TikTok Millionaires: “The Jardo Empire” Jumped To 1.2 Million Followers In 8 Months

Welcome to TikTok Millionaires, where we profile creators who have crossed the one million subscriber mark on TikTok. Each week, we’ll chat with a newly minted Millionaire about their life, their content, and their creative goals for the days to come. Read previous installments here.

Sometimes, advice from fans can change the course of a creator’s career.

Many of our Millionaires for this column started out on TikTok and now, as their followings grow, are making their way onto YouTube to share longer-form content with their followers. But 21-year-old Jaylin Goodson is the opposite. He and longtime boyfriend Cardo got their start on YouTube in 2018 with a vlog channel about their life together. A little over a year later, the “Jardo empire” had amassed more than 300,000 subscribers–and some of them were encouraging the duo to try this new TikTok thing.

Now, TikTok has become Goodson’s main social media focus. In eight months, he’s racked up 1.2 million followers with a mix of prank, challenge, and just downright cute content. Like his YouTube channel–which is updated less frequently, but still once or twice a month, and which has grown to 340K subscribers–his TikTok account co-stars Cardo, chronicling their journey as a couple.

Check out our chat with him below.

@realjayllnnAH 😜 ##WAP♬ WAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) – Cardi B

Tubefilter: How does it feel to hit one million followers? What do you have to say to your fans?

Jaylin Goodson: Honestly, it’s a great feeling, and I want to say thank you to everyone who supports me. It’s so cool that I can touch this many people in a positive way, and they motivate me to keep pushing every day. I’m excited one day to be able to meet some of my loyal supporters.

Tubefilter: Tell us a little about you! Where are you from? What did you get up to before TikTok?

JG: My name is Jaylin Goodson. (I go by the name @realjayllnn on TikTok.) I’m from a little town in South Carolina called Hartsville. In my days before TikTok, I was a YouTuber. I started YouTube back in 2018. I was blessed to grow a fan base of 300K; eventually my supporters came across TikTok and wanted me and my boyfriend to become TikTokers. Luckily, as we looked into TikTok, we quickly grew to love it, developed a passion for it, and now we’re TikTokers!

Tubefilter: What made you see TikTok as a potential new platform for you?

JG: Shortly after posting my first few TikToks, I had my first viral TikTok. I eventually made a part two that went viral as well. I received a lot of positive feedback from it. I started posting TikToks nearly every day and quickly grew to love the platform!

Tubefilter: Your videos frequently costar your boyfriend! Tell us a bit about him and how you met.

JG: He’s a likeable, positive personality who spreads good energy. We were actually friends before we got into a relationship. He’s fun to be around and loves TikTok just as much as I do!

Tubefilter: When did you start collecting followers? Was there one specific video that went viral or hit the #foryou page and brought people in, or has your audience been growing steadily over time?

JG: My growth has been pretty steady over time. I started TikTok back in January 2020, and managed to hit one million followers around June 2020. I’m currently at 1.2 million followers, and I’m extremely thankful!

Tubefilter: What can viewers almost always expect if they tune in to one of your videos?

JG: One thing my supporters always say is that they love how my videos are always positive. Even if my day isn’t going well, I always try my best to provide content that makes my supporters’ days a little better.

Tubefilter: Do you find TikTok to be a pretty accepting place for LGBTQ+ creators? Does it have a different “feel” than other platforms when it comes to acceptance of or even enthusiasm for LGBTQ+ creators?

JG: Yeah, I would say for the most part TikTok is accepting of queer creators. Over time, TikTok has grown to be more accepting of queer content, like placing guidelines to protect creators like myself from being discriminated against, and that’s definitely a positive step in the right direction.

Tubefilter: Generally, what do you think draws creators and viewers to TikTok? What makes it a unique and engaging platform?

JG: TikTok is different because it’s less judgmental, allowing people to just be themselves. In my opinion, Instagram is structured on appearance and how many likes you get, while TikTok is based more on creativity.

Tubefilter: Have you worked on any collaborations with other creators or any sponsored content with brands?

JG: Yes, I have many future collaborations with brands coming up, and I can’t wait to be able to reveal more!

Tubefilter: Where does TikTok fit into your average day? How much time do you spend brainstorming/creating content? What else do you get up to?

JG: I have a passion for YouTube and TikTok. Usually after filming a YouTube video, I spend a couple of hours brainstorming and creating TikToks as well.

Tubefilter: Are there any TikTok creators who inspire you with their content?

JG: I honestly find a lot of content on TikTok funny and cool. I think everyone is unique and inspiring in their own way.

Tubefilter: What’s next for you? Any plans looking to the future?

JG: I have a lot exciting things coming up in the future. We’re looking at dropping our first music single, and also exploring new modeling and acting opportunities.