In today’s digital age, content is king. Over the years, social media has transformed into becoming the go-to source of how people consume content, whether for informational purposes or to simply divulge in any sort of entertainment. Comedy especially, is a big hit among the masses in any country, allowing people to take a break and enjoy a little down-time with a good laugh that could help alleviate the daily stress from their lives.
In recent times, funny videos and comedic skits have become very popular on TikTok. All you need to do is open your TikTok app and you will find tons of funny videos, sounds and comedic skits. These videos will take only 15 seconds to a maximum of 3 minutes – making it ideal for those who need a quick giggle here and there.
On TikTok, many Sri Lankans have become popular thanks to their jovial nature and witty sense of humor. One of them is Chethana Ketagoda, a versatile lady of many talents. A lawyer, dubbing artist and digital content creator among many other professions, Chethana shares a plethora of comedic skits, funny videos, song covers and many other forms of authentic content on TikTok.
Due to her humor and outstanding lip-syncing and acting skills, Chethana has garnered a strong base of over 8Mn likes and 411.2K followers. What’s amazing about her is that despite juggling multiple professions, her enthusiasm towards creating original and quality material is what makes her content so appealing.
Who is Chethana Ketagoda?
I’m a 30 year old lawyer, Hindi language teacher, senior dubbing and commercial voice actor. I’m also a digital content creator on five platforms – TikTok, Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. I juggle all these professions on a daily basis, so that’s pretty much my life. Apart from that, my hobbies include coming home to my room, traveling, watching movies, dancing, reading, journaling – there’s a lot of things I enjoy doing.
How did you discover TikTok and when did you start creating content on the platform?
I discovered TikTok in 2016 while doing my LLB degree, when the app was previously known as Musical.ly. There was also another app called Dubsmash, but I preferred Musical.ly since you could experiment and play around with more sounds, music and funny skits. I absolutely love dubbing and I’ve been in the industry for the past 20 years, so I found it incredibly fun being able to create content in this regard.
I think because of my work stress and study stress, TikTok was one of my main stressbusters at the time. It’s also really great because it doesn’t consume too much time to make content and you get to be 100% creative in all sorts of ways.
How do you juggle between so many professions and creating content on TikTok?
Since I am professionally a digital content creator, whether I’m travelling or at home, I always have whatever I need to create a good piece of content. I have all my gadgets, such as my tripod and my light. If I don’t have the light, I make use of natural light.
I always plan my content, but sometimes I also have spontaneous moments where I just go for it. It can be inside my car, during my shoots, it can be anywhere. But I do always make it a point to plan ahead and shoot about 5-6 original content pieces at a time. I don’t mind the location to be very honest. I would shoot my content even on the road if I felt like it. So I always end up having excess content – it’s just a matter of editing and uploading it.
I also don’t think my profession gets in the way of being a digital creator because digital creation is very ‘in the moment’. Unlike a 9 to 5 job, there’s always the advantage of making content even at 2am in the night.
How would you specify the type of content on your TikTok?
It’s very diverse, but mostly comedy and singing.
What is the inspiration behind your comedic skits?
I’ve never looked up to comedians to be a comedian myself. I knew I was funny, but I didn’t know I could be digitally funny. On TikTok, there’s so many people who are inherently funny that they don’t even have to move a muscle. Even the most random person can be funny on TikTok. Especially in Sri Lanka, there are housewives and even school kids who sit at home and make extremely funny content!
As someone who uses TikTok, what type of content do you prefer watching?
Oh, definitely comedy! Like I mentioned, even after about 6 or 7 years TikTok is still my stressbuster.
I always love to see something creative when it comes to any type of talent. Let’s say someone’s drawing something or recording a makeup tutorial? It’s very soothing to watch. There’s this content creator called Plastique Tiara who transforms into an incredibly gorgeous woman – you can’t even identify if it’s the same person!
I also love story-telling videos, dancing and singing trends. Basically, I will consume any type of content that comes my way if it’s creative.
Who do you follow on TikTok?
I follow a lot of international accounts like the Quick Style gang, Jason Derulo, Fash, Simpal Kharel, Lily Singh and of course our very own Gayathri – who is one of the few Sri Lankan TikTokers to go international. There’s also DermDoctor, Pierson and a comedian called Adam, among many others.
From Sri Lanka, I follow Lochana Jayakodi, my friends Harshanee Yudagana, Kavindu Madushan, Saasha Karunaratne, Kumalinda, Denathi Pussegoda, Travel with Wife, Blok&Dino and KAALI, to name a few.
What advice would you have for anyone looking to create content on TikTok?
The best thing about TikTok is that it encourages inherently creative people to get out there. Even if you’re shy, you decide what content to make, you’re the person in front of the camera recording yourself and you are your own boss. If you want to get into creating content, it’s never too late. You can start anytime, at any place. You just have to figure out what you’re really good at and what you love doing.
There’s so many talented people who don’t come onboard TikTok as creators because they’re scared, which they shouldn’t be! TikTok has various community guidelines, filters and so many other options where you get to control what’s been shown on your own platform.
I have personally discovered a lot through this app. It has brought so much into my life – a good community of friends and a world of creativity. So I would advise that you start and start now. Be 100% original and let your talent shine.