King of comedy: TikTok star puts Saudi twist on classic content

RIYADH: In less than three years, Saudi content creator and actor Abdullah Al-Amiri has amassed more than 1.1 million followers on TikTok.

His comedy sketches on relatable topics are incredibly popular with local audiences and he is keen to promote Saudi voices on social media.

“Because we understand our own sense of humor and culture, having Saudi actors and content creators on social media platforms is important,” he told Arab News.

“I present in my content stories that happen in our lives in a humorous way with a Saudi flavor.

“Saudi actors and content creators have helped the Saudi community to communicate and share ideas with the ability to comment. (It) is a great tool to express.”

Al-Amiri produces his own videos with help from male and female co-stars, and their mix of creativity and comedy appeals to a new generation of Saudis. His friends are often a good source of inspiration for content.

Media companies and advertisers now pay attention to the audience’s response in the comments section, and even businesses are looking forSaudi citizens, as they comprehend the Saudi comic flavor.

Abdullah Al-Amiri, Content creator

“I am always open to suggestions from my friends since you never know where a brilliant idea may come from,” he said.

“If you tell me any situation that happened to you, I can write it in a humorous fashion or as a sitcom and produce it.”

Al-Amiri studied media in the UAE and in 2018 began producing sketches for Uturn Entertainment, a Saudi YouTube channel that later branched out into other social media platforms and is known for a variety of entertainment programs.

When he was younger, he enjoyed American sitcoms like “Friends” and wanted to create similar content but with local themes and situations.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 pandemic, he created an account on TikTok and unleashed his creativity there. His videos have since garnered more than 19 million views.

“When I joined TikTok I was able to see the comments from the people and their feedback which was very exciting for me, and it encouraged me to continue doing what I love,” he said

According to Al-Amiri, the Saudi media sector is evolving and the comments section on social media platforms is a great resource for gathering feedback.

“Media companies and advertisers now pay attention to the audience’s response in the comments section, and even businesses are looking for Saudi citizens, as they comprehend the Saudi comic flavor.”

Al-Amiri said he received lots of requests to use his comic talents to produce advertisements.

Demand for local actors and content producers was on the increase because companies wanted to incorporate an authentic representation of the Kingdom and its culture in their promotional content, he said.