Analyzing my "MAKE $20,000" TikTok Series
About a year ago, I had an idea for a new TikTok series featuring conversation videos. In these clips, Person 1 would pose a financial question, and Person 2 (also portrayed by myself, wink wink) would respond, briefly covering relevant information.
Person 1: "I want to make $20,000 a year from McDonald’s stock, how many shares would I need?"
Person 2: "McDonald’s dividend is $5.52 a share, so you’d need around 3700 shares!"
Person 1: "How much would that cost me?"
Person 2: "McDonald’s stock is $252 a share. So you’d need around $935,000.
The original video, posted on 7/4/22, garnered over 696,000 views. When I reposted it on 8/2/22, it received an additional 870,000 views. I continued to repost the video over and over. However, the comments were consistently flooded with responses claiming the video was useless, provided no information, or offered unrealistic or bad financial advice (even though none was given).
I understood the criticism, yet it was precisely ONE of the reasons I continued to repost the video—it elicited strong reactions. Some viewed me as clueless or out of touch, while others labeled me an idiot for "recommending" McDonald’s stock. The video aimed to prompt questions and critical thinking. Was it solely about dividends, or did it also consider growth?
When I initially posted the video, McDonald’s was $252 per share. Today, MCD stock is $286 per share, a 13% increase. Additionally, in the original video, McDonald’s dividend was $5.52; today, it’s $6.68.
In our fast-paced era, people often respond with immediate anger if a video doesn’t make sense at first glance. However, delving into the comments reveals some individuals not rushing to judgment but instead thinking and asking the right questions.
That was the OTHER reason for reposting the video is that some people grasp its purpose. They wanted to learn more about investing and recognized that, on the surface, the video might not offer immediate help. But, with more consideration, they got it. They don't have 3700 shares or $935,000 to invest. Even if they did, would they want to invest nearly a million in a stock just to generate $20,000 from dividends? Are there better, more affordable options with higher growth or dividends.
Maybe it gets them thinking not about what they DON’T have, but what they DO have. 37000 shares? Nope. But maybe I can get 37. Maybe I can diversify my portfolio. It gets them thinking. Asking. Learning. Those are the ones who get it. For every mean comment, there are dozens if not hundreds, if not THOUSANDS of new followers who connect the dots.
The video stimulates contemplation about asset appreciation, dividend growth, and compounding. Few individuals can invest $900,000 in one stock all at once, but over time, positions can grow, especially with compounding. Factors like stock splits, dividend increases, asset appreciation, and DRIP further broaden perspectives.
The video doesn't aim to make viewers feel like losers or present me as an out-of-touch elitist. Its goal is to provoke thought. At the end of the day, viewers might decide McDonald’s stock isn’t for them, but perhaps the video initiated that critical dialogue.
Some may suggest not feeding the trolls, but I disagree. I clarify not because my feelings are hurt, but because this channel focuses on education and encouraging deeper thinking. If something doesn't immediately relate or make sense, take a moment to pause and reflect.
You can watch the video here:
