@freepeople, @food52, and @rarebeauty
TikTok was the most-downloaded app in 2020, surpassing 3 billion downloads. Once assumed to be a social media platform that’s just for kids, the TikTok user-base is diversifying fast with brands, influencers, YouTubers, parents, and even grandparents joining the fun.
Trending TikTok videos are always changing, and brands wanting to make an impact on the social channel will want to make time to discover what’s trending on TikTok. Knowing what’s trending is key to creating videos that are engaging to audiences, and will inspire them to click on your link in bio.
We’ve been watching (sometimes a little too much) and keeping a pulse on the biggest trends audiences are jumping on. The following TikTok guide will help you to identify the newest TikTok trends so your brand can join the fun.
In short, a TikTok trend is a collection of viral, usually short videos featuring popular sounds, hashtags, dances or challenges. While some videos are an exact duplication of the original, TikTok gives users a lot of freedom to be more abstract or personal in how they want to participate in the trend.
It’s impossible to scroll down your “For You” page without coming across a new hashtag like #picnictime or #booktok. The topics change frequently, and typical clips show people in scenarios that are hilariously exaggerated, surprisingly informative, and hyper-relatable. The types of content that are taking over your “For You” page typically come from three very important categories:
There are a few running themes on what makes content from these categories become top TikTok trends. The top theme is humor. Funny videos get more shares, and people watch them more than once, two factors that are important to the TikTok feed-ranking algorithm. Videos that have an element of surprise or something unexpected also have a higher chance of going viral, again feeding into shareability and reach. Relatability also plays a part in what will and won’t become a trend. Short videos climb the virality charts the fastest. Ideas that land quickly, and a broad swath of the population can instantly identify with, are the ideas that make it onto the “For You” page.
One of the most refreshing parts about TikTok is the lo-fi style of videos. Post-production is done in the app using easy to find native tools, and the editing is focused on transitions, video effects, and sounds, more than it is on filters. Another interesting element of TikTok trending sounds and videos is how content can go viral weeks and even months after being posted. Using TikTok Insights can give context as to why that happens, and how to replicate it in future posts.
TikTok’s unique audience separates it from other social channels. The majority of TikTokkers are young, so they are generous with reactions—likes, shares and comments. Videos easily take off, reaching hundreds of thousands of views, much faster than other channels.
TikTok is different from other social platforms in that it is built for music and entertainment. It’s easy to add tracks to your videos in the app. They’re segmented out by viral tracks and a pretty broad list of genres and moods that you can use for dance challenges or lip syncing.
The viral section will take you to a chart of top-performing songs which are being featured in the most videos. Remixes are popular on TikTok, with multiple versions of each track making the rounds in fun, easy-to-film dance challenges that go viral fast.
This is intense-sounding song is perfect to highlight strong, powerful video content.
This sped-up version of Bay area-artist Thuy’s recent release ‘girls like me don’t cry’ is an up-tempo, high-energy song despite it’s title. Use this song in the background of almost any of your video content.
One of Tina Turner’s most popular songs ‘The Best’, is trending shortly after news that the rock star passed — use this song to celebrate the life of one of America’s best performers, or use it to spotlight anything you share you think is ‘simply the best’.
This sweet, folksy-sounding song is the perfect song to back a range of video content from recipes, outfits or anything you feel ‘stuck to’.
This dreamy, electronic song is another great all-purpose song to use in your TikTok content. From scenic nature shots to recipes, this sound can suit content from almost any brand.
This sped-up version of ‘Hell N Back’ by Bakar is trending again after taking the app by storm in 2019. Despite the title, this sound is surprisingly jazzy and upbeat.
This trending sound uses instrumental from the Lana Del Rey song ‘West Coast’ — while this song has been used lately along the ‘hair theory’ trend, it’s also the perfect moody background noise for your content.
This easy, breezy song is trending on TikTok despite coming out over 40 years ago. Perfect to showcase nature, a display of love (including something you love as well as someone), or anything else you want to showcase on your TikTok profile.
No, this trend isn’t used to only showcase wacky stunts or behavior — although, you could. This sound is also great background music to highlight something particularly gross, surprising, or physical.
Yes, there’s a dance trend associated with the song, but it’s also been used as cheery, poppy, background music for video montages.
Succession is back on our TV’s, and its catchy theme song is back on our TikTok feeds in full force.
