As we slowly approach the end of 2021, we can reflect on some of the most popular trends on the TikTok platform.
It is evident that social media apps have experienced significant growth over the past year and a half due to COVID-19 and the necessity of staying at home.
As more TikTokers and other social media users emerge, an increasing number of viral videos surface, leading to the creation of new trends.
Studies have shown that Gen Z’s favorite app is TikTok.
In this section, we will discuss some of the most popular TikTok trends, their origins, and how you can participate in them.
Table of Contents
What Are TikTok Trends?
In the past, we have seen a wide range of viral trends and videos circulating on TikTok.
Trends, like those in any other industry, are a result of creativity that resonates with others, prompting them to adopt similar practices.
One of the most common examples from Instagram is that, even today, people continue to post pictures of the food they eat.
It seems that everyone feels the need to display their meals; I don’t understand that.
This applies to TikTok as well; people create interesting videos (TikToks), and as others start to do the same, trends begin to emerge.
In most cases, when famous TikTokers begin doing something new that others enjoy, trends will emerge 99% of the time.
How to Know if Something is Trending
For anyone who spends time on social media apps, from Instagram to TikTok, this shouldn’t be an issue.
When you begin to notice the same type of dance/video repeatedly appearing on your feed, and not just from one person, but from many.
This clearly indicates that something is trending.
As days go by, more and more creators begin filming the same dance, video, or content. You can only conclude one thing.
A new trend has emerged; some trends tend to last a long time, while others may only last a few days or weeks.
With this type of content, you can never predict the exact time it will circulate within the app.
Sometimes a trend can become the brand itself; if that occurs, who knows if that trend will ever end? Have you ever seen top brands fall out of trend?
The Top Three Most Popular TikTokers
1. Charli D’Amelio (@charlidamelio)
The main character on our list is none other than Charli D’Amelio. With an astonishing 130 million followers on TikTok, Charli maintains her status as the most famous TikToker.
Many of you may already know who Charli is and what she does, but I bet some of you are unfamiliar, so here is her brief story.
Charli was a competitive dancer, which greatly benefited her TikTok career. In early 2019, Charli began to post on TikTok.
Her popularity quickly rose, making her the first TikToker to reach 50 million and 100 million followers, and she is now regarded as the biggest TikTok star.
Charli primarily creates dance videos, which are short clips of her dancing to various songs. She can effortlessly start a trend. If you would like to see her work, visit her TikTok page (@charlidamelio).
Charli has a large group of followers, so anything she posts quickly goes viral. Many young girls imitate her, and that’s how trends can begin.
2. Khabane Lame (@khaby.lame)
The second person on our list, and arguably the most lovable guy on TikTok, is the incredible Khaby Lame.
Here we have the prime example of an everyday man who became famous on TikTok and now sets trends.
For those who are unfamiliar with this guy’s story, he gained fame by creating reaction videos to overly complicated “life hacks.”
He would quietly record himself performing the same “life hack” in a straightforward manner without speaking.
He quickly became a trendsetter, and everyone started mimicking his actions.
I personally enjoy his videos because he often says very little while entertaining us with high-quality content.
3. Addison Rae (@addisonre)
The third personality on our list is Addison Rae. Although she isn’t the most followed TikTok star, she is the highest-earning TikTok personality according to Forbes.
She started filming dance TikTok videos with her mom in 2019, and her popularity grew rapidly. With 85 million followers, she ranks third on the list of the most popular TikTokers in the world.
She not only creates TikToks, but she is also an actress and a singer. Therefore, she has the ideal background to start a trend.
Starting a trend when you are this famous shouldn’t be a struggle. All she needs to do is create something that people will like and want to copy, and the trend will begin.
Some of the Most Popular TikTok Trends
This list is presented in no particular order, as trends can end, and new ones can emerge daily. Here are some of the latest TikTok trends and the most popular new TikTok trends currently.
1. Videos that occupy your mind rent-free
You have all likely seen this trend; I must say it’s one of my favorites because it is unpredictable.
With these types of trends, you can never predict what to expect, and that is what I appreciate the most about them.
However, let’s return to explaining what this trend entails.
Jess Marciante is the renowned TikTok star who initiated this trend. With 150k followers, one could argue she is famous; however, compared to the original stars, her time has yet to arrive.
