TikTok, as a dominant platform, plays a pivotal role in driving popular culture and internet trends. Its unique ability to rapidly disseminate content makes it essential for both brands and individuals to closely monitor and adapt to its ever-changing landscape. The macro trends highlighted on TikTok not only reflect current popular culture but also serve as rich sources of inspiration for content creators. Join us as we explore the ten noteworthy trends to watch on TikTok in 2024.
No. 1: Sad Squirrel
A video posted by an internet user on Twitter features a hamster with one eye enlarged through Photoshop, set to the song "Woe Is Me!" from the SpongeBob SquarePants cartoon, specifically from the iconic scene "Mr. Krabs Playing the World's Smallest Violin." Subsequently, "Sad Squirrel" became a popular meme.
Elements
Visual: A squirrel with exaggeratedly large, sad eyes.
Music: "Woe Is Me!" from SpongeBob SquarePants.
Highlights
Users seek belonging and identity through sharing and engaging with popular culture phenomena like "Sad Squirrel," resonating humorously and emotionally with a wide audience, thus fostering substantial interaction and sharing.
Trends
TikTok's platform features significantly enhance content propagation and interaction. Videos like "Sad Squirrel" quickly go viral, indicating high acceptance of emotionally resonant content on TikTok.
No. 2: Kurt's Solo
Synchronized lip-syncing to Kurt's rendition of "Rose’s Turn" from "Glee" and slow-motion self-circling, sharing a deep sense of defeat.
Elements
Visuals: Personal narrative of failure and emotional expression, emphasizing the imbalance between effort and outcome.
Music: "Rose’s Turn" by Kurt from "Glee."
Highlights
Online platforms serve as tools for emotional expression and social support, resonating with users who feel disappointed after putting in great effort.
Trends
Titles paired with contextual content effectively boost video popularity. These videos resonate by touching on shared emotional experiences, easily communicating feelings in a way that encourages more interaction and sharing.
No. 3: It's Gonna Be Okay
Videos start with someone waking up on a Monday morning, expecting a series of disastrous events. However, as the video progresses, the audience discovers that the actual situation is far less catastrophic.
Elements
Comedy: Classic comedy scene reenactments or exaggerated performances, unexpected plot twists, and comical situations.
Music: "Gonna Be Okay."
Highlights
The song "Gonna Be Okay" by Brian Lee Bender and Jessi Malay resonates on TikTok due to its melody and optimistic lyrics. This resonates with audiences seeking comfort and encouragement, fostering emotional connections and interactions.
Trends
Brands can utilize uplifting messages from songs like "Gonna Be Okay" to showcase how their products or services resolve customer challenges. This emotional resonance helps establish connections with audiences, encouraging engagement.
No. 4: Silent Reviews
Inspired by ASMR video techniques, creators showcase products without verbal commentary, relying on practical demonstrations and direct displays of key features.
Elements
Mime: Product judgments and experiences expressed through exaggerated facial expressions and gestures, maintaining interest and informative value even when viewed on mute.
Products: Comparison demonstrations of similar products.
Highlights
These videos deliver information without auditory distraction, ideal for viewers in noise-sensitive environments. It also showcases the creator's efforts in honestly presenting product quality and functionality, enhancing viewer trust.
Trends
Businesses can capitalize on this trend to create engaging content that visually and dynamically showcases product benefits and usage, appealing to brands wanting innovative ways to display their products authentically.
No. 5: Beginner's Guide
TikTok serves as an information resource with an extensive video repository covering nearly every subject. Creating operational videos and guides for beginners showcases expertise and aids in learning new skills.
Elements
Simple Format: These tutorial videos present complex information or skills in a clear, concise manner, ensuring beginners do not feel overwhelmed.
Through short, intuitive videos, creators effectively convey essential information without causing undue stress to beginners.
Highlights
In the age of social media, traditional learning resources are no longer the sole means of acquiring knowledge. TikTok's educational content is crucial for quick learning and instant information gratification.
Trends
Businesses and individuals can leverage this trend to showcase knowledge in their field with straightforward, quick guides tailored for beginners. This approach not only builds brand credibility but also attracts audiences seeking reliable resources for learning new skills.