This funky song has been climbing in popularity, and is approved for business use. This one has no particular trend tied to it, so feel free to use it in product promos, behind-the-scenes content, or any other video that needs a background song.
This cheery, upbeat track is the perfect partner to TikTok content that shows gratitude, or simply highlights footage from a great day.
This sound has been increasing in popularity since late March, and is the perfect accompaniment to a funny or humorous content.
Another breakout hit from TikTok, this Childish Gambino track gets new life in a sped-up cover by Payton Moore. Use as a background song in your content, or try it with the ‘choose my makeup’ filter.
This Ice Spice and PinkPantheress song is notable on TikTok for creators singing along with Ice Spice’s verse.
Mariah Carey season doesn’t end in January — especially where TikTok sounds are concerned.
A newly trending sound by Moroccan artist Kouz1, Love is perfect to dance or sing along to.
This sweet ode to Superstar Pride’s mother is the perfect for backing music on your TikTok videos or to sing along with.
This funky song is perfect to make your own dance to, sing along with, or for a particularly upbeat, vibrant song. The song’s lyrics (If we ever broke up / I’d never be sad) and the cheery, positive rhythm and instrumentals create an interesting juxtaposition.
Megan Trainor’s song ‘No’ has 2000’s pop vibes, and this sped-up version is popular for it’s ‘untouchable, untouchable’ refrain.
“Nowadays they talk but they talk about nothing”, raps Curtis Roach on this newly trending TikTok song.
Used under a range of content, Collide is a catchy, upbeat song — while there is a dance trend associated, don’t let that stop you from using this song in other types of content.
Do you care how long it takes? Whether you miss something, want to express your love for something, our use it’s wistful message to talk about an issue in your life, this sound from musician and user D4vd is skyrocketing in videos.
Another hyped-up instrumental song to add excitement to your content. This song just cracked TikTok’s top 100 sounds, so it’s a great early sound for brands to try out.
Sped-up songs are a hit this month — this Miguel song has a simple hand-focused dance, but it also used in the background of other content.
The newest hit from Miley Cyrus — taking TikTok and Spotify by storm.
This song pairs with the viral Wednesday dance trend.
Whether you’re a fan of Sza’s new album or not, this song is catchy, and perfect to star or feature in the background of your TikTok content.
Less saturated than other songs on this list, this Creepin’ cover is a great opportunity to talk about something you want to ‘keep on the low’, or use in the background.Trending TikTok Sounds for December 2022
This song named after the popular pop singer has taken TikTok by storm, and is popular among ‘transition’ trend videos.
The perfect sound for exaggerated facial expressions. Creators mouth the ‘who?’ ‘where?’, and ask the question in a text overlay. Answer the question — or don’t.
“21, can you do something for me?” Well, can you? This sound is a great way for brands to highlight a product feature they helps their end-user.
This particular sound from The Great War is found under the title ‘original sound - martacourtenay with music from ‘The Great War’) and is yet another popular sound from Taylor Swift.
The first instrumental sound to trend this month, this is a punchy, fast-paced song perfect to hype up your content and audience.
This month's top trending songs and sounds are:
Meghan Trainor’s new song “Made You Look” has reached #1 on the TikTok viral sounds list. Creators made a dance that goes with the song that has blown up in the TikTok community.
Creators have taken Becky Hill and David Guetta's new song, “Remember”, and made a new trend with the sound. Users are singing along to the chorus of the song and letting friends sing in the background. We’ve even seen some dogs make into this trend.
With the year 2022 coming to an end soon enough, creators are recapping their year with the sound saying “and with that, the 2022 season comes to end, goodnight.” and continues on with an emotional song. Time flies when you're trending on TikTok.
One of the most prominent singers recently dropped her new album and it did not disappoint. Taylor Swift’s song, “Anti-Hero”, has gone viral on TikTok for making funny videos to the lyrics “it's me, hi, I'm the problem it's me.”
TikTok users have taken this catchy techno song, “Chill Like That” by Sunday Scaries and made all sorts of insanely creative dances to the beat of this song.
This months top trending songs and sounds are:
Top Charts song from 2013, Sweater Weather by The Neighborhood, has now made a comeback on TikTok in a sped up version. TikTokers have made a viral dance to go with this sound and it is blowing up.
