Generation TikTok: 5 TikTok trends that enthralled the youth

TikTok has revolutionized online entertainment, particularly in the Philippines, boasting 42.8 million users. Trends like dance challenges and lip-sync performances have captivated global audiences. With 17% of Filipino children spending their time on the app, its popularity is undeniable. Factors like user-generated content, music integration, viral trends, and creative tools have contributed to its success. Here are some prominent trends on the platform:

Dance Crazes

TikTok saw a surge of uploads in dance videos since the app's launch in 2016, with new challenges popping up almost weekly. People danced along to these trends which became cultural phenomena for fun and also a means of gaining followers.

One of the most well-known TikTok dances—and, according to some, the hardest—is ‘Renegade’ which was popularized by famous content creators.

Among the children who gained an immense following on TikTok is Niana Guerrero, praised for her iconic dance choreography such as her video dancing to the song ‘Booty Work’ which gained over 55 million views.

Users began to develop new dance trends, which quickly evolved into challenges featuring performing a specific dance move or an entire choreography to the beat of a popular song.

Funny Skits

If you’re an active TikTok user, you probably know that the platform is not only enclosed with music and dance but also a stage for content creators’ wit and humor.

Content creators like Sassa Gurl, Roce Ordoñez, and Esnyr Ranollo took the TikTok community to another level. With their creativity and enthusiasm, people were entertained and involved in their small skits. Together with them is Spencer Serafica who was hailed as the Comedy Creator of the Year in the recent 2023 TikTok Awards Philippines.

FoodTok

TikTok has fostered a new generation of food influencers, sharing cooking tutorials, restaurant reviews, and dietary tips. Abi Marquez, known as the "Lumpia Queen," gained fame for her innovative lumpia fillings, winning the Foodie Content Creator of the Year at the TikTok Awards Philippines 2023.

TikTok is a thriving community for foodies, providing a platform for learning new recipes and discovering hidden gems that serve exquisite meals and drinks.

Foodies and aspiring chefs on TikTok offer opportunities for young people to learn cooking, showcasing the diversity of Filipino cuisine in the digital realm.

Makeup Tutorials

TikTok is also a university for netizens aspiring to be beauty experts through makeup tutorials, skincare hacks, and grooming tips and tricks.

From quick tutorials to transformative challenges, ‘get ready with me’ (GRWM) Queen Criza Taa and other beauty content creators, such as the famous child actress Andrea Brillantes, who now owns a makeup line, continue to shape beauty standards, empower individuals, and foster a vibrant community where everyone can celebrate their own beauty journey.

Shop

The app also became a new space for shoppers, offering them hassle-free online shopping with discount vouchers and a variety of payment options.

TikTok Shop enables brands and creators to connect with highly engaged customers based on their interests, bringing together the power of community, creativity, and commerce to provide a seamless shopping experience.

TikTok Academy

TikTok swiftly evolved into an educational platform, challenging traditional learning methods. It offers trivia, study hacks, interactive challenges, quizzes, and news reports, reshaping how knowledge is disseminated. This shift has made TikTok a significant force in contemporary education, with a 21% increase in its use for news access compared to 2% in 2020. From its humble origins as a short-form video app, TikTok has become a cultural staple, influencing how we live, share, and connect online. Its journey reflects the evolving landscape of online culture and lifestyle trends.