The social media influencers now run Washington Square Park

"On any given day, dozens of young people scour the downtown park with smartphones and microphones, looking for people to interview. Buskers and dog walkers increasingly compete for space with tripods, even in corners of the park with well-earned reputations for grittiness."

"The park, which for decades was known as a hub of counterculture and an anchor for protests in the city, has now been overrun with social media influencers looking to go viral."

"Park regulars say its social media-ification became more noticeable after the COVID-19 pandemic, when people were eager to be outside around their friends after more than a year of lockdowns. That era corresponded with the growth in popularity of vertical videos on apps like TikTok."

Washington Square Park has undergone a significant transformation, shifting from its historical role as a counterculture and protest hub to becoming a major stage for social media influencers seeking viral content. The change became particularly pronounced after the COVID-19 pandemic, coinciding with the rise of vertical video platforms like TikTok. Content creators now regularly populate the park with smartphones and microphones, conducting interviews and filming content. This shift was highlighted when the social media account Sidetalk promoted a snowball fight that drew hundreds of influencers and revelers, resulting in arrests and viral moments. Park regulars and historians note the park's traditional association with creative expression and freedom of speech.

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