This catchy sound has completely blown up the internet in the past few weeks. What started as a little boy at a carnival talking about how he loves corn, has now turned into a viral song that TikTokers from all over are using to make memes, appreciation videos, or just lip syncing to the sound.
Beyoncé did not disappoint with her new album this year, and her song CUFF IT from the album has blessed us on TikTok with a fun and easy dance that goes with the rhythm of the song. We knew Queen B could not give us anything but perfection.
This song, Forget by XXKATUSJINSUX has become one of the top trending sounds for TikTok solely because of the dancing trend that has come with it. TikTokers are mainly using the sound to make humoristic content with friends.
Newly released song by Sam Smith, Unholy has hit the top charts for TikTok songs. The content that uses this song has no specific genre or trend, people are just loving the new song and how it works with their content.
Videos themselves also go viral, and can be shared by users in a similar way to songs and sounds. TikTokers are able to stitch viral videos to their own. They are using this feature to react to content, as well as continue the story of the original video with their own funny or insightful additions. Brands are also using the opportunities stitching, reactions, and duets offer to inspire fun user generated content.
There’s no telling what sort of video will go viral next, but there are a few telltale signs. For example, videos featuring kids and their parents work well. They are funny, unexpected, and videos with more than one person are more engaging. Young people love the awkwardness of it all, and they are eager to share short videos with one another.
TikTokers take trends and put their own spin on them, while the linked music and hashtags are the common thread pulling the remixes together. Overall, what works in your TikTok marketing strategy are concepts that people can easily recreate which have an element of fun, surprise, and a track that is both catchy and of the moment.
For further reading on TikTok trends and how your brand can make a splash on the social channel, read our guide on how to go viral on TikTok.
To do this trend, creators should show an old family photo featuring their siblings, and then show what their siblings look like now. Brands could take a fun spin on this audio and show old product packaging or discontinued products and their ‘modern’ counterparts. Use this audio in the background if doing the trend!
Do you ever feel the need to do something a little goofy? Use this “It is whackadoodle time’ audio to display something that makes you turn a little whacky. No need to lip synch to this trend, simply play the audio in the background.
Lip synch to this audio of Mariah Carey saying “Oh really, that sucks” with a text overlay describing a situation that sucks — for you or someone else.
What’s your (or someone elses) quirk? Beige flags aren’t necessarily, bad or good — just something a little different or unique to an individual. Brands can use this audio with the song BEST INTEREST by Tyler the Creator to describe a beige flag for their brand, a product or coworkers.
This trend uses an audio clip that says “I need to buy a gun” — use this trend to describe a situation that embarrasses or annoys you.
Use this trend for something you’re particularly excited about — someone or something’s downfall that you’d be more prepared for than your own wedding.
Ever weird others out? Whether it’s a person, place, or thing, this trend can be applied to a variety of subjects.
This TIkTok trend uses audio from the Jersey Shore, where users lip synch “why is everyone acting weird, seriously?” and describing a scenario (typically something they do) that weird others out.n
Whether you’re a fan of Wes Anderson films or not, this trend is fun for anyone who enjoys styling and exploring different aesthetics — even better if this aesthetic suits your brand.
Creators behind this trend use the Obituary sound from the Anderson film ‘The French Dispatch’, and edit footage from their life or a particular trip to emulate a Wes Anderson film.
This trend uses the phrase ‘I don’t know what I’m talking about and I never have”, to use for a scenario that either has you stumped, or you find hard to explain.
This trend uses a modified sound from ‘As it Was’ by Harry Styles — instead of playing the rest of the song, the sound continues, “answer the phone, answer the phone…”
Use this trend to describe a situation where you really need someone to answer your call.
Spend a lot of time with a coworker who begrudgingly accepts your friendship, or want to poke fun at your closest friendship? This trend originates from Aidy Bryant’s skit with Lizzo and keeps the laugh coming.
Add a little spice to a typically mundane, or routine announcement using TikTok's CapCut feature and this trending audio.
In the mood to bust a move? April’s trending dance is to ‘SEEN HER POST HER BM’ — learn the moves and post a TikTok from your team or favorite brand ambassador.
This trend uses sound from Bo Burnham’s Inside Out special and ‘Bugatti’ from Ace Hood. The voiceover starts calmly and seriously, until ‘I WOKE UP IN A NEW’ cuts in — use this to portray something that interrupts you or is especially loud on a normally quiet day.
