Introducing TikTok
TikTok is a short-form video social media platform owned by the Chinese company ByteDance that allows users to create, upload, and share 15 to 60 second videos. Launched in 2016 for markets outside of China, it has quickly grown to become one of the most popular social apps in the world. According to Hootsuite, TikTok has over 1 billion monthly active users globally and over 120 million active users just on iOS. It’s especially popular among younger users, with 41% between 16 and 24 years old.
Some key features that make TikTok stand out are its powerful editing tools, huge music library, and world-class algorithms that learn each user’s interests to serve them customized content. The platform makes it very easy for anyone to create high-quality short videos showcasing their talent, humor, or creativity. This viral, addicting app has given rise to global superstars and viral sensations seemingly overnight.
Dance Videos
Dance videos are one of the most popular types of content on TikTok, with new dance challenges constantly going viral on the platform. Some of the biggest TikTok dance trends include the Renegade, Savage, and Monalisa challenges, each with their own catchy songs and choreographed dance moves. Dance challenges spread quickly across TikTok, with millions of users posting their own attempts at the viral dances.
But TikTok dances aren’t just about following trending challenges – the platform allows anyone to choreograph original dances and start their own dance craze. Talented choreographers, often TikTok-famous dancers, come up with their own dances and invite others to participate in the routine. These user-generated choreographies, like Noen Eubanks’ Footwork dance, allow creators to showcase their dance skills and potentially achieve viral fame.
Comedy/Skits
Comedy skits and parody videos are incredibly popular on TikTok. Many creators use the platform’s short video format for hilarious sketches, impersonations, and satirical takes on pop culture or everyday life. Sketches often rely on exaggerated characters, wacky situations, and funny twists. Parody videos poke fun at trends, songs, or public figures by imitation with a humorous spin.
Some ideas for comedy sketches include recreating awkward daily incidents like bad dates or annoying coworkers. Skits based on pop culture references or mocking tropes in movies/TV work well too. Even simple concepts like acting out “when you…” scenarios or exaggerating the struggles of adulthood tend to resonate. For parodies, try doing an exaggerated lip-sync of a popular song or imitating a celebrity’s mannerisms. The key is adding a unique comedic flair.
When brainstorming sketch or parody ideas, focus on relatable yet humorous premises. Draw inspiration from everyday observances, nostalgic pop culture, or current events – then add irony, wit, and exaggerated humor. Keep videos succinct, use energetic acting, and build to a big comedic finale for maximum entertainment value. With creative writing and acting skills, TikTok’s short format allows you to produce side-splitting comedy skits.
Sources:
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/skit-ideas?lang=en
https://www.tiktok.com/discover/comedy-skit-ideas
Lipsyncing
Lipsyncing, or mouthing the words to songs and audio clips, is one of the most popular types of content on TikTok. Users can get creative lipsyncing to songs, movie quotes, comedy skits, and more. Some of the key things to know about lipsync TikToks:
– Lipsyncing allows creators to showcase acting and performance skills. Some lipsyncs are straightforward while others involve full costumes, sets, and editing for a high production value.
– Songs and sounds often go viral on TikTok when used in popular lipsyncs. Viewers discover new music through lipsyncs. Upbeat, catchy, emotional songs tend to gain traction.
– Dialogue and quotes from movies, TV shows, and comedy sketches make great lipsync material. Iconic lines lend themselves to dramatic or comedic performances.
– Duets allow creators to interact with each other’s lipsyncs for fun reactions andmash-ups.
– Songs like “Best TikTok Songs to Lip Sync” and “Good Lip Sync Songs” can inspire lipsync ideas.
– The right lipsync can go viral and launch a creator to TikTok fame.
Life Hacks/How-Tos
TikTok is a great platform for sharing quick and clever life hacks and how-to tutorials. Many popular TikTok creators focus on making short, entertaining videos that teach viewers useful tips, tricks, and skills. Some examples of popular TikTok life hacks and how-tos include:
– Cooking and baking tutorials – From quick recipe ideas to kitchen gadget hacks, TikTok is full of inspiration for home cooks.
– DIY and crafts – Step-by-step guidance on everything from home decor projects to useful gadgets made from everyday objects.
– Cleaning tips – Clever ways to clean and organize your home more efficiently.
– Fashion and beauty advice – Makeup tutorials, clothing hacks, and other tips for looking your best.
– Tech tricks – Hacks for your smartphone or other gadgets that you may not know about.