No. 6: Anti-Influence
Encouraging users to resist unnecessary expenditures and impulse purchases promoted by applications, advocating a more rational and sustainable consumption pattern.
Elements
Visuals: Clear visual presentations emphasize the importance of resource and financial savings.
Products: Videos often display affordable alternatives to popular products.
Highlights
This approach resonates with consumers increasingly focused on environmental and financial well-being, encouraging practical and sustainable lifestyles, thus connecting with a broad audience.
Trends
Brands can showcase economic and environmental aspects of their products or services or promote frugal and sustainable consumption concepts. This not only aligns with social responsibility but also attracts consumers valuing sustainability and financial discipline.
No. 7: Staying Delulu
"Staying Delulu" refers to maintaining a luxurious or fantastical lifestyle. These videos often showcase creators' high-end living standards, including luxury travel, luxury cars, designer clothing, and expensive cuisine.
Elements
Visuals: High-quality visual effects, luxurious background music, occasional dynamic sound effects.
Music: Beautiful imagery and music aim to capture attention, evoke imagination, and inspire viewers to pursue their dreams of a luxurious lifestyle.
Highlights
Provides a way for ordinary people to maintain an ideal attitude toward life, allowing them to briefly immerse themselves in a more charming and luxurious world.
Trends
Titles paired with contextual content effectively boost video popularity. These videos resonate by touching on shared emotional experiences, easily communicating feelings in a way that encourages more interaction and sharing.
No. 8: Upcycling
Videos typically show the entire process from finding old clothes to transforming them into new looks. This content not only educates on sewing and transformation but also encourages viewers to rethink consumption habits, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle.
Elements
Visuals: Vibrant displays of colorful clothing, unique design changes, and creative styling techniques.
Sound elements: Background music and sound effects enhance viewing experience, making videos more appealing.
Highlights
Upcycling appeals to current societal concerns about sustainability and promotes creative expression, such as "grandpa style" or "gangster wife style," popular topics on social media.
Trends
Showcases how brands and creators use storytelling and community-building to enhance brand loyalty and engagement. By sharing their creative process and achievements, creators not only showcase their skills and personalities but also build a community around sustainable fashion and personal expression.
No. 9: "Of Course"
The rise of the "Of Course" trend on TikTok showcases new forms of creative expression and reflects discussions on cultural diversity and social issues. Videos often feature two people alternating discussion on a topic, revealing common perceptions or prejudices about specific identities or groups.
Elements
Visuals: Focus on speakers, simple backgrounds, minimal decorations, allowing viewers to focus on the topic. Exaggerated facial expressions and body language enhance video appeal and entertainment.
Highlights
Popular because it touches on people's resonance with identity and cultural identity. In today's globalized world, many people explore and express their cultural identity through online platforms.
Trends
Brands and marketers can use such videos to interact with specific communities related to multicultural products or services. For example, brands can sponsor relevant content creators or create their "Of Course" videos to showcase brand social responsibility and cultural inclusivity.
Using Third-Party TikTok Trends Analytics Tools: Introducing Shoplus
Shoplus is an advanced TikTok analytics tool designed to provide creators with essential insights and strategic advantages.
What is Shoplus?
Shoplus offers:
- Real-Time Data: Access accurate TikTok data instantly for timely trend tracking and audience insights.
- Viral Video Analysis: Explore and download viral TikTok videos to analyze successful content strategies.
Enhancing TikTok Trend Analytics
- Optimize Content Strategy: Use Shoplus to analyze TikTok video length, timing, and trends for maximum impact.
- Stay Updated: Forecast emerging trends and adapt quickly to maintain relevance.
- Measure Success: Track video performance metrics like views, likes, shares, and comments to gauge effectiveness.
Conclusion
Understanding TikTok's trends in 2024 requires a deep grasp of its evolving cultural landscape. From humorous memes to insightful social commentary, TikTok continues to influence global conversations and consumer behavior significantly.
For creators, marketers, and viewers alike, staying tuned to these trends provides crucial insights into audience preferences. By creatively engaging with these trends, individuals and brands can foster meaningful connections and drive engagement in the digital realm.
Looking forward, TikTok's evolution promises new opportunities and challenges. Embracing these trends and actively participating in the platform's community will be key to navigating its future impact on social media.