What brings out the shade in you? Use this trend to highlight a comment or something from your daily life that makes you throw a side eye — or something you do that results in questionable looks from others.
For this trend, users highlight a modern activity their ancestors would find absurd, or be proud of — conversely, creators can use this trend to highlight modern practices that have developed from historical practices.
Use this trend to point out a red flag or something that strikes you as unusual — this is typically negative, but could be used to focus on a positive slant. Creators describe the person or trait with a text overlay, then transition to a text overlay that describes what made the ick finally ‘click’ for you in the latter part of the sound.
This trend uses sound from ‘Chronically Cautious’ by Braden Bales to highlight something you’re unsure or afraid of.
What would you look like as a teen? Even teens themselves are getting in on this trend. Simply use the ‘Teenage’ filter and compare your current face to your ‘teenage’ one — bonus points if you discuss how the filter looks nothing like you.
Capitalizing on the ‘Boy’s a Liar’ trending sound, use this trend to flex on your ex, show off an outfit or a new makeup look.
Did something embarrassing, or just feel like sharing something that left you mortified? Write out your regret over a video overlay of you reliving a less-than-desirable moment.
Went through a transformation? Want to show the progress of something? This trend uses a CapCut template of Finn Wolfhard (Mike from Stranger Things) snapping to illustrate big (or little) changes.
Gas up your friends, bring attention to your best selfies, or highlight your latest obsession — act out or lip synch the lyrics starting with “man she ain’t never had a love like mine…” and write about the object of your affection with a text overlay. For example, ‘me watching people using my favorite product”.
Can’t be bothered? Completely done with something? This trend has creators write about something that bothers them while pretending to clip-clap their flip-flops.
This trend uses the Sza sound from her song ‘Open Arms’ and the lyrics ‘’I guess I gotta go…” What makes you want to leave? Use that as an example in this trend.
January’s trends tend to stem from the stresses — does getting into a routine again have anything to do with it?
Creators are using a snippet from the Bo Burnham song ___ to illustrate someone misunderstanding your point or having a difficult conversation. Brands can use this to illustrate a pain point with a particular product or feature, or a conversation they often have with their audience (without coming across smug or insincere).
What do you love or want to highlight? This cheeky trend uses an invisible list to highlight something, well, great. For instance, what are 3 reasons to dislike Dash Hudson? We’ll wait.
‘You know what it never was? That serious’ — lip synch to this trend using a text overlay to describe whatever wasn’t that deep. For example, ’When the post my boss wanted to go viral didn’t’, perhaps.
This sound comes from Chucky star Jennifer Tilley, and the trend highlights something you don’t believe — often to showcase something you do which isn’t de rigour.
For Design: https://www.tiktok.com/@therealkatherine/video/7185007183187316014
This trend asks ‘who’s stressing you out’ — and ends with the camera looking at you. This usually highlights something specific you forget to do, or neglect on a regular basis (in a playful way).
This is what was trending in December 2022 on TikTok:
This continues to be a great trend to announce something new, an event, or to showcase your brands favorite product or feature. Creators are lip-synching to the sound and unveiling whatever’s exciting.
The newest release from Netflix (and the Addam’s family!) showcases Jenna Ortega’s dance from the hit new show — creators are following the dance choreography.
Clipped from a part of dialogue in Zoolander, this trend is perfect for a duo, if you want to play around with perspective, or have a step ladder you want to make use of. Bump shoulders with your video partner. The person on the receiving end of the bump says “I’m not your bruh,” while appearing much taller.
Does somebody have an issue, and you think they’re complaining about nothing? Here’s the trend for you — while some creators might not fully understand the original concept of the tiny violin, this trend involves ‘playing’ the tiny violin with your finger and thumb.
Having a hard time? People not reading your content? Practice your cheerleading skills with a text overlay of your most recent challenge.
Let's see what videos are trending this month on TikTok:
TikTokers are taking Michael Jackson's famous song, Beat It, and creating a viral dance to the song, along with a cool side flip trick. We are all loving this trend and seeing everybody's amazing dance skills, but were also loving seeing people failing at the side flip trick. Practice makes perfect!
