TikTok is the little app that could; what once started as a merger with Musical.ly has grown rapidly into social media’s rising star. From the world’s biggest influencers to the largest number of users in social media history, TikTok is the one to watch. The algorithm that determines what trending videos and topics users view on a daily basis is unique to each individual; take into account the hashtags, audio, location, and interests of each and every profile. If you ever feel out of the loop, have no fear – this blog is here to deliver you the top trends of November to get you back on track for the remainder of 2021.
Relatable TikToks are amongst the most popular content ideas across all social platforms. TikTok users, however, bring these relatable topics to the next level. In November, or as it should be remembered, Tayvember, Taylor Swift’s “Screaming, Crying” audio took off with creators using it to showcase their daily struggles. This audio also curated a spin off trend in the language used within the majority of comments on users’ For You Pages. Soon enough, “screaming crying” became a widely accepted and understood response to other people’s videos and continues to be used as an everyday phrase on the app. Try commenting it on the next relatable video you see and you’ll be cool in the eyes of Gen Z’ers everywhere.
Here is a great example of the comedic twist creators have given the audio. We’ve all been there; you press send, do a double take at the recipient list, and a sinking feeling overwhelms you as you realize you have sent something to the wrong person. In this case, maybe his professor will get him something special on his list this year.
Rock. What do you think of when you first read that word? If it isn’t Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson, it’s about to be. The Rock took the world by storm with a new release of the single “Face Off” this month where his voice is featured amongst other artists such as Tech N9ne, Joey Cool, and King Iso. Just when you thought he couldn’t do it all – he did. This audio was picked up by creators on TikTok and has been used over 1.1 million times; it’s the Gen X and Gen Z collab we never knew we needed.
Creators are using the audio to show parts of their lives, typically with a comedic tone, where they are working hard on something. Many TikTok users are attributing it to a situation that requires them to put effort into something they would usually procrastinate. Here is an example of a student who lacks motivation in school, but once the crowd favourite (and often cutthroat) game Kahoot is mentioned in class, she is ready for battle with all bases loaded.
One of the greatest strengths TikTok provides its billions of users is fresh perspectives and closer looks into the authentic lives of people across the globe. A trend that took off in November was showcasing life from your own point of view; short, aesthetic clips stitched together to create a time lapse effect. This trend is one of the more artistic takes on the app, as users have the freedom to put together a collection of images or short form videos that they feel best encapsulate the highlights of their life recently. This versatile and timeless trend is one that will be looked back on in years to come – think of it as a digital scrapbook for the modern era.
Here is an example of a highlight reel over the span of 5 months. We all take hundreds, if not thousands, of photos per month, and although we are in the age of social media, many of these photos never see the light of day and get lost in the archives of our camera rolls. TikToks like these allow users to bring these images out from behind the curtains and give them their moment to shine, even if it is only for a second or two.
Here is another great example of how users skillfully combine the sometimes monotonous tasks of the day into an aesthetic and enjoyable short form video. Whether it’s just for show, or a realistic version of creators’ daily routines, these videos get hundreds of thousands of views on a regular basis. Although life is not as it seems on social media, this trend could have the potential to inspire people to switch up their daily routines and even improve habits. Though if you ask us, a 5AM wake up call for a work out is unlikely to be trending anytime soon.
Whether you like them or not, these trends caught the attention of millions of users for a reason – we can all find a video that falls under each of these categories that will be relatable to us, which is why TikTok continues to entertain users and have them coming back for more. In this constantly changing algorithm, be sure to check back next month to ensure you stay on top of the ever-changing trends.
Megan Balyk is Vice President at Jive PR + Digital, where she helps consumer and immersive brands build cult‑level followings through integrated PR, social, and influencer marketing that drives measurable ROI. With 15+ years of experience across North America, Asia, and Africa, she has a strong track record of leading high-performing marketing teams and scaling companies (from start-ups to publicly traded companies).
A recurring source for outlets such as Business Insider, Megan is known for blending cultural insight with sharp performance thinking to help brands show up where Gen Z and millennials actually are—not just where the media plan says they should be. She also serves on the Advisory Board for the University of San Francisco School of Management’s Digital Marketing program, helping shape the next generation of marketers in the world of AI.
