When was “The Trend” created in Tiktok: Where Do TikTok Trends Start?
Ever wondered where TikTok trends really come from? From viral dance challenges to thought-provoking societal movements, trends on TikTok have the power to shape digital culture. In this blog, we’ll dive into how these trends start, evolve, and why they’re so impactful, giving you the insights you need to tap into TikTok’s dynamic world. Discover how these trends influence creators, brands, and users alike!
Understanding TikTok Trends
What Defines a Trend on TikTok?
Trends on TikTok encompass a wide variety of content, including dance challenges, memes, hashtags, and short skits. They often emerge organically from user-generated content that resonates widely. These trends can be categorized into groups like dance routines, comedic sketches, educational hacks, and more. The creativity of TikTok’s global user base fuels these viral moments, ensuring there is always something fresh to discover.
Why Are Trends Important?
TikTok trends are crucial for driving user engagement and fostering a sense of community. They encourage participation and collaboration, offering creators the opportunity to gain visibility and grow their audience. For brands, aligning with trends provides a powerful tool for increasing relevance and sparking conversations.
The Role of Trends in TikTok Culture
Trends are more than just fleeting fads, they create a sense of belonging among TikTok’s diverse community. Participating in trends helps users connect with others while giving creators a chance to showcase their personality and originality. For many, trends serve as a gateway to building a loyal following.
Where Do TikTok Trends Start?
The Origins of Trends
Trends often begin with influencers, viral videos, or catchy music releases. TikTok’s algorithm plays a pivotal role in amplifying content that resonates with users, creating a snowball effect that turns simple videos into global phenomena. As users engage with content through likes, shares, and comments, the algorithm identifies patterns and promotes these videos to a larger audience. This mechanism allows trends to spread rapidly, reaching millions of people within hours.
Current Trends in 2025
As of 2025, TikTok trends are shaped by a blend of social movements and cutting-edge technology. Users are embracing immersive, interactive content like AR/VR experiences and real-time collaborations that feel more dynamic. Trend categories in 2025 include virtual fashion (where digital clothing is showcased), “metaverse moments,” and collaborative remixing of popular trends using AI-assisted tools. Eco-conscious movements continue, but there’s a new focus on "sustainable digitalism," with creators showing how to minimize carbon footprints in the online world. Mental health discussions remain central, but in 2025, there’s also an increasing focus on tech wellness and balancing screen time with self-care.
The Evolution of TikTok Trends
Early Trends (2016-2018)
TikTok began its journey in 2016 as Douyin in China before expanding globally in 2018. During these early years, lip-syncing videos and musical performances dominated the platform, influenced heavily by its predecessor, Musical.ly. These foundational trends set the stage for TikTok’s explosive growth. Popular challenges like the #MannequinChallenge and viral dances helped establish TikTok as a hub for creative expression, where users could engage in fun, lighthearted content.
The short-form video format allowed for quick consumption, fostering an environment where trends could spread rapidly and gain massive attention. This period also saw the rise of influencers and content creators, whose unique personalities and talents began to attract large followings, driving the platform’s growth and further solidifying TikTok’s place in digital culture.
Major Trends Timeline
2018 - The #InMyFeelingsChallenge swept across social media, showcasing dance routines set to Drake’s hit song. This trend demonstrated TikTok’s power to amplify cultural moments.
2019 - Dance challenges like #SavageChallenge and #Renegade took center stage, thanks to TikTok’s younger, dance-savvy user base.
2020 - Lockdowns during the pandemic saw the rise of #BoredInTheHouse, reflecting collective emotions of isolation and boredom.
2021 - Trends like #NoseJobCheck spurred conversations around beauty standards, highlighting TikTok’s influence on social issues.
2022-2024 - Trends focused on eco-conscious challenges and mental health awareness, reflecting growing societal concerns.
2025 - In 2025, TikTok trends blend social movements with advanced tech, featuring interactive AR/VR content, AI-assisted remixes, and virtual fashion. Eco-conscious trends focus on "sustainable digitalism" to reduce online carbon footprints. Mental health remains key, with growing attention to tech wellness and balancing screen time with self-care.
The #FlipTheSwitch Challenge
This trend, where participants swapped outfits or roles mid-song, gained traction for its humor and creativity. It also opened conversations about breaking traditional gender roles and stereotypes.
