Bob Dylan joins TikTok as US faces ban deadline: a last-minute social media debut

In an unexpected twist, Bob Dylan, the legendary songwriter who is now 83 years old, has made his TikTok debut days before the platform could face a ban in the US. The announcement came via a 50-second video montage that involved some snippets of some of his most famous tracks, like Like a Rolling Stone, Knockin' on Heaven's Door, and Hurricane. Within a couple of days, the video rapidly gained nearly 2 million views, which sets a great start for the official TikTok account of Dylan. This has occurred at a time when US bans are potentially threatened, forcing many to wonder if that's rather a last-minute or timely social media splash. Dylan’s first TikTok post was quickly followed by a second, showcasing a 1960s news conference clip of him saying, “Good God, I must leave right away,” adding a layer of mystery and perhaps a hint of irony to the situation. In true Dylan fashion, he made his entrance right at the last minute, just as the social media platform faces a deadline. Many fans shared their amusement over his arrival, commenting on the classic unpredictability of Dylan's actions. “In true Bob fashion, showing up right at the last minute,” one user quipped. With over 42,000 followers since Tuesday, Dylan’s TikTok presence is off to a viral start, leaving fans wondering if it could be short-lived. Dylan’s TikTok debut comes amid a rise in popularity linked to the release of his biopic, A Complete Unknown , starring Timothée Chalamet. The film has sparked renewed interest in Dylan’s work, with streams of his iconic tracks skyrocketing in recent weeks. Like a Rolling Stone saw a 232% jump in listens, while other classics such as Blowin’ in the Wind and The Times They Are a-Changin’ also experienced substantial growth. The biopic, along with Dylan’s increased presence on platforms like TikTok and X, has reignited fan interest in the legendary musician’s catalog, proving that the cultural influence of Bob Dylan remains as powerful as ever. In addition to TikTok, Dylan has been more active than ever on X (formerly Twitter), offering personal reflections like his recent compliment to Nick Cave on his new song Joy . Dylan’s shift from impersonal tour updates to more personal posts has marked a noticeable change in how he engages with fans. His X posts, coupled with his TikTok debut, signify a new era in his relationship with social media. From promoting his biopic to engaging in meaningful exchanges with fellow artists, Dylan’s increased online presence shows that the musician, though nearing his 84th year, is embracing the digital age—one post at a time.