TikTokers across the country are snatching up usernames that should belong to their university and holding them hostage.
One student was quick enough to pick up @temple_university and another grabbed @brighamyounguniversity, both of which posted videos bragging about the fact they could get the usernames. The one who got the username for Temple University even threatened to keep it until they pay his tuition. Though he's most likely joking, the idea is absolutely genius because he could probably get SOMETHING out of it... even if it isn't his full tuition.
The trend started after some users were securing the usernames of politicians, states, or other institutions and keeping them ransom.
A user got @discover_rhode_island and said they won't be "paying for taxes this year," there's a Rudy Giuliani account, @rudygiulianiofficiaal, that said they wanted ransom money but are worried he may be too broke and the @officialjoerogan TikTok account doesn't seem to want anything in particular but took the username anyway.