A Cuban TikToker, known by the handle @janoy.h, shared an encouraging 51-second video on Monday aimed at fellow Cubans starting anew. Using the familiar vernacular of the island, he connects emotionally with those feeling stuck in their journey.
The video opens with a straightforward statement: "I know starting from scratch is tough, watching everyone else move forward while you feel left behind."
Rather than offering a formula for success, the creator emphasizes a deeper truth: the determination to persevere.
"There's something no one can take from us, and that's the desire to keep fighting. It's the hunger to conquer the world, to move ahead," he asserts in the video.
This message comes from a place of personal experience. "@janoy.h acknowledges, "Tell me about it, brother," making it clear he too has walked the uncertain path.
The core of the video’s spirit is captured in a powerful yet simple phrase: "Keep moving, because as long as you're taking steps, you're winning, brother."
The video concludes with a call for solidarity and motivation: "Don't give up, champ, I'm rooting for you just like I'm rooting for myself, and I'm doubling down on that bet."
The post's description encapsulates the message in one line: "Sometimes you don't need a clear path. You just need to keep moving."
This video joins a growing collection of content from Cuban creators on TikTok, where emigrants share insights about rebuilding life in a new country. The use of colloquial language—such as "acere," "brother," "loquera"—serves as a cultural identifier that resonates with the Cuban audience.
Similar messages have also gained traction on TikTok. In August 2026, another Cuban creator, @janselmaillo, shared a message aimed at Cubans with I-220A status—"Don't give up. You're not alone"—which garnered 12,900 views and over 1,300 likes in less than 24 hours.
The wave of Cuban emigration in recent years has forced many to start fresh in new countries, seeking employment, adapting to new environments, and rebuilding social and family networks. In this context, messages of encouragement among compatriots take on a significance that transcends the digital world.
The video by @janoy.h, published at 7:13 PM Cuba time, had received 112 likes and 16 comments at the time of this report, tagged with #empezardecero, #vidareal, and #parati.
FAQs on Cuban Emigration and TikTok Influence
How are Cuban creators using TikTok to connect with their audience?
Cuban creators are leveraging TikTok to share personal experiences and messages of hope, often using colloquial language to foster a sense of cultural identity and connection with their audience.
Why is starting over a common theme among Cuban emigrants?
Many Cuban emigrants face the challenge of rebuilding their lives in new countries, which involves finding employment, adapting to new environments, and forming new social connections. This makes the theme of starting over particularly relevant and impactful.