Sydney Jo’s artistic path mirrors a scene from a film by Nancy Meyers. Her love for film and television ranges from timeless sitcoms to “Jersey Shore” and Quentin Tarantino. She enthusiastically engages with media, including TikTok videos and podcasts.
Identified as @thatgirlsydjo on TikTok, Sydney Jo rose to fame with her project, “The Group Chat,” which she first conceived in her Notes app during her daily commute. She has since departed from her job to dedicate herself to writing full-time, though she doesn’t identify as a writer.
Amassing 329,000 followers on Instagram and 1.7 million on TikTok, Sydney Jo was nominated for Rising Star of the Year at the 2025 TikTok Awards. In anticipation of the ceremony, she shared her thoughts on imposter syndrome, screenplay writing, and following her creative instincts.
Could you tell me a bit about The Group Chat?
I was involved in antique and estate jewelry, traveling to cities like Vegas and Miami for trade shows. Even though I enjoyed my work, I felt creatively unfulfilled. Throughout my travels and commutes, I penned scripts, hoping they would lead to something. “The Group Chat” originated as character sketches, delving into female friendships beyond the standard depictions in popular media.
Did you always plan for it to be a TikTok series?
I write scripts but never viewed myself as a writer. I have countless songbook entries and movie concepts stored in my Notes. When adapting for TikTok, I made it more upbeat and concise. The project has grown, and we are now working on a TV show, revisiting my initial idea.
It’s intriguing that you don’t see yourself as a writer. When will you consider yourself one?
I’m beginning to feel that way. My background is in singing, yet writing has always been integral to me. I frequently assist friends with their texts, and I’m now picking up screenwriting skills. Reading pilots from shows I admire, like “How I Met Your Mother,” has helped me accept my identity as a writer, although feelings of imposter syndrome persist.
Imposter syndrome can be challenging. Are you drafting all scripts in your Notes app?
Yes, it’s a lesson in trusting the idea itself. You don’t require professional tools to begin; the beauty lies in its natural beginnings.
How are you juggling the TV show and TikTok series?
It’s demanding yet fulfilling. The TV show emphasizes friendships and relationship dynamics, while TikTok focuses on the group chat idea.
Has TikTok’s success altered your approach to content creation?
It has enabled me to create without constraints. The appreciation from the audience boosts my confidence, and I no longer worry about view counts. The journey of The Group Chat and its faithful following have demonstrated that my work resonates beyond trends.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
For the TV show, I’m influenced by cinema, ranging from sitcoms like “How I Met Your Mother” to Tarantino’s “Death Proof.” The TikTok series reflects the essence of group chats, inspired by moments like “Jersey Shore: The Reunion.”
Have you explored similar projects?
Yes, I possess unreleased projects and concepts for films, shows, and TikTok ideas. I created a “Swifties at 3 a.m. series” during my commutes, analyzing Taylor Swift’s lyrics.
What are you currently reading, watching, and listening to?
I’m rewatching “The Bear” for its authentic dialogue and I’m hooked on “Tell Me Lies.” I enjoy Emma Chamberlain’s podcast for insights on managing burnout. I’m actively working to avoid burnout by consuming diverse forms of media.
How frequently are you posting? Are you batching content?
Managing the demands of The Group Chat and brand partnerships is tough. I’ve reduced the pressure to post constantly, concentrating on quality rather than quantity. My audience values the sincerity.
Which platforms have been vital for growing your audience?
TikTok has been revolutionary. Eight months ago, I was in a nine-to-five job, and now I’m developing a TV show. TikTok’s community has empowered creators to explore opportunities independently, highlighting its immense potential.