In December 2020, she posted a challenge that went completely viral. The challenge posed one question: “What’s a video that lives in your head rent-free?”
I love this challenge because it allows people to share that one video or those videos that are stuck in their heads “rent-free.” I would say these are their favorite videos.
People shared everything from humorous fail videos to emotional clips, essentially anything that occupied their minds “rent-free.”
This trend is appealing because almost anyone can participate. It’s simple: just film yourself lip-syncing to “What’s a video that lives in your head rent-free?” and then add that video.
I have come across many cool and funny TikTok videos due to this trend. This trend also serves as a great conversation starter, as everyone enjoys watching a funny video.
The widely used hashtag is #rentfree.
2. Tell me without telling me
This is certainly one of the biggest trends on TikTok at the moment.
Essentially, this trend involves filming yourself demonstrating something without speaking a single word.
This is just one example: Show me that you are fast without telling me. You need to film yourself doing the task without saying a word.
This trend serves as a prime example of a long-lasting phenomenon, as it is not linked to any specific categories.
It transitions from “tell me that you are smart without telling me” to “tell me that you are…” and so forth; you understand the idea.
It can demonstrate your creativity and provides you with the opportunity to create something unique, even though it’s a trend.
Similar to the previous item on our list, this one is also somewhat unpredictable, which makes it even more intriguing.
Young people enjoy discovering new and innovative content on TikTok, and this trend delivers just that.
Popular hashtags include #tellme and #tellmewithouttellingme.
3. Learn on TikTok
While TikTok can primarily be used for entertainment, it can also serve as a valuable educational tool. This powerful trend is not surprising at all.
This is a popular trend, and it appears it will remain for a long time. Why? The answer is somewhat obvious: you can never tire of learning new things.
This trend encourages just that. It ranges from learning how to quickly and efficiently fold your clothes to skincare tips and quick fixes for everyday household items and products we use.
This TikTok idea represents the future. The ability to watch a short video on a specific topic while simultaneously learning something new is a trend that will never fade.
Simply prepare your instant coffee, turn on your phone, and discover something new today with this exciting trend.
Popular hashtags include #learnontiktok.
4. Zoom Meeting Mishaps
As the fuss about Covid continues longer than we ever anticipated, working from home is becoming the new normal.
Zoom is particularly useful in such situations. From online classes to business meetings, everything is conducted through Zoom, which is precisely how this trend began.
Let’s begin by explaining what this trend entails. In simple terms, it originated when people forgot that their camera or microphone was on and unexpectedly found themselves caught in awkward or humorous situations.
The interesting aspect of this trend is that it feels somewhat natural. Naturally, people began creating “fake” TikToks on this topic.
However, the best ones are often created unintentionally. When you consider it, this can happen to anyone.
Whether you are having a bad day and have an outburst thinking your camera was off, or simply doing something goofy.
Therefore, if you don’t want to become the next viral video, make sure the camera is on before doing anything rash.
Popular hashtags include #zoommeeting and #zoom
5. Thrift Flip
I could argue that this trend is the most creative or that it best reflects your creative style.
In the first part of the video, the creators showcase their second-hand (thrift shop) clothes, and then they present new pieces they have crafted from them.
If you have followed this trend or viewed some of the results from the videos, you must agree with me.
I love anything related to creativity, and this trend embodies that spirit.
Play your favorite song, get your mojo on, and show other creators what you can do.
Some impressive pieces were created using only an oversized dress or an old t-shirt.
This trend demonstrates the creativity of individuals, and you might even learn something that inspires you to create some impressive pieces yourself.
Popular hashtags include #thriftflip, #thriftflipclothes, and #sewingtiktok.
Some Honorable Mentions of TikTok Trends
These trends may not be as viral as the ones mentioned above, but they certainly deserve an honorable mention.
Conclusion
These are some of the most popular trends on the market. As trends fade, new ones may emerge, so stay vigilant.
Explore the discover page on your TikTok app to find new trends and challenges.
Discover fascinating stories and explore the lifestyle choices of others, view new popular content daily, and gain knowledge along the way.
That is the essence of TikTok. Remember to follow creators so they can provide you with exactly what you want: high-quality entertainment.
