Anyone who shops or uses the internet has likely been exposed to various TikTok trends that have gained popularity and influenced consumer behaviors. Since its introduction to the U.S. around six years ago, TikTok has been a hub for rapidly evolving food and fashion trends that often go on to inspire product sales and media coverage, despite their sometimes confusing names.
TikTok has widely popularized phrases and expressions like “I’m looking for a man in finance” and “the ick,” shaping social discourse and cultural references. The platform has also spawned or accelerated several trends in fashion, beauty, and style. Some of these include Barbiecore, Coastal grandma, Cottagecore, Mob wives, Office siren, Y2K fashion, Clean girl aesthetic, Cold girl makeup, Latte makeup, and Strawberry makeup.
In the realm of food trends, TikTok has introduced and popularized various culinary creations. These include the Chopped Italian sandwich, Girl dinner (a convenient and simple snack plate idea), McDonald’s Grimace shake (a viral berry-flavored milkshake named after the McDonald’s mascot), Smash burger taco (a burger topped with a tortilla), and WaterTok (videos of users mixing water with colorful syrups or powders).
With its vast reach and influence, TikTok continues to drive cultural phenomena, shape consumer habits, and spark creativity across a wide range of industries and trends. The platform serves as a vital space for trendsetters to showcase their ideas and innovations, resonating with a global audience of millions of users.