1. Skip to content
  2. Skip to main menu
  3. Skip to more DW sites
In focus
ChristmasSyriaGerman election 2025
Latest audioLatest videos
Live TV
PoliticsGermany

Reclaim — The struggle for democracy on TikTok

August 12, 2024

TikTok is continuing its rapid growth. What political role does TikTok play? Accounts operated by Germany’s right-wing AfD and Austria’s right-wing FPÖ have the widest reach. At the same time, the parties are also gaining ground in election polls.

https://p.dw.com/p/4jNUt

Clickbait meets populism and extremism: What will this lead to? Who is standing up to it, and at what cost? In the documentary "Reclaim - The Struggle for Democracy on TikTok," we head into the populist rabbit hole. The team traveled to Austria and Germany and spoke to activists, political actors and experts such as sociologist Aladin El-Mafaalani and extremism researcher Julia Ebner. We show how right-wing populists use TikTok to spread their messages and shed light on the impact it has on the political landscape and on young people. 

Skip next section Similar stories from Germany

Similar stories from Germany

DW Dokumentationen KW 35 | Gym Boys - Warum junge Männer pumpen

Gym Boys — why young men pump iron

"Pretty people have it easier in life," says 15-year-old Moritz.
SocietySeptember 4, 202442:33 min
Sahra Wagenknecht stands and smiles among a few other people

How German politics could be reshaped by the BSW party

Germany's populist BSW presented a challenge to the far-right AfD in the recent European Parliament elections.
PoliticsJune 15, 202407:17 min
Young woman

Is immigration a threat to Germany?

Populist right-wing parties see immigration as a threat. But foreigners are vital for the German labor market.
BusinessOctober 3, 202305:55 min
Skip next section More on Politics from Europe

More on Politics from Europe

Abu Mohamed al-Jolani, head of Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), poses for a selfie (file photo)

EU mulls relations with Syria's new leaders

With other actors being quick to try to exert influence, the EU must decide how to engage with those now in power.
PoliticsDecember 18, 202402:38 min
French NATO troops exercise with a Ceaser howitzer at a training area in Finland.

NATO holds its largest-ever artillery exercise in Europe

DW's Alexandra von Nahmen reports from a training area in Finland's far north, close to the border with Russia.
PoliticsNovember 21, 202402:37 min
Fact check composite picture showing a sign with a mosque depicted on it lying on the ground. The image has the words "Disinformation against Muslims on the rise" and a blue tick mark.

Fact check: Disinformation against Muslims on the rise

Hate comments against Muslims and migrants have increased sharply. Here's a look at the most common narratives and who is behind them. 
PoliticsOctober 22, 202408:02 min
Show more
Skip next section More on Politics from around the world

More on Politics from around the world

Members of the United Nations Security Council vote in May, 2024.

UN Security Council: Africa's push for permanent seats

The historic under-representation of Africa on the UN Security Council is back in the spotlight. Is change long overdue?
PoliticsAugust 14, 202402:39 min
external

Does it help to be rude to your president?

Kenyan officials warned that "goons" who heckle President Ruto will be arrested.
PoliticsJuly 31, 202403:27 min
Vorschaubild | Mapped Out: Why some Arab states side with Israel 

Why some Arab states side with Israel

Leaders of most Arab countries condemn Israel's war in Gaza. Yet, some Arab governments have close ties to the country.
PoliticsJune 24, 202413:46 min
Show more
Skip next section About the show

About the show

DW Close Up Program Guide Sendungslogo

Close up — The Current Affairs Documentary

Our weekly half-hour program delivers in-depth reporting on topical political issues and newsworthy events. Revealing the story behind the stories, Close Up is informative, gripping and visually powerful.

Go to show Close up