TikTok is a popular short-form video app that has given rise to viral challenges and trends. Users create and share 15 to 60 second videos, often set to music, and challenges emerge when many people make creative or humorous videos based on the same concept. Some of the earliest viral challenges on TikTok included lip-syncing and dancing videos. As TikTok has grown to over 1 billion monthly active users, challenges have become more elaborate and involved everything from comedy skits to stunts. While many challenges are lighthearted, some have raised concerns over dangerous acts. Overall, challenges continue to drive engagement on TikTok as users put their own spin on popular ideas.
What are TikTok challenges?
TikTok challenges are user-generated campaigns that invite people to create their own videos performing a specific action or task. These challenges go viral quickly on the platform as users film themselves participating and share the videos with hashtag challenges. Challenges range from fun dances to dangerous stunts, but the viral nature leads to massive engagement.
Popular TikTok challenges often kick off with an influential creator posting an initial video doing something new and entertaining. This video then gets widely shared, gaining traction with the #challenge hashtag. Other users start posting their own versions, further fueling the viral spread. In a short time, millions of people around the world are participating in the latest TikTok challenge craze.
According to one analysis, user-generated challenges result in a 95% increase in engagement over branded hashtag challenges on TikTok (source). The platform’s algorithm also tends to promote challenge videos more in feeds, amplifying the viral spread.
Most popular TikTok challenges
Some of the most popular challenges on TikTok in recent years include trendy dance moves, lip-syncing songs, showing off outfits, and pulling harmless pranks. However, there have also been some more concerning viral challenges.
In 2021, the “Devious Licks” challenge caused damage as students stole items from their schools, often from bathrooms. The trend led to thousands of dollars in thefts and vandalism before TikTok banned the hashtag (https://www.npr.org/2021/09/17/1038128831/students-are-damaging-school-bathrooms-for-devious-licks-tiktok-challenge).
The provocative “Silhouette Challenge” involved creative lighting and editing to show off one’s physique in a flattering silhouette. While popular, it also faced backlash over potential security concerns (https://www.buzzfeednews.com/article/laurenstrapagiel/silhouette-challenge-tiktok-consent).
The “Mugshot Challenge” glorified posting imitation police arrests, sometimes using real handcuffs and squad cars, concerning legal experts (https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2021/09/10/mugshot-tiktok-challenge/).
Dance challenges remain widely popular, from learning the latest TikTok dances to trends like the “Git Up Challenge” or “Blinding Lights Challenge.” Food challenges dare people to eat strange food combinations. Outfit and style challenges showcase fashion and beauty looks.
Dangers of dangerous challenges
Some TikTok challenges encourage dangerous or risky behavior that can lead to injuries, property damage, and legal issues. One of the most concerning challenges is the “blackout challenge” which involves choking oneself until passing out. This extremely hazardous stunt has been linked to deaths of preteens and injuries like concussions or fractured bones (Vanderbilt University Medical Center, 2022).
Another dangerous dare is the “fire challenge” which entails dousing oneself in flammable liquid and setting fire to skin or clothing. Many participants have received severe burns requiring hospitalization from this thoughtless craze (DailyO, 2023). Additionally, challenges like “the skull breaker” which trips unsuspecting victims risk head trauma, while “the penny challenge” can short electrical systems and spark fires in homes (New York Post, 2023).
Beyond physical harm, dangerous viral trends can also lead to property damage, criminal charges, and lawsuits. Parents of injured children have sued TikTok for negligence and failing to remove hazardous content. Participants in destructive stunts likewise face vandalism or arson charges. Overall, authorities strongly warn against partaking in such needlessly high-risk challenges.
Positives of fun challenges
When used properly, TikTok challenges can have many benefits for users. Fun, creative challenges can provide an outlet for fostering creativity and making meaningful connections with others.
Challenges that encourage positive creative expression give TikTok users an opportunity to showcase their talents. For example, dance challenges set to popular songs allow participants to choreograph original dances and perform them in creative ways. This gives users a platform for demonstrating their abilities and connecting with others who share their interests.
Additionally, lighthearted challenges build community by giving people a common activity to participate in together. The humor and spirit of fun involved in these challenges facilitates positive interactions and relationship building among users. As participants film themselves taking part in a silly challenge, they share laughs and create bonds over the mutual experience.