– Study and school tips – Advice on better study methods, organization, and making school life easier.
The short format of TikTok makes it well-suited for quick how-to content that gets right to the point. And the app’s duet and stitch features allow creators to put their own spin on popular life hacks. Overall, TikTok is a great platform for both sharing and discovering new life tips and skills.
Check out this example of popular TikTok creator @zhang.93 testing out viral life hacks: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=piLRQGukXqc
Cooking/Recipes
TikTok has become a popular platform for sharing short recipe videos. The 60 second time limit encourages creators to showcase quick and easy recipes that viewers can easily follow along to make at home. From simple snacks to decadent desserts, there are recipe videos in every category and cuisine.
Some of the most popular recipe trends on TikTok include whipped coffee, feta pasta, pancake cereal, air fryer dishes, and bite-sized appetizers or “finger foods.” The step-by-step format of TikTok allows creators to demonstration recipes from start to finish using voice-overs, captions, graphics, and edits. This style presents recipes in an informative but engaging way.
Cooking videos perform especially well on TikTok because they are visual and tap into food interests. They can inspire viewers to get creative in the kitchen and try making something new. Recipe creators on TikTok are able to build significant audiences and even partner with brands if their content resonates. Overall, TikTok is a versatile platform for home cooks and professional chefs alike to share recipes.
Fashion/Beauty
TikTok has become a major platform for fashion and beauty content. Many creators focus on outfit ideas, styling tips, makeup tutorials, and hair how-tos. Fashion influencers like Remi Bader and Nava Rose showcase the latest trends and looks on TikTok. Their videos range from affordable fashion hauls to luxury designer unboxings. For makeup, popular creators like Mikayla Nogueira share tutorials on achieving viral makeup looks like fox eyes and clean girl beauty. Hair influencers like Brookelle Zer0 provide styling tips, how-tos on trending hairstyles like baby braids, and product reviews. The platform allows fashion and beauty creators to connect directly with their audience.
Pets
TikTok is full of adorable and hilarious pet videos. Pet owners love showcasing their furry friends on the platform. Some of the most popular pets on TikTok are dogs, especially breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and Corgis. Pet owners capture cute moments like their dogs playing with toys, begging for treats, or talking back to their owners. TikTok is also a great place to find funny animal mishaps and silly pet tricks. Cat videos are also very popular on TikTok, with owners sharing clips of their cats getting scared by cucumbers or acting silly. Exotic pets like parrots, rabbits, and guinea pigs also frequently appear on the app. Pet owners can quickly amass a huge following on TikTok by posting regular videos of their beloved animals. It’s clear that people can’t get enough of adorable and hilarious animal antics on the platform.
Travel
Travel is a hugely popular category on TikTok, with influencers sharing videos showcasing destinations around the world. Some top travel influencers on the platform include Jacob Riglin (https://www.insider.com/best-travel-tiktok-channels-influencers-to-follow-2023-10), Alex Ojeda, and Quin Gable. Travel creators post everything from picturesque views and must-see attractions to hotel reviews, packing tips, and budget travel hacks. Their immersive videos allow viewers to experience new places visually and get inspired to travel. According to IZEA, some characteristics of top travel influencers are showing authentic experiences, using geotags, engaging with viewers, and partnering with tourism boards (https://izea.com/resources/tiktok-travel-influencers/). Travel TikTok has become a major source of wanderlust and inspiration for many users.
Challenges
TikTok challenges encourage users to create and share videos based on specific themes or prompts. Some of the most popular hashtag challenges on TikTok include:
The #FlipTheSwitchChallenge, where users swap clothes when a light switch is flipped on and off. This playful challenge typically involves dance moves and has over 10 billion views (https://hype.co/blog/industry/tik-tok-challenges).
The viral #PlankChallenge dares users to hold a plank position for as long as possible. Over 2.5 million videos have been shared trying to best each other’s plank times (https://shanebarker.com/blog/tiktok-challenges/).
Couples have gotten in on the fun with challenges like the #TakeMyTimeChallenge which involves partners dancing together in slow motion. Other popular couples challenges are the #WaistDanceChallenge and #MidAirRacingChallenge (https://hype.co/blog/industry/tik-tok-challenges).
Some challenges can be dangerous, like the controversial #BlackoutChallenge. Most users are careful to partake only in safe, harmless challenges that tap into the creativity and community of TikTok.
