Who the F did I marry?!
Brace yourselves, because I want to talk about Reesa Teesa this week.
I know, I know. It’s been a hot minute since she went viral on TikTok with her "Who the F Did I Marry" series. But I needed some time to watch all of it, and figure out how I felt about it. And guys, the web that she weaves is as gripping as it is jaw-dropping.
Let’s backtrack a little.
If you haven't heard of Reesa Teesa, she's the mastermind behind the viral Who the F Did I Marry series on TikTok. In this groundbreaking series, Reesa spills the tea on her tumultuous relationship with her now-ex-husband, exposing shocking secrets and scandalous revelations for the whole world to see.
Everyone and their grandmother was talking about it (although I’m willing to bet good money that most people read a summary instead of watching all 50 parts) and EVERYONE had their opinions on what happened.
Here’s what went down: Tareasa Johnson, better known now as Reesa Teesa, told the story of how she “met, dated, married and divorced” a man who she described as “a pathological liar”. She met her ex in March of 2020, and he moved in with her soon after so that they could quarantine together during the pandemic (as one does). They eventually got married, in January 2021, but were divorced just six months later. Reesa Teesa says that the year and half she spent in the relationship with the man she calls “Legion” was filled with broken promises, a miscarriage, and ultimately a broken heart.
The series contains 50 videos, for a grand total of over eight hours. During the series, which launched on Valentine’s Day 2024, Reesa Teesa took us into her world, spilling the proverbial tea on her ex-husband and their failed marriage. Most of the time, she was driving, or doing her hair or makeup while she talked, making her one of the most relatable human beings on the planet.
How it Went Viral
Reesa's captivating storytelling and unfiltered authenticity struck a chord with TikTok users, propelling her videos to viral status virtually overnight. With each installment of "Who the F Did I Marry," Reesa's audience grew exponentially, garnering millions of views and catapulting her into the spotlight of internet fame. Her raw honesty and willingness to share her personal journey resonated deeply with viewers, igniting a frenzy of engagement and discussion across social media platforms. And honestly, the fact that the series was SO LONG added to its lore, as watching all 50 parts became a pop culture badge of honour.
Why the Content Was So Captivating
Despite the length of Reesa's videos—which often clocked in at over an hour long—audiences couldn't get enough of her captivating storytelling and compelling narrative. From shocking plot twists to heart-wrenching revelations, Reesa's series kept viewers on the edge of their seats, eagerly awaiting each new installment. Her willingness to lay bare her innermost thoughts and experiences fostered a sense of connection and empathy among viewers, drawing them into her world and leaving them hungry for more.
What We Can Learn
We keep hearing about the attention economy, and how brands and influencers need to pivot to short-form content, to match their audience’s attentions spans. But Reesa Teesa did the exact opposite. Her success serves as a powerful reminder of how important a good story is. In fact, it’s even more important than the medium or format. By embracing her own vulnerability and authenticity, Reesa Teesa was able to completely revolutionize the art of long-form content. Other creators can follow suit by working on their own storytelling, so they too can forge meaningful connections with their audience. While replicating Reesa's meteoric rise to fame may seem like a daunting task, her journey offers valuable insights into the timeless principles of compelling storytelling and the boundless potential of social media as a platform for self-expression.
Honestly, hats off to Reesa Teesa for breaking the internet and once again reinventing social media as we know it. Her fearless approach to storytelling captivated millions, proving that authenticity and vulnerability are the ultimate keys to viral success. So, here's to Reesa and her epic saga of love, betrayal, and redemption. Storytelling is what unites us all, and I, for one, am here for the piping hot tea.
