As TikTok’s popularity continues to boom, more and more people are heading to the app to see what’s hot in fashion, music, food, art, etc. The video-sharing platform’s straightforward usability and intelligent algorithm create a revolving cycle of TikTok trends that swiftly go in and out of popularity no matter how niche or unique your For You page might be.
What is a TikTok trend?
A TikTok trend is a sound, dance, hashtag, or video format that goes viral. Once a trend kicks off, others will jump on the bandwagon while the content is still fresh. Eras of TikTok can be remembered through popular trending sounds or formats, and trends that are only a year old can feel absolutely ancient given how quickly they go in and out of style.
Trends are great for TikTok creators because they inspire fresh, regular content for an algorithm that rewards consistency. Trends can also help launch careers and grow small businesses, and being early to a trend can also lead to millions of video views and raise a creator’s popularity. In short, TikTok trends make up the structure for a lot of popular content on the app, so it’s vital to be on top of what’s new if you’re planning on using TikTok for business or pleasure.
How do you find new TikTok trends?
TikTok can be chaotic if you’re not used to it. As you scroll through the For You page (FYP)–TikTok’s homepage–you’ll see dozens of videos that the algorithm hopes you’ll engage with. The more you watch a video and whether you engage with it (like, comment, follow, etc.), the more the algorithm learns what you like and what it thinks you’d want to see next.
The best way to discover what’s trending on TikTok is to spend time on the app and cultivate your own unique FYP. It won’t take long for you to see which trends are going viral, but you have to work fast! TikTok trends move quickly, and if you want to hop on and create a video yourself, you should always strike while the iron’s hot.
Another way to find out what specific sounds, effects, or hashtags are trending is to head to the Discover page. This page will also be somewhat curated based on the content you’ve interacted with on the FYP. Creators can help boost their content by using the Discover page to look up which hashtags are currently trending and adding them to their videos–this can help their videos end up on more users’ feeds.
21 TikTok trends to inspire your next viral video
TikTok is the birthplace of some of the internet’s most popular memes, fashion inspiration, influencers, and even food trends. But, how do you know what TikTok trends to follow? How do you make sure you’re keeping up with what’s trending and what’s already on the way out? Here are some of the app’s most evergreen trends to inspire your next video.
1. POV (Point of View)
POV TikToks are videos that ask the viewer to share the creator’s point of view. They can be used in all kinds of contexts and will usually have text overlaid onto the screen explaining the POV throughout the video. Sometimes the text will be read by the app’s text-to-speech function, which makes a sort of voiceover effect. The trend is usually used to share a particularly unique experience.
@ladyyasmina1 who wants froyo? #pov #throwbackplaylist #songfacts #foryoupage #lalaland ♬ La La Land – Album Version – Demi Lovato
The format is very easy to replicate and stays popular, which is likely why the POV hashtag has 519.8 billion video views on TikTok and counting.
2. Storytime
Another format that never goes out of popularity on the app is the Storytime trend. Originally born on YouTube, storytimes are when a creator wants to share a personal experience, either funny, moving, or downright bizarre. Users will sometimes comment asking for a Storytime on videos where they want more information or background.
One popular Storytime format is to have the creator make or build something while telling a story. This is a great way to keep viewers engaged with your story/content if you’re not comfortable talking straight to the camera.
3. Self-growth & glow-ups
Many of us will experience all kinds of changes as we work our way through life, and sharing this growth is one of TikTok’s most enjoyable trends!
@charlieallan164 Since everyone always asks when things happend here’s a lil run down #transgender #ftm ♬ Burning – Eli & Fur
There are many kinds of glow-ups you might want to see or make videos about; you can share how much you’ve changed since school, your recent gym gains, or your gender euphoria with the world. Brands and small businesses can also use this trend to show how far they’ve come! This trend is intended to inspire others and boost confidence–and absolutely anyone can take part.
@gldndesi The magic of TikTok for small businesses #smallbusinesscheck #indianjewellery ♬ оригинальный звук – ezi4kaa
4. Vulnerability
Something TikTok has managed to do is create space for people to be open and vulnerable on its platform. Thanks to the algorithm, if you engage with content that you find emotional, moving, thought-provoking, you’ll see more of that kind of content. This helps people discover videos they find relatable.
Creators who share content about their struggles with mental health, chronic illness, or disability are helping others feel less alone. The same can be said for breakups, job losses, and life’s general ups and downs.
@perlcosmetics This is my small business journey 🥺 it’s all because of you that this has happened 💖 #smallbusinessowner #skincarebusiness #skincareproductsmusthave ♬ Imma Be X Heads Will Roll Remix – Harry Morelli
5. Astrology
Love it or hate it, it will be hard to get away from astrology-themed content on TikTok. Astrology makes for a wealth of varied videos, so you can regularly expect to see content such as “What your moon sign says about you” or “What to expect during the Mercury retrograde.” If you’re building a small business, working the signs into your merchandise is also a great way to attract new customers.
