TikTok Famous at the Age of 36: Hutsakeee is Becoming an Icon

TikTok is known across the world as the go-to social media platform for Gen Z. That is why it might seem unlikely that a 36-year-old could achieve TikTok fame without being already well-known on other platforms. Yet in the Netherlands, for this Arnhem resident, everything is possible.

For Bjorn — who, in his everyday life, creates websites and eCommerce shops — December 1st started out just like any other day. He woke up and checked everything off his morning routine. Then — ”I don’t even know why,” he laughs — he decided to post a video of himself wearing what he describes as a “fresh new outfit.” It was a Black Bananas tracksuit.

Bjorn says now. This recognition comes like a sigh of relief for the TikTokker, who is currently experiencing a massive surge in popularity, having already gone viral in the Netherlands more than once. Living any teenager’s utopia, Bjorn has now gathered more than 402,000 views and 18,900 likes on his Black Bananas video.

“I think it’s my quirkiness and originality that stand out and make people want to come back for more,” Bjorn says. His videos — all of him performing regular daily activities — seem like commercials for the brand. But his work is about much more than just Black Bananas.

“I mean, the style simply matches mine and I feel most comfortable when I wear Black Bananas. Maybe that’s the appeal. I don’t know, after all, that was the first video that brought me fame.” However, ultimately, Bjorn makes videos so that he entertains and shows people a side of his world: his favorite upload of his is the one in which he presents his studio to his followers.

And, expectedly, the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive. He says his secret is waking up with a smile on his face every day: this leaves him wanting to do more than just his day job.

“The truth is, I love to entertain people. When I see all the comments from other users on my TikTok videos, I feel like I truly make a difference. Bringing a smile onto people’s faces can do that to you. And I’m happy to see that they respond! I mean, I was inspired by fellow Dutch TikTokkers such as @quinnenaaron, whom I greatly admire. But at the same time, I wanted to bring something truly fresh to TikTok. I hope I was able to.”

You wouldn’t be wrong to wonder why Bjorn hasn’t yet expanded his work to cater to international audiences. “Look, I want to do one thing, and I want to do it right,” he says. “My aspiration is that I create funny, engaging content for audiences in the Netherlands, specifically queer audiences.”

Bringing a smile to the faces of the people in his own colourful country is enough to keep Bjorn happy, and he hopes this upward trend will continue.

“Actually, I am confident that it will.”