Creators are using the TikTok Trickster sound effects to make funny videos doing ‘The Flea Game’. The Flea game consists of one person telling another that there is a flea in their hand and it is doing backflips. Long story short, the other person ends up getting tricked into saying that they believe there is a real flea in their hand. This sounds ridiculous, but with the sound effect on, it has got us laughing out loud.
Thats right, it is officially Christmas season. The queen of Christmas, Mariah Carey, kicked the season off with a Halloween themed video on November 1st with her iconic song, “All I Want For Christmas Is You”. TikTokers are starting to embrace the Christmas spirit this month. How early is too early?
This trend, matched with the song “Sirtaki (Zorba the Greek)”, has TikTokers sharing their camera rolls. The video consists of users quoting that *if* there were a hacker taking their phones, this is what they would see on their camera roll. And they proceed to show the funny parts of their camera roll.
Show off your love life with this new trend where couples are showing off their cutest moments. Check out the “All Your’n” sound to find some creative date ideas for your relationship for this holiday season, or use it to share your own cute couple moments.
Lets see what videos are trending this month on TikTok:
This hilarious trend using the song S.I.M.P (squirrels in my pants) shows one person hiding another person with their hand and once the song says “everybody scream” the person will remove their hand to reveal the other person screaming and acting as if they had squirrels in their pants. Seems ridiculous, but it's got us laughing.
Based off of Nicki Minaj’s new song “Super Freaky Girl”, TikTokers are now using the rhythm of that song to tell their own stories that range from quite funny to slightly traumatizing stories. This trend has most of us laughing, and some of us worried for some of the TikTokers out there.
Using the song "Sensual Massage" by Snoop Dogg, TikTokers are creating videos of themselves and a friend sitting across the table from one another, cutting back and forth from one another to the beat of the song, and once the song says “I’m gonna take my time” they show themselves dancing to the song. This is definitely one of the least complicated TikTok trends we've seen.
TikTokers are taking hours to make a 1 minute video using the beat of the song "Run Boy Run" by Woodkid.Creators are asking their partners or friends what they would be if they were a color, a season, a fruit, and more, and then compiling images that match what their partner classified them as. These videos are very satisfying to watch, and we have to give props to the creators for matching every image perfectly with the song.
This adorable trend may have you feeling more single than ever, but its worth the watch. Couples are singing along together to the song "Maybe I'm In Love" to make charming videos of their relationship.
Hashtags have shaped trends for social media as they are known today. Hashtags allow content creators to categorize their content in order to follow a certain algorithm on the social platform. There are hashtags that are used more frequently and bring in more traffic than others. For instance, a hashtag that has always trended on TikTok is #fyp (for you page). Creators will use #fyp to notify TikTok to put their video on the For You Page - where your video is most likely to get traction. Videos that have various hashtags will receive higher awareness because you can tag as many different categories as you want. Your video can reach hundreds of different niche groups from just using a couple different hashtags.
So, lets check out what hashtags are trending this month:
The beauty of TikTok comes from the fact that there isn’t a single most popular trend at any moment. What’s is most popular or viral is literally changing every single day. That being said, there are a couple of trends that have become mainstays on the app. Since many people are working from home, WFH and Zoom mishap skits are extremely popular, alongside “videos living in your head rent-free”, “tell me without telling me” and so many more. The most popular trends are usually short, to the point and entertaining or shocking in some way or another.
Since TikTok started out as Musical.ly, a music and dance app, it’s not surprising that most of the first viral trends on TikTok were in fact dance videos. One of the earliest TikTok trends was a dance called “The Renegade” to a song by K-Camp called “Lottery”.
This type of trend became so popular and has stayed trending because users don’t need to be a professional to partake in these easy to learn and fun dances.
Unfortunately, there’s no sure-fire way to know whether something will trend or go viral on TikTok. A great place to start is using sounds or topics from pop culture. Many of the most viral trends have snippets from popular shows like Euphoria or Succession. If you’re not sure what sounds use, we recommend trying as many as you want. The great thing about TikTok is that there isn’t the need to curate your feed the way there is on a platform like Instagram.
Much like starting a trend on TikTok, it’s hard to predict how long a trend will last. While some trends can last weeks or even months, some are also only relevant for a couple of days. Many say the best way to know a TikTok trend has “expired” is once you begin to see it popping up on other social media channels like Twitter or Instagram.