TikTok has become the go-to app for short-form video content in recent years. With over one billion active users worldwide, it provides a platform for creativity, entertainment, and entrepreneurship. The app’s algorithm has propelled various trends, challenges, and hashtags to viral status, and it has become an essential tool for brands and businesses looking to increase their social media presence. In this article, we will discuss how TikTok trends emerge and the different types of trends that exist.
Understanding TikTok trends
TikTok trends can refer to a range of things, from dance challenges to fashion aesthetics. They are essentially trends that generate significant engagement and interest on the app. The tricky thing about TikTok trends is that they come and go rapidly. Something that was viral a week ago may no longer have the same impact today. However, some trends are part of long-term cultural shifts and continue to remain relevant years after their inception.
The Newtonian Theory and TikTok Trends
The Newtonian theory states that every action has an equal and opposite reaction. On TikTok, this theory plays out in fascinating ways. A popular example is the “duet” function, where users can create videos alongside existing videos. This function has created a trend of users reacting to other popular videos or challenges, essentially creating “response” videos. This trend has become hugely popular, with users often adding their unique spin to the original video.
Creative Interpretations of Newly Released Soundtracks
Music has always been an essential part of TikTok, with many trends originating from new music releases. One trend that consistently emerges is when music enthusiasts and creators respond to a newly released soundtrack with creative video interpretations. These interpretations can include choreographed dances, comedy skits, or even short stories. The trend takes off, and suddenly, the song is a viral hit, with everyone trying to create their own version.
The role of brand trends
Unlike other trends, brand trends often have inorganic origins and are often backed by significant investment. These trends are created by brands hoping to increase their reach and engagement on the app. Although they can be successful, many users view them as annoying and inauthentic. Brands need to be careful when creating trends or challenges and ensure that they align with users’ values and interests.
Influencers Sparking Creator Trends
Influencers play a crucial role in TikTok’s ecosystem as they often spark creator trends with unique content styles or selling points. These trends are often imitated and remixed by other creators, leading to viral trends. Influencer marketing has become a popular strategy for businesses looking to break into TikTok. However, businesses must vet their influencers, ensure they align with their values and brand, and have a genuine following.
Emergence of Cultural Trends
Cultural trends are fascinating as they emerge organically over time and continue to have a lasting impact. They often tap into wider cultural shifts and speak to the collective consciousness of users. These trends are not created by a brand or individual but by users who share a common interest or experience. “Black Lives Matter” has emerged as a cultural trend and continues to influence TikTok’s landscape.
The Importance of Identifying a Trend’s Core Appeal
It is essential to identify the core appeal of a trend and use that knowledge to create an alternative trend that benefits your brand or business. Brands and businesses must understand what motivates users to engage with a trend and ensure that their approach is authentic. Users can see through fake trends, and therefore, they will not hesitate to criticize or cancel a brand for trying to co-opt a trend for their gain.
The Pitfalls of Gaining “McDrive Followers”
Followers gained from trends, or “McDrive Followers,” are often quick to follow but slow to engage with subsequent content. Brands and businesses must understand that gaining followers is not their primary goal and that engagement and loyalty are more important. Creating authentic content that aligns with their brand values and encourages engagement is essential for building a sustainable TikTok presence.
Effective Leveraging of TikTok Trends
To leverage TikTok trends effectively, businesses must understand their audience and what they are looking for. Tools like RAD AI for social listening and Google Trends for identifying potential topics can help businesses stay ahead of the curve. However, it’s essential to remember that understanding and utilizing TikTok trends is a skill that requires time and constant learning.
Tools for social listening and identifying potential topics
RAD AI is a tool that uses machine learning to analyze users’ behavior on the app. It provides insights into what videos users are engaging with and helps businesses understand their target audience. Google Trends can also be an excellent tool for identifying potential topics. It shows businesses what users are searching for, giving them insights into what topics are trending.
In conclusion, TikTok trends can be unpredictable, but they can provide businesses with an opportunity to increase their social media presence and engage with a younger audience. Businesses must understand their audience, identify the core appeal of trends, and ensure that their approach is authentic and aligns with their brand values. Social listening and identifying potential topics are essential tools in leveraging TikTok trends effectively. Understanding and utilizing TikTok trends are skills that require time and constant learning, but businesses that get it right can reap significant rewards.