Overall, challenges centered on creativity, humor, and entertainment can have social benefits on TikTok. By providing positive creative outlets and shared experiences, these challenges foster community, expression, and meaningful connections among users.
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TikTok’s Response
TikTok has taken steps to remove dangerous challenges from its platform and promote more positive content. In November 2021, TikTok announced new policies to strengthen the detection and enforcement of rules against harmful challenges and hoaxes (source). The company said it would expand its list of banned content to include the promotion of dangerous dares that have resulted in serious harm or even death.
TikTok also aims to promote “inclusive and positive content” through its creative effects and sounds that spark more lighthearted trends. As stated on their safety page, “We remove harmful misinformation and hoaxes from our platform, including certain dangerous online challenges” (source). The company has systems in place to detect violative challenges early and quickly remove them before they can gain traction.
While TikTok faces ongoing criticism for not doing enough to curb dangerous trends, they have clearly taken steps to tighten policies, improve detection, and encourage more positive challenges that entertain without harming users.
Parental concerns
Many parents worry about monitoring their child’s access to TikTok and having open discussions about appropriate challenges versus dangerous stunts. According to one source, “experts suggest parents set time limits, enable restrictions, regularly check their child’s profile and posted content, and have frequent talks about online safety” (Fox News). Open communication helps parents understand if their child is aware of risky challenges so they can provide guidance.
It’s also important for parents to recognize signs of social media addiction or negative impacts on mental health, like anxiety or low self-esteem. As one source explains, “While those are extreme cases, young users and those susceptible to influence can develop unhealthy relationships with the app” (Kid Matters Counseling). Being involved and talking with kids regularly can help mitigate these risks.
Teen perspective
Teens participate in challenges on TikTok for a variety of reasons. Peer pressure is a major factor, as teens often feel compelled to take part in viral challenges in order to fit in with their peers. According to research from the University of Calgary published in Adolescent Research Review (https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s40894-019-00118-w), teens are highly susceptible to peer influence and the need for social approval during adolescence. This causes many to participate in challenges, even if they consider them to be dangerous or unwise. The thrill and excitement of going viral also motivates participation, as does the social status that comes with having a popular TikTok video. Teens may rationalize risky behavior as being “just for fun” without fully considering the potential consequences. Competitiveness can also lead teens to take challenges to the extreme as they try to outdo each other. Many experts believe open communication between parents and teens is key to helping teens make wise choices when it comes to online challenges.
Expert commentary
Psychologists have weighed in on what motivates people to participate in viral social media challenges and how they influence behavior. According to psychologist Nir Eyal, viral challenges tap into the human desire for social approval and status. When people see others participating, it triggers a fear of missing out and a desire to join in (https://www.psychologs.com/the-psychology-behind-viral-trends-and-why-we-follow-them/).
Another key factor is the appeal to our emotions and values. Challenges that tug at our heartstrings or align with a cause we care about are more likely to be shared and imitated, driving viral spread. As psychologist Daniel Goleman notes, “People arecontagious. Their emotions spill out and impact everyone around them” (https://medium.com/@amelialife/the-power-of-viral-challenges-on-tiktok-1342d6d23898).
While viral challenges can raise awareness for positive causes, psychologists caution about the potential risks. Dangerous stunts prompted by social pressure and the desire for likes can lead to injuries. Experts advise considering potential harms before joining in on the latest viral challenge.
The future
Looking ahead, TikTok will likely continue working to improve moderation and encourage more positive trends on the platform. According to a 2024 report from TikTok, the company plans to invest heavily in developing more robust content moderation tools to help ensure dangerous challenges do not spread. They also aim to promote challenges that are creative, uplifting and bring people together.
Some emerging positive trends for 2024 are challenges that focus on self-care, creativity and community. For example, the “pose challenge” had users strike creative poses with household items. The “glow up challenge” focused on self-improvement goals. And the “duet challenge” brought together creators for fun collaborative videos. With thoughtful moderation and promoting these types of positive challenges, TikTok hopes to move away from dangerous viral stunts and instead enable challenges that entertain and inspire.
