TikTok trends are created very quickly.
A trend usually starts with a user posting a video. These are usually created in a very specific style and concept. This can result in very elaborate clips that have a movie character, or very simple ones with music and sounds.
Other users then see these videos and create their own versions of them, adding their own unique interpretation.
TikTok uses a complex algorithm. This creates and recommends a “ForYou Page” to each user individually. In addition, this allows TikTok to determine what type of content is shown to users.
There are 3 main aspects that play a role in this:
- User interactions:
What type and topics of videos are liked to watch?
Which videos were watched completely?
Which videos were liked and commented on? - Video details:
Which videos have people already made themselves?
What sound, filter, and hashtag were used? - Account/device setting:
What setting was made e.g. location.
Trends can also be influenced by other current events. Dances, songs and movie clips inspire users to create TikToks.
TikTok Trends 2022/2023:
Wednesday dance
Due to the Netflix series Wednesday, the trends #wednesdaydance has gone viral. Actress Jenna Ortega, who plays Wednesday in the series, dances the viral TikTok dance in the fourth episode at the school prom. Many content creators imitated it with matching costumes.
Minions movie
When the new movie “Minions – In Search of the Miniboss” hit theaters, the #gentleminions trend emerged. Larger groups go to the movie in suits and evening gowns. This quickly escalated so that they were banned relatively quickly. The reason for this was the numerous complaints from other moviegoers and the pollution from the snacks that were thrown around during the movie.
Garlic snack
Tiktoker Lala shared her favorite snack with her followers. The recipe is simple. You only need 3 ingredients to make it: Garlic from a jar, Sriracha and thyme. The hot sauce and spice just need to be added to the jar with garlic and shake. This trend went so far that the garlic from the jar was completely sold out for a while.
Dangerous Tiktok Trends:
ThatGirl
In this trend, mostly young, thin women show their very unrealistic and toxic morning routines. They get up at 5 am, do sports or meditate and drink a lot of water. In the background still gets beautiful and aesthetic glimpses of their apartments. This can cause self-doubt in many young girls and boys.
Therefore: Not everything that is shown corresponds to reality.
Blackout Challenge
Teenagers choke themselves to the point of fainting and film themselves doing so and then post it on TikTok. In the process, you briefly get the feeling of being high. Unfortunately, several deaths have already occurred in the U.S., Australia and Italy.
Conclusion:
TikToks trends emerge and spread amazingly fast. TikTok’s personalized “For You” page and sophisticated algorithm make this possible.
TikTok promotes a variety of trends, including creative dance activities like the #WednesdayDance, comical group activities like the #Gentleminions, and simple culinary discoveries like the viral Garlic Snack.
Still, it’s important to note that not all trends on TikTok are harmless. Some trends, like the #ThatGirl trend, can cause self-doubt and unrealistic expectations for young users. Others, like the dangerous “blackout challenge,” have led to serious health risks and even deaths.
Overall, the impact of Tiktok trends should be viewed critically.
They offer a unique opportunity to observe cultural currents and moods in real time, but they also require responsibility and awareness from content creators and users. It is imperative that the joy of creative expression and participation never comes at the expense of health and well-being.