The #WipeItDown Challenge
By combining visual effects with humor, this trend showcased TikTok’s unique blend of creativity and technical innovation. It became a platform-wide favorite, with users from all walks of life participating.
The #In2025Iwill Challenge
@chiara__giannuzzi YESSSSSSS! MANIFESTING 🥳✨ #2025 #2025filter #filter ♬ original sound - Sadie
Combining the 2025 filter with manifestation vibes, this trend highlighted TikTok's creative energy in 2025. It quickly became a platform-wide favorite, with users embracing the future and joining the movement!
Influence of External Factors
Impact of Global Events
Significant events such as the global pandemic, and other events like social movements, elections, or political shifts can spark viral trends as well. For instance, during major social movements like Black Lives Matter or environmental advocacy campaigns, creators have used TikTok to raise awareness, share personal perspectives, and participate in activism through creative videos. These trends not only reflect the broader societal landscape but also allow TikTok to be a tool for amplifying voices and initiating change on a global scale.
Role of Music and Collaboration
Music remains a cornerstone of TikTok’s ecosystem. Collaboration also extends to the relationship between TikTok’s creative community and artists themselves. In many cases, musicians will partner with popular TikTok influencers to create branded content or viral challenges that incorporate their music.
Impact of Trends on Users and Creators
Engagement Metrics
Participating in trends is a proven way for creators to increase their visibility. By aligning with trending content, users can achieve higher engagement rates and attract new followers. Case studies show that trend participation often leads to exponential growth in likes, comments, and shares.
Brand Marketing Strategies
Brands in 2025 are leveraging TikTok trends to create highly effective marketing campaigns. For example, a clothing line could collaborate with influencers to launch a new fashion trend where users digitally remix and showcase their designs in virtual environments. This trend taps into the growing virtual fashion interest, encourages user participation, and spreads virally through influencer promotion.
Cultural Significance
TikTok trends have a ripple effect beyond the platform. They influence language, fashion, and even mainstream media, making TikTok a key player in shaping modern culture. Advertisers and creators alike must adapt to this evolving landscape to remain relevant.
Dos and Don’ts of Following Trends
Do
Stay authentic by aligning trends with your personal or brand identity.
Act quickly to participate in trends while they are still fresh.
Experiment with creative approaches to make your content stand out.
Don’t
Overuse trends to the point of appearing insincere.
Ignore the nuances of cultural sensitivity when participating in global trends.
Miss opportunities to engage with your audience through comments and collaborations.
Evolving Power of TikTok Trends
TikTok trends are a dynamic and ever-evolving phenomenon that continue to shape digital culture. From their humble beginnings in lip-syncing videos to the transformative trends of today, these viral moments offer endless opportunities for creators, brands, and users alike. By understanding the lifecycle of trends and engaging thoughtfully, anyone can harness the power of TikTok to connect, entertain, and inspire. What is your favorite TikTok trend or moment?
FAQs
How do TikTok trends start?
TikTok trends typically begin with viral videos, music releases, or influencers creating content that resonates with users. The platform’s algorithm amplifies this content, helping it reach a larger audience and spark a trend.
What are the most popular TikTok trends in 2025?
In 2025, TikTok trends focus on interactive content like AR/VR challenges and virtual fashion, where creators showcase digital clothing. Trends also emphasize sustainable digitalism, promoting eco-friendly online habits. Mental health remains a key topic, with a focus on tech wellness and balancing screen time. Additionally, AI-assisted creativity is growing, with users remixing content and exploring AI-generated experiences, making TikTok a platform for both innovation and activism.
How has TikTok’s role in shaping trends evolved over time?
TikTok’s evolution from lip-syncing videos to incorporating social issues, music collaborations, and viral challenges has made it a driving force in digital culture. The platform now influences fashion, language, and even mainstream media.
Can brands use TikTok trends to grow their presence?
Yes, brands can leverage TikTok trends to create engaging marketing campaigns that resonate with users. By aligning with viral trends, brands can increase their visibility and connect with a wider audience authentically.
How do trends on TikTok influence creators?
Participating in trends allows creators to boost their visibility and grow their audience by tapping into content that is already gaining attention. This can lead to higher engagement and provide new opportunities for collaboration and influence.