TikTok is a popular short-form video app that has exploded in popularity in recent years. With over 1 billion monthly active users, TikTok has become a platform for creators to express themselves through videos typically 15 to 60 seconds long.
One of the key features that makes TikTok stand out is its powerful algorithm that determines the content users see on their For You feed. The algorithm curates a personalized feed for each user based on their interests and engagement. This creates “trends” – videos, audios, hashtags and more that suddenly gain popularity as they spread across the platform.
Seeing what’s trending on TikTok allows users to stay on top of the latest viral content. Viewing trending videos can provide entertainment, inspiration, or important information. For creators, recognizing rising trends early is crucial for creating content that taps into what’s popular and engaging their audience.
The For You Page
The For You page is the default page that opens when you launch the TikTok app. This page uses TikTok’s proprietary recommendation algorithm to deliver a personalized, constantly updating stream of videos tailored to each specific user.
According to TikTok, the For You page algorithm is designed to “make it easy to find content and creators that resonate with you.” The TikTok Algorithm Explained + Tips to Go Viral. It analyzes a wide range of user signals and video information to determine which content to serve each user. Factors considered include your interests, user interactions, device and account settings, video information, and more.
The aim is to provide an endless stream of engaging short videos that keep users coming back. As you like, share, and interact with videos, the algorithm continously adapts and refines its recommendations to align with your demonstrated preferences. This creates a hyper-personalized feed of addictively entertaining content.
Following Trends and Hashtags
One of the best ways to see what’s trending on TikTok is to follow popular hashtags like #fyp, which stands for “For You Page.” The #fyp hashtag is used on videos that creators hope will go viral and be seen by many users on their For You Page. By searching and following #fyp, you can watch a constant stream of the latest viral videos. Other popular trending hashtags include #trending, #viral, and niche hashtags related to memes, challenges, or topics currently blowing up on TikTok.
Hashtags are the main way trends spread on TikTok, so keeping an eye on what’s trending in the hashtag feeds is the easiest way to stay on top of what’s hot. You can search hashtags to find trending video themes, memes, songs, effects and more. The TikTok algorithm surfaces trending hashtags on the Discover page and in the search bar auto-complete to make it simple to find the latest viral content.
Sound Trends
Sounds and music are incredibly influential on TikTok. Catchy audio clips often inspire popular dance trends and challenges. According to TikTok’s Sound Trends page, music is the catalyst for many viral memes. Users constantly remake and riff off the same sounds in creative ways.
The Trending Sounds page shows which sounds are being widely used in new TikToks. Monitoring this page helps identify the latest viral sounds. For instance, Megan Thee Stallion’s song “Savage” inspired a huge dance trend in early 2020. Sound trends frequently crossover from TikTok onto other platforms like Instagram Reels.
Some original TikTok sounds gain enough popularity to appear on music streaming charts. Lil Nas X first released his hit “Old Town Road” on TikTok before it topped the Billboard Hot 100. As new sounds trend on the app, it signals rising music artists and soon-to-be chart hits. Keeping an ear out for popular TikTok sounds provides insight into upcoming music trends.
Challenges
Viral challenges that incorporate dances, stunts, lip-syncing songs, and more show what is currently trending on TikTok. Some of the most popular challenges at the moment include the Cha-Cha Slide challenge, Flip the Switch challenge, and Waist Dance challenge. These challenges showcase the latest dance moves, songs, and trends that are resonating with users. Participating in popular challenges is a way for creators to engage their audience and potentially gain more views and followers by tapping into what’s currently viral. The lifecycle of a viral challenge can be quite short, sometimes lasting just days or weeks before the next big challenge takes over. Checking what challenges are trending gives insight into shifting trends and what is capturing people’s attention at the moment on TikTok.
The Discover Page
TikTok’s Discover page allows you to browse trending content by category. This is a great place to identify rising trends across topics like food, animals, comedy, dance, and more. The Discover page displays the top trending hashtags and sounds in each category. It also shows you popular creators to follow in that niche. Checking the Discover page regularly helps you spot emerging trends before they go mainstream.
As an article on Arzpak.com suggests, “Ideally, make it a daily ritual to check TikTok’s Discover page. Trends can emerge and evolve quickly, and daily check-ins keep you up-to-date” (source). Keeping a pulse on the Discover page gives you insight into rising trends you may want to incorporate into your own content early on.
Trending Sections
There are different pages on TikTok that highlight trending and popular content in various ways. The main Trending page showcases the top videos, hashtags, and effects gaining momentum across the platform. This page refreshes multiple times per day to display the latest viral content. Sections like Trending show specific popular videos that are rising in views and engagement. Monitoring these sections can help identify formats, songs, challenges, and topics gaining traction.
The Trending page also features localized trending content tailored to your region. You can toggle between “For You” trends based on your personal feed and preferences, and “Everyone” trends showing the most viral content globally. This allows seeing both personalized trends and broader trends. The page also separates trending songs, hashtags, effects, and more – making it easy to analyze trends by category.
Search Trends
Looking at top searches can reveal trends. TikTok’s search bar allows you to see the most popular search terms and hashtags. Typing in a term and looking at the autocomplete suggestions that pop up will show you what people are curious about and searching for frequently. The TikTok Creative Center compiles lists of trending searches and hashtags to browse. You can also try typing in generic terms like “songs”, “recipes”, “outfits” etc. to surface common searches. Analyzing popular searches is a simple way to identify rising trends on TikTok.
Creators and Influencers
Following popular creators and influencers on TikTok is a great way to stay on top of the latest trends. Some of the top TikTok influencers in 2024 include:
- Charli D’Amelio – 149 million followers (Source)
- Addison Rae – 79.7 million followers (Source)
- Bella Poarch – 92.4 million followers (Source)
These mega-influencers often set trends themselves by posting viral dances, challenges, songs, and more. Their massive follower counts allow their content to spread quickly across the platform.
Beyond the top personalities, checking out which creators are growing rapidly can clue you into emerging trends. Their niche interests and early adopter status means budding trends often show up on their profiles first.
Following a diverse set of creators, especially ones relevant to your interests, helps ensure you stay on the pulse of what’s trending on TikTok.
Conclusion
TikTok offers several ways to stay on top of the latest trends and discover what’s popular on the platform. The main feed on the For You page surfaces trends based on your interests and interactions. Following specific hashtags and sounds lets you see the viral videos associated with them. Participating in popular challenges allows you to engage with trending content. The Discover page categorizes trending videos into topics like food, animals, and more. And exploring what top creators are posting gives insight into rising trends.
In summary, by leveraging your main feed recommendations, hashtags, viral sounds, challenges, the Discover page, and influencer content, you can always see what’s trending on TikTok. The platform makes it easy to find the latest popular videos, songs, memes, and more. So tap into these features if you want to stay on the pulse of what’s hot on TikTok right now.
