‘More than just pretty’: TikTok stars who are making waves

The days of women being labelled “not funny” are somewhat behind us, and Tilly Oddy-Black and Millie Ford are two influencers lighting up the smallest of screens with a giggle or two.

The days of women being labelled “not funny” are somewhat behind us, and these two influencers are lighting up the smallest of screens with a giggle or two.

TikTok comedians Tilly Oddy-Black and Millie Ford have taken the world by storm with their skits and hilarious videos for more than four years, solidifying their place in the influencer world by amassing millions of followers.

Influencer fame was never on the cards for Oddy-Black or Ford until they each started posting skit videos that showed their “embarrassing” yet “true self”, launching them into the spotlight.

TikTok comedians Millie Ford (left) and Tilly Oddy-Black. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“None of this was planned,” Oddy-Black told The Daily Telegraph.

“I can’t believe the jackpot I hit … I have the job of my dreams.”

Ford described her breakthrough as “such a happy accident”.

“I cannot actually wrap my head around it,” she said.

Oddy-Black, 28, always dreamt of making it in the entertainment industry, but when stand-up and acting fell through, she found her niche in impersonations and comedy.

Now, she’s one of many women leading the charge in comedy and entertainment.

TikTok comedian Tilly Oddy-Black. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

“I feel like finally the world is heading in that direction where women are just allowed to be more than just pretty, or sexy, or girlfriends,” she said.

“Now it’s more normal to be the funny one. It’s taken time but I think the culture is changing.”

Ford, 28, also aspired to be an actor, but her journey took a turn when she started posting on TikTok four years ago, leading her to build a massive following and ultimately leave her marketing job.

TikTok comedian Millie Ford. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Despite finding success in the entertainment industry, where she also landed TV series roles in Home and Away and Bump, Ford said the fast-paced nature of social media had created a need for constant reinvention.

“Even though there is demand for more of the same, it’s like you have to continue to evolve or get left behind,” she said.

“I often talk in past tense like (comedy videos are) gone. It’s definitely not gone. It’s not locked away forever. It’s my bread and butter and it’s what I love most and how I started.

“There have been so many creators that have popped up over the years and then kind of became irrelevant.”

While Ford continues to post comedy videos occasionally, she is venturing into thrifting, vintage fashion, and focusing on a music career.

“If you know me well, music is something I am pursuing as being a musician and artists which is genuinely in my blood,” Ford said.

“When I was younger I just didn’t have the confidence to be a singer... I started to get back into song writing this time last year.”

Beyond the tiny screen, Oddy-Black is also pursuing other projects including a new “silly and chatty” podcast, Mutual Friends, with co-host Charlotte Gibb, sister of fellow comedian Will Gibb.