Director at the Institute of Human Anatomy. Justin explores different questions and topics to do with the human body in each video, ranging from questions like “why do men have more visible veins than women do?” to examining the insides of an actual, real-life gall bladder.
See, this is where the hook is. The Institute of Human Anatomy specialises in using human cadavers for anatomical education, medical device training, and even prototype testing. And in most of their TikTok videos, real life cadavers (corpses) are used to illustrate and explain certain concepts.
It makes for really interesting content, if I may say so myself. Here’s an example—one that looks at the human brain:
@instituteofhumananatomy ARACHNOID MATER!! It literally translates to “Spider-like Mother”! ##LearnOnTikTok ##TikTokPartner ##neuroscience ##brain
♬ original sound – IOHA
And another one that confirms that “broken heart syndrome” is a real thing.
@instituteofhumananatomy TAKOTSUBO CARDIOMYOPATHY!! Most recover fully & don’t die. ##learnontiktok ##tiktokpartner ##takotsubomyopathy ##heart
♬ original sound – IOHA
In an interview with Inverse, Founder Jeremy Jones explained that the TikTok account catapulted the institute’s social media presence from next to nothing—to 6 million followers on TikTok. The idea behind the videos is, of course, to educate.
“Literally, it has gone from teaching thousands of students to millions. I mean, that’s what it turned into with TikTok.”
– Jeremy Jones, Founder of the Institute of Human Anatomy (via Inverse)
So, what’s next for them? Well, in the year that the Institute of Human Anatomy has been on TikTok, six million followers gained is no joke. In comparison, the top 10 most followed accounts on the platform (according to Social Tracker) are made up of influencers, dancers, and other creators, and all of them have at least 40 million followers each.
But the Institute of Human Anatomy produces content that is totally, totally different from that, while still maintaining a lighthearted, easy-to-understand tone. Perhaps that is the secret behind their success. Or perhaps there is a greater level of interest in cadavers than I previously thought.
Regardless, it’s great to see content like this gaining traction on TikTok. As a user myself, I’ve always disliked the stereotype that the platform is limited to Gen Z users who want to dance along with the latest trends. As Justin Cottle and co. prove, there’s all kinds of content on TikTok—you just need to know where to look.