@azurajewelry Rings based on your zodiac signs 1 Aquarius 2. Pisces 3. Aries 4. Tarus #rings #jewelry #ring #zodiac ♬ Toxic x Pony – ALTÉGO
Astrology falls under a few niche TikTok hashtags/categories such as “Witchtok” or “Spirituality.”If this is your jam, then the ever-changing nature of astrology makes for a wealth of content.
6. #Foodtok
While “Foodtok” is one of many, many TikTok categories that are regularly trending on the app, it’s also one of the most enduring. From Emily Mariko’s salmon rice to Gigi Hadid’s vodka pasta, #foodtok’s are a TikTok trend that will never go out of date. Foodtok is great because almost anyone can make a dish and post about it online. TikTok makes it really easy to follow and share recipes, so viral #foodtok dishes can easily be replicated and shared by the average creator.
7. Transitions
You have undoubtedly seen some slick transitions if you’ve spent a little time exploring your FYP. Transitions are quick cuts made from one situation to another. This could include outfit changes, haircuts, makeup looks, or full locations, and when done well, the result is deeply impressive.
@noordabashh i like this transition
♬ Lookmeinmyeyes – Iloveslowedmusic🧸
You can create fairly decent transitions in the app, but for more complex stuff a lot of creators use more specialized tools such as CapCut to edit their videos first before uploading them to TikTok.
8. The green screen filter
TikTok’s clever green screen effect has endless uses. One of the best ways it’s used is to highlight what’s going on in popular culture. Using the effect, you can share multiple images, screenshots, and even videos to support your content; whether it’s covering the latest niche celebrity scandal or an informational video about the ocean. The green screen effect allows you to still be in the video, too!
9. TikTok Challenges
If you’re struggling for a video idea, a TikTok challenge might help you feel inspired! Challenges have long been part of video content creation; the #IceBucketChallenge was famously all over Facebook in 2014, and YouTube has also had its fair share (remember the infamous #CinnamonChallenge)?
TikTok is also well-known for the challenges that go viral on its platform, some of which have been fairly controversial, so it’s important to make sure the challenge is safe before giving it a go! Challenges can be started by individual creators, businesses, or brands. A good example is @nbcolympics starting the #EverydayOlympian hashtag for the Winter Olympics, which now has 330.9 million views.
@nbcolympics An Ohio ice storm calls for some frying pan curling! #everydayolympian #winterolympics #watchwithus #fyp ♬ original sound – NBCOlympics
10. Dancing / Choreography
Dance routines and choreography have been at the core of the app’s content since the beginning, and influencers like Charli D’amelio and Addison Rae have built million-dollar careers off the back of viral dance trends. While choreography trends on the app move quickly, it won’t take long for you to figure out what the latest dance craze is, and some are so simple anyone can do them!
@keke.janajah NEW DANCE ALERT! 🚨 if u use my dance tag me so i can see🤗 @theestallion #writethelyrics #PlayWithLife #foyou #fyp #foryoupage #newdance #savage ♬ Savage – Megan Thee Stallion
11. Thirst Traps
Social media and thirst traps go hand-in-hand, and TikTok is no exception. Attractive people showing off their jawlines, make-up looks, floppy hair, and physiques to attract the adoration of millions of users is nothing groundbreaking. But, if you want to show off, TikTok is a great place to do it. Throw in a trending sound, and before you know it, you might go viral.
12. The comments section
Sometimes the funniest thing about a video is its comments section, and if TikTok users are anything, it’s funny. Gen Z humor penetrates the app—and it’s incredibly dark, sarcastic, and silly. TikTok also allows you to ‘like’ comments which makes the most popular rise to the top of the comments section. When a comments section is particularly hilarious, creators can use the green screen effect to screenshot and highlight the most entertaining responses.
@jozadak This comment section is gold! #comments #reply #reaction #pets #comedy ♬ original sound – Jozadak
Creators can ask their viewers to “sound off” in the comment section if they want to encourage engagement and conversation.
13. Family videos
Getting grandma to partake in a TikTok trend, your dad to attempt a dance routine, or capture your kid brother doing something ridiculous; families can provide a wealth of content ideas—with their consent, of course! One of the most heart-warming family trends on the app was the “I’m Just A Kid” trend which had parents and kids recreate their childhood photos.
@mmmjoemele I can’t tell a difference😂 #foryou ♬ I’m Just a Kid – Simple Plan
14. Pets of TikTok
Just like food, animals will always offer a bounty of adorable or silly content–whether it’s a pug that predicts if you’re going to have a good day or a cute little pufferfish. If you happen to own more obscure pets, even better! Frogs have seen a huge boost in popularity through the app, as have praying mantises and all kinds of exotic pets.
15. Staying on top of pop culture
Some people get their gossip from Twitter and online media, others from TikTok. Granted, it might not be the most reliable resource all the time, but pop culture hot takes thrive on the app and gain thousands of views. If you’re a regular on TikTok, you can’t help but stay up to date on pop culture trends.
