Here are five of these trends, both brand-new and more enduring—that brands can add to their TikTok content lineup.
“I don’t need to BeReal“
Set to a sped up version of SWV’s Weak, users are posting 7 second clips stating “I don’t need to BeReal, I need to Be…” and finishing the phrase with humourous and relatable desires. Some of my favourites are “I don’t need to BeReal, I need to BeSomeonesGirlfriend” and “I don’t need to BeReal, I need to BeABillionaire”. Even though TikTok recently launched its own copycat version of BeReal, the popularity of its “TikTok Now” feature hasn’t been able to fully combat the popularity of the original dual-camera app—as demonstrated by this recent trend revolving around BeReal.
The simple nature of the trend has inspired nearly 300,000 TikTok users to participate—including companies such as Six Flags, whose account for the amusement park’s Georgia location wrote “I don’t need to BeReal, I need to BeAtSixFlags.” Brands can easily replicate the video format to highlight their own products, stores or other aspects of a given company. A food or beverage company, for example, could use the trend to work up viewers’ appetites or thirst, like this mouthwatering video of a bowl of spicy noodles.
Taylor Swift’s “I’m the problem, it’s me”
The American artist’s new album “Midnights” drove the internet into a frenzy when it was released last Friday—and TikTok wasn’t immune to the social media fervour. Almost immediately after fans had finished listening to the album, several of Swift’s new songs began appearing as audio clips on TikTok, with fans using them to comment on their favourite tracks or lyrics.
The song “Anti-Hero” has taken on a life of its own on the platform, with the lyrics “It’s me / Hi / I’m the problem, it’s me” spawning a new trend in which users joke about their flaws or behaviours using that portion of the song. User @rebeccasmilee, for example, lightheartedly mocks her large collection of pumpkin-themed decorations, while @its.emmasaurus calls out her “unhealthy Lego addiction.”
The popularity of this hashtag and the simple, universal nature of the song lyrics make this trend a fun way for brands to display consumers’ passion for their products or point out the “problematic” traits of a brand mascot.
“I would rather sit naked on a hot grill”
In this trend, TikTok users convey their disgust toward a situation, person or another distasteful thing using an audio clip from the 2011 sitcom “New Girl,” in which a character from the show says, “I’m not being overdramatic when I saw that I’d rather sit naked on a hot grill than wear something off the rack.” Over the past few weeks, users have mouthed along to the viral audio, changing the onscreen text to share their