What is the Knocking TikTok Trend?
The knocking TikTok trend involves people knocking on doors or walls in a particular rhythm and then running away before being seen (1). It started as a prank trend on TikTok, where users would post videos of themselves doing the trend. The trend became very popular in mid-2022.
The knocking often follows a distinct rhythm of knocking – knocking three times, then knocking twice, then knocking three times again. This rhythm is sometimes called the “shave and a haircut” knocking pattern and has been around for decades (2). On TikTok, this knocking rhythm was adapted into a prank trend that spread widely among users.
How the Trend Spread on TikTok
The knocking trend gained popularity in mid-2022 as a viral challenge on TikTok. It spread rapidly as TikTok users filmed themselves knocking on strangers’ doors and then running away before the door was answered. Popular influencers like @celinajade, @noenemoji, and others participated in the trend, further fueling its growth.
Videos using the hashtag #knockandrun quickly amassed millions of views on TikTok. The App Store ranked TikTok as the top free app in August 2022 as the trend peaked in popularity. Many TikTok users were eager to join in on the viral challenge.
The knocking videos follow a standard format – the TikToker approaches a stranger’s house, knocks or rings the doorbell rapidly, then flees before anyone answers. Often they film the homeowners’ confused reactions as they open the door to no one. The hashtag and popular sound clips helped knock and run videos spread widely on the platform.Source
Variations of the Trend
The knocking trend took on many forms as it spread across TikTok. Some common variations included:
Knocking on front doors, car windows, and even knocking down furniture. Participants would sneak up to a home, vehicle, or piece of furniture and abruptly knock loudly to startle the unsuspecting person inside or nearby. This “prank” was filmed to capture surprised reactions.
Leaving items or gifts after knocking. In a more positive spin on the trend, some TikTokers would knock on doors and quickly leave a small gift or treat for the resident to discover, like flowers, candy, or encouraging notes. This was also filmed for viewers’ reactions.
Filming unsuspecting people’s reactions. Even without knocking themselves, some filmed strangers reacting to mysterious knocks in public places like libraries, restaurants, or parks. Capturing an authentic startled reaction was the goal.
The trend encompassed harmless surprises, jump scares, and leaving thoughtful gifts. But many variations involved filming people without consent for shock value.
Controversy and Concerns
The knocking trend has caused a lot of controversy and concern, primarily for frightening and annoying victims. When people open their door expecting a delivery or guest, only to find no one there, it can create feelings of unease and apprehension1. Victims worry about who was just outside their door and why.
The trend also raises safety concerns, as pranksters are technically trespassing when they go on people’s properties to knock and run. This boundary violation leaves many feeling violated and anxious about further intrusions2. Some have called the knocking challenge a nuisance crime trend, as it disturbs the peace and sparks fear.
Impact on Neighborhoods
The knocking TikTok trend has had a noticeable impact on many neighborhoods across the country where the challenge has spread. Increased complaints of disturbance have been reported to local police departments as a result of teens participating in the trend [1]. Neighbors have felt harassed by the late-night knocking and described it as disruptive to their peace and quiet.
Police in some areas affected by the trend have issued warnings asking parents to monitor their children’s activities and discouraging participation [2]. They have noted concerns over potential injuries, property damage, and alarmed residents responding aggressively out of fear. Some police departments have stepped up neighborhood patrols specifically in response to the knocking trend.
There are also reports of neighborhood watches and patrols being formed by local residents hoping to catch teens in the act and deter them from targeting their streets. The trend has brought a heightened sense of alarm and urgency in maintaining community safety and tranquility.
Notable Incidents
There have been several concerning incidents related to the knocking trend. In Friendswood, Texas, a group of teenagers participating in the trend kicked down the front door of a home and assaulted the elderly resident (https://www.fox26houston.com/news/tiktok-door-knock-kicking-challenge-friendswood). The victim suffered extensive bruising. In another case, a homeowner in Michigan opened fire on a group of teens who were knocking on doors as part of the trend, resulting in one minor injury (https://www.wionews.com/trending/us-police-warn-against-life-threatening-knock-the-door-tiktok-trend-681534).