Gen Z favorites such as Harry Styles, Taylor Swift, and Doja Cat pop up all the time. There are many kinds of niche TikTok dramas that trend heavily for a while before moving on. TikTokers are always the first on any big pop culture news, and regular commentary is a staple of the app.
16. Memes & humor
When the app started to gain popularity, Gen Z was behind much of TikTok’s early growth. These days there are plenty of Millennials and Gen Xers enjoying its contents, but Gen Z provides much of the app’s most memorable memes and questionable humor.
@chaptersstjohns the gen z’s are at it again ✌🏻💀 #shrek #genzhumor #booktok #indigo #chapters #stjohns #newfoundland ♬ original sound – material growl 😘💅
Words such as “bestie,” “yassify” and “yeet” can be found all over the comments section, and popular media like Twilight, Shrek, and Glee are endlessly parodied. Gen Z humor is dark, silly, sarcastic, and surreal—and so are the memes. Being aware of the language and humor helps you blend in on the app and also be part of the in-crowd.
17. “Fit check”
Wanna show off your #OOTD (Outfit of the Day)? Post a fit check! Show off your sense of style and become a fashion inspiration to others by rocking something entirely unique, or just staying on top of what’s trending in the fashion space. This is also a great way designers and clothing brands can reveal new collections.
@griffinmaxwellbrooks Reply to @griffinmaxwellbrooks Can I hear a little commotion for the pants? Watch #showmeyoursshow on @primevideo #grwm ♬ original sound – GMB
18. ASMR / Oddly Satisfying
Have you ever been browsing the app and found yourself watching endless videos of soap scraping or various items being crushed by a hydraulic press? Then you have stumbled upon #OddlySatisfying TikTok.
Something is comforting about this kind of content. It can serve as both entertainment and a stress reliever. ASMR also has its place on the app but is often meme’d or spoofed due to its popularity.
@riverbaysoapco Did you see that coffee bean go flying? #soapcutting #asmrcut #skincare ♬ original sound – RiverBay Soap Co.
19. A day in the life / what I eat in a day
Maybe you wanna start vlogging but don’t know how to begin–in that case, a ‘day in the life’ video is an awesome place to start. It doesn’t have to be in-depth or anything particularly special. It’s simply enjoyable to see how others make use of the same 24 hours that we all have.
@maryxm.mx Mini vlog 🤍 #dayinalife #dayinmylife #minivlog #trendingsounds ♬ love nwantinti (ah ah ah) – CKay
‘What I eat in a day’ TikToks are similar but focus on one aspect—food. People tend to create these kinds of videos to share their health tips or even make others feel more comfortable about their own eating habits. These videos can either be inspirational or relatable, and both do well on the app.
@jellybean.celine what i ate in a day #31! happy thanksgiving eve 😭 i am most thankful for u guys!! #whatieatinaday ♬ original sound – Celine Tran
20. Nostalgia
Nostalgia will always be popular on social media, from Stranger Things to recreating 90s high school aesthetics. Older generations on TikTok (Millennials, Gen X, Boomers) have the privilege of mining their past cringe for content, sharing embarrassingly relatable nostalgic content about school days, emo trends, terrible fashion, music, and more. If it was popular 10, 20, or 30 years ago, it will definitely find an audience on the app.
@rochellehaydendj Reply to @xxlaurr Part 3 Turning up on a Saturday #2000snostalgia #rochellehaydendj #90snostalgia #funnygirlstiktok ♬ Cheeky Song (Touch My Bum) – The Cheeky Girls
21. #tiktokmademebuyit
TikTok is overflowing with creators showcasing awesome products and smart tech, which is why you can find amazing products through the #tiktokmademebuyit trend and tag. So many small businesses use TikTok to advertise, but if your product goes viral through hype or positive product reviews, it can be a game-changer. Products that provide some kind of “life hack” or that are cute and strike a chord with Gen Z tend to take off under this trend–a great example is the viral Sunset Lamp.
@electronicsbird Link in bio 🌞🌅🌞 #tiktoksunsetlover #tiktoksunsetlamp #sunsetlampchallenge #sunsetprojectionlamp #ledlights ♬ Do It To It – ACRAZE
Use TikTok trends to boost views and earn followers
While it’s true that trends move at light speed, it also means that there are endless ideas to inspire fresh content. TikTok trends come and go, but there will always be recurring themes and evergreen trends.
Being on top of the latest TikTok trends is extremely helpful in identifying what kind of content is more shareable, which is especially valuable for brands and small businesses who want to use TikTok in their marketing strategy.
Once you’re ready to use TikTok as a part of your marketing strategy, add Shopify’s TikTok sales channel to your store. There you’ll find tools to help you grow your brand’s success. Use it to add a shoppable tab to your brand’s profile, create paid campaigns, and use the video generator tool to create an on-trend video in minutes.
Download the Shopify TikTok App
