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How TikTok Trends Start

Katreen Dale
Written By
Katreen Dale
Published On
Aug 08, 2022
The TikTok app open on a smartphone

Love it or hate it, TikTok dominates online.

Using this app sends you down a rabbit hole that eventually branches out into several other rabbit holes until you find yourself in Wonderland. From dance challenges all the way to mukbangs, TikTok has everything and then some. But have you ever wondered how TikTok trends are born? Have you ever stopped to think about what it is that catalyzes viral content?

Well, we have! And that’s why we’re taking you deeper into the rabbit hole to discover how TikTok trends come to life, appear on your Explore page, and maybe even make you hit the “like” button.

What’s in a TikTok trend? What’s in a hashtag? Well, a world of likes, comments, shares, subscriptions, and influence, of course. When it comes down to it, the biggest catalyst for TikTok trends is you. What you like, follow, and share contributes to deciding what goes viral. But where does it all begin? Let’s dive right in! 

TikTok Trends Inspired by Pop Culture and World Events

While the world around us is a treasure trove of colourful cultures, there is one culture that connects the majority of us: pop culture! 

Pop culture and world events have all eyes on them at all times, and yes, they also play a starring role in what inspires trends on TikTok. 

Influencers and content creators always have their fingers on the pulse of what’s viral and what has the potential to go viral. When it’s on brand with their niche, TikTok creators respond with the speed of light to meet the demand for similar content. 

For example, if Paris Fashion week is currently in progress, you can count on it that fashion and lifestyle influencers will be filling your feed with haute couture looks to go with the season. Turning TikTok into their very own runway, the trend train just keeps going. 

Pop culture is literally popular culture, and when this concept is channelled via videos on TikTok, it builds interaction between people with the same interests. Ultimately, this catalyzes a chain of long videos, short reels, and more that are all interconnected via the power of a hashtag. And you empower it further with a single click. 

Viral Challenges as TikTok Trends

Be it the Kiki challenge, the #MeOrThePS5 challenge, the ice and salt challenge, or the food dance, TikTok is no stranger to viral challenges.

Basically, challenges are the biggest TikTok trends, so far. Why, you ask? Well, because they are so easy to replicate. TikTok challenges can take any form and that’s the beauty of it. They are versatile and engaging, as they invite…or compel other TikTok-ers to participate. 

When enough people jump onto the bandwagon, it won’t be long before the challenge becomes viral. The secret to creating a challenge that catches on is that it should be easy to replicate yet fun enough to keep the audience interested. 

TikTok-based brands leverage challenges to generate user-generated content, raise awareness, and grow their following. Over time, they will have amassed a loyal community of netizens that love their content. 

On another note, it isn’t news that some TikTok challenges are harmful, but the good news is that there are also viral challenges that aim to spread positivity. This includes the #RandomActsOfKindness challenge and the #MakeMomSmile movement.

Two girls filming a Tiktok challenge

TikTok Trends Fueled By Popular Songs

Silence may be golden, but where would we be without music? 

Popular songs don’t only gain airplay on the radio and high rankings on the hottest music charts—they also get their moment in the viral sunshine of the TikTok world. But when you take a closer look, you’ll see that even non-top 100 Billboard songs become amazingly popular on TikTok.  

In fact, TikTok is the perfect place for retro songs, music from the early 2000s, and even indie songs of today to get the recognition they deserve. Take a catchy hook, throw in some dance moves, and you have a recipe for a TikTok trend! 

You’re bound to have encountered “Guy.exe” by Superfruit being used as a soundtrack for handsome dream guys. And we’re pretty sure that you’ve shown off your dance moves to “Savage Love” by Jaws 685, Jason Derulo, and BTS. 

Influencers and brands make the most of popular songs by incorporating them into their content. Whether they use it as a focal point or turn down the volume for a background effect, the video is bound to appear when people search for that specific sound. 

When it’s songs that become the main character in TikTok trends, your creativity can thrive in every and any direction. 

A girl taking a selfie video to film a TikTok trend in front of a ring light

Collaborate with TikTok Trendsetters

The essence of following TikTok trends, or being a TikTik trendsetter is human connection. It’s all about people seeing and experiencing something that’s relatable.

Interested in collaborating with TikTok trendsetters or looking for the best ways to incorporate TikTok trends or other types of social media marketing into your brand? You’ll surely hit the heart button on our TikTok marketing, influencer marketing, and social media marketing services.

TikTok, it’s time to trend! Reach out to our team to learn more. 

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