TikTok Trends for Beginners: A Crash Course in Viral Fun
TikTok. The app that’s taken the world by storm, filled with dancing, lip-syncing, comedy, and everything in between. But for a newcomer, scrolling through the “For You” page (FYP) can be overwhelming. What are all these sounds? What’s with the specific dance moves? Why is everyone talking about that particular thing?
This guide will break down some of the fundamental elements of TikTok trends, acting as your beginner’s introduction to the platform’s ever-evolving landscape.
Understanding the Basics
Before diving into specific trends, understanding these core concepts is crucial:
- Sounds (Audio): The foundation of almost every TikTok trend. These can be snippets of popular songs, dialogues from movies or TV shows, original user-created audio, or even just viral sounds (like the infamous “Oh No” or “Emotional Damage”). Using trending sounds significantly increases your video’s visibility.
- Hashtags: Like other social media platforms, hashtags are used to categorize content and make it discoverable. Trending hashtags related to a specific challenge or theme are vital for joining the conversation. Don’t just use generic ones (#fyp, #foryou); look for the specific hashtags associated with the trend.
- Challenges: Often, a sound or concept will become a “challenge,” where users are encouraged to put their own spin on a particular idea. This might involve a dance, a lip-sync performance, a specific type of video edit, or even a crafting project.
- Duets and Stitches: These features allow users to interact directly with existing videos. A Duet places your video side-by-side with the original, allowing for reactions, responses, or collaborative performances. A Stitch lets you incorporate a short clip from another video into your own, often to comment on it, add to it, or answer a question.
- Filters and Effects: TikTok offers a vast library of built-in filters and effects that can enhance your videos, add humor, or contribute to the specific aesthetic of a trend.
Types of TikTok Trends
Here are some of the most common types of trends you’ll encounter:
- Dance Challenges: Probably the most recognizable type. These involve learning a specific choreography (often short and relatively simple) to a trending sound. Examples include the “Savage” dance, “Renegade,” and countless others that pop up and disappear quickly.
- How to participate: Watch other people doing the dance to learn the moves. Use a mirror or record yourself to practice until you get it down. Don’t be afraid to add your own personality!
- Lip-Sync Trends: These involve lip-syncing to a popular sound, often with acting or comedic elements. The focus is on expression, timing, and creativity.
- How to participate: Know the words (or sounds) inside and out. Practice your facial expressions and timing. Think about how you can add a unique twist to the performance.
- POV (Point of View) Trends: These videos are filmed from a specific character’s perspective, often playing out a scenario or a relatable situation. Examples include “POV: You’re the main character in a rom-com” or “POV: You just spilled coffee on your new shirt.”
- How to participate: Think of a relatable or funny scenario. Use text overlays to set the scene. Act out the situation as if the camera is the other person’s eyes.
- Transformation/Glow-Up Trends: These videos show a before-and-after, often involving a makeover, a style change, or even a skill improvement. A transition (like a hand swipe or a jump cut) is often used to dramatically reveal the “after.”
- How to participate: Choose your transformation (makeup, outfit, skill, etc.). Film the “before” state. Use a clear and dramatic transition to reveal the “after.”
- Educational/Informative Trends: TikTok isn’t just for entertainment; many creators use it to share knowledge, tips, and hacks. These trends often use text overlays, voiceovers, and visual aids.
- How to participate: Share your expertise! Keep it concise and engaging. Use visuals and clear explanations to make your information easy to understand.
- Comedy/Skit Trends: These involve creating short, funny skits, often using trending sounds or formats. Relatability and timing are key.
- How to participate: Observe everyday situations for comedic potential. Use trending sounds to enhance the humor. Practice your timing and delivery.
- “Tell me Without Telling Me” Trends: This format involves indirectly revealing something about yourself or a situation, challenging viewers to guess the context.
- How to Participate: Think of something unique about yourself or something you are involved in. Show the things that are the result of your subject, but not the subject directly.
- Aesthetic Trends: These focus on creating visually appealing videos, often with a specific color palette, editing style, or theme.
- How to participate Find your inspiration for the video, decide on a sound that fits it. Pick colors and shots that are pleasing to the eye.
Finding and Keeping Up with Trends
- The “For You” Page (FYP): This is your primary source for discovering trends. The algorithm curates content based on your viewing history and interactions, so the more you use TikTok, the better it will get at showing you relevant trends.
- The “Discover” Page: This page explicitly highlights trending sounds, hashtags, and challenges. It’s a great place to proactively search for what’s popular.
- Follow Trendsetting Creators: Identify creators who consistently participate in or even create new trends. Following them will give you early access to emerging content.
- External Resources: Websites and social media accounts dedicated to tracking TikTok trends can also be helpful.
Important Note: Trends Evolve Quickly!
What’s viral today might be old news tomorrow. The key to success on TikTok is to be adaptable, observant, and willing to experiment. Don’t be afraid to jump on a trend (even if you’re a little late), add your own unique spin, and most importantly, have fun! Don’t get discouraged if your first attempts don’t go viral. Keep creating, keep engaging, and you’ll find your place in the TikTok community.