If you’ve ever shopped online or fallen into the irresistible abyss of scrolling through your social media feed, chances are you’ve stumbled upon a TikTok trend—whether you realized it or not. This digital phenomenon has not only shaped the way we consume media but also how we speak, dress, and even drink. From viral phrases to resurrected fashion styles, TikTok’s covert yet undeniable influence is everywhere.
Take, for instance, the phrase “I’m looking for a man in finance.” It originated from a satirical song about the quest for a tall, wealthy man working in the finance industry. This phrase has seeped into everyday conversations, turning a humorous social media snippet into a cultural touchpoint. Equally captivating is the term “The ick,” an expression of disgust or repulsion that has been popularized by TikTok creator Lex Nicoleta, who boasts a staggering 325,000 followers. Whether you find it amusing or oddly relatable, “The ick” has become part of the digital lexicon, thanks to TikTok.
Fashion trends are another area where TikTok reigns supreme. The platform has revived early 2000s styles, introducing them to a new generation. TikTok creator Zoe Kim Kenealy posted about the “clean girl” aesthetic, a minimalist beauty trend that had its moment before being declared obsolete. Enter the “mob wife era,” a more glamorous, edgy look. The term was first used by TikTok creator Kayla Trivieri, marking yet another example of how the platform dictates what’s in vogue and what’s passé.
Beauty trends also find fertile ground on TikTok. Case in point: the “strawberry makeup” look. This trend was partially inspired by a 2018 makeup tutorial by Australian artist Tanielle Jai but was catapulted into the limelight by TikTok creator Rachel Rigler. Even pop sensation Hailey Bieber got in on the action, posting her take on Instagram and later following up with a TikTok tutorial. As of now, there are nearly 35,000 posts on TikTok with the hashtag “Strawberrymakeup,” demonstrating the platform’s power to drive trends.
But it’s not all about looks and lingo—TikTok has a knack for making the mundane extraordinary. Remember the McDonald’s Grimace shake? This berry-flavored milkshake went viral when TikTok creators started posting videos of themselves experiencing hilariously exaggerated paranormal phenomena after drinking it. Similarly, “WaterTok” has become a thing where users mix water with colorful, artificially sweetened syrups or powders to create concoctions like salted caramel apple water. These quirky trends exemplify TikTok’s unparalleled ability to turn everyday activities into viral sensations.
In the grand tapestry of social media, TikTok is the vibrant, ever-changing thread that keeps us captivated. Whether it’s through quirky phrases, revived fashion styles, or viral food and drink trends, TikTok’s influence is widespread and inescapable. So, the next time you find yourself repeating a catchy phrase or experimenting with a new look, remember: TikTok might just be the hidden puppeteer pulling the strings.
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