There have also been reports of teens participating in the trend breaking windows, kicking down doors, and causing other property damage. In some cases, families with infants or pets have been left distressed after repeated knocking late at night. The concerning incidents reveal the trend’s potential for harm, especially when teens take it too far.
Social Media Response
The knocking TikTok trend has generated significant backlash on social media platforms like TikTok, Twitter, and Reddit. Many critics have spoken out against the trend, calling it immature, disruptive, and potentially harmful according to this article. The videos often show groups of teenagers knocking on doors and running away, sometimes late at night, which has understandably upset many homeowners.
On TikTok, comments on knocking trend videos urge participants to stop, with one popular comment saying “This is how you get shot.” According to this article, a police officer in Texas directly warned teenagers that knocking on random doors could get them killed. Even popular TikTokers have posted reaction videos pleading with followers not to try this trend.
However, the trend does have some defenders who say it’s just a harmless prank. A few viral videos show homeowners getting a laugh out of teen’s knock and run attempts. But overall, most of the social media response has been very negative, urging greater maturity and consideration from participants.
Preventing Knock and Run
As the knock and run trend spread, many homeowners, parents, and police have provided tips to discourage the pranks and keep neighborhoods safe.
For homeowners, police advise keeping porch lights on at night, installing video cameras or doorbell cameras, and putting up “no trespassing” signs (TikTok door-knock challenge turns confrontational as B.C. man chases teens who woke up his baby). Homeowners are also encouraged to call the non-emergency police number if they witness suspicious knocking or property damage.
Parents can talk to their teens about the potential dangers of participating in knock and run. Pranks that seem harmless can lead to injuries, confrontations, or legal problems. Parents are advised to monitor their children’s social media use and set clear expectations about appropriate behavior.
Police recommend reporting any incidents of vandalism or harassment. They also advise residents not to engage with pranksters directly, which could escalate the situation. In extreme cases, police may increase neighborhood patrols in response to a rash of knocking incidents (TikTok door-knock challenge turns confrontational as B.C. man chases teens who woke up his baby).
Decline of the Trend
The knocking TikTok trend has declined in popularity over recent months. After peaking in late 2021 and early 2022, engagements and participation in the trend have steadily dropped. There are several reasons for the fading interest.
Firstly, many social media users have grown tired of the repetitive trend and are less likely to record or share new knocking videos. As people’s attention moved on to other viral trends, knocking content became seen as boring and unoriginal. Additionally, backlash against the trend likely dampened interest. Concerns over encouraging harassment led to some platforms removing knocking videos.
Statistics confirm the downward trajectory of the knocking trend. On TikTok, the #doornocking hashtag amassed over 104 million views at its height in January 2022, but this decreased to just 600,000 views by August 20221. The once ubiquitous knocking sounds and effects are now rarely used in new TikTok videos. While isolated knocking incidents still occur, it is no longer a widely participated-in trend.
In summary, after causing a stir in late 2021, the knocking TikTok trend has largely run its course and faded from popularity due to oversaturation and backlash.
Long-Term Impact
The knocking TikTok trend had several lasting effects on culture and behavior. Many homeowners became more skeptical and wary of viral TikTok challenges, given the disruptions this one caused across neighborhoods. According to one report, 72% of survey respondents said they were now less likely to trust or participate in trends promoted on TikTok after the knocking incident (www.intheknow.com).
The trend also inspired copycats and similar viral pranks, as the concept of knocking on strangers’ doors and running off proved popular among certain groups of teens looking for social media notoriety. In 2023, a “doorbell ditching” craze emerged on YouTube, demonstrating the appeal of provoking reactions from unwitting homeowners (www.dataconomy.com). This suggested that even if specific viral stunts fade away, the underlying impulse behind them persists in youth culture.
In the long run, the knocking trend left many feeling violated in the supposed safety of their own homes. It revealed how quickly a seemingly harmless online joke could spiral out of control and have real-world consequences. The aftermath made clear the need for greater responsibility from social platforms and more scrutiny of challenges that manipulate teens. With proper precautions, future viral stunts may hopefully avoid the same detrimental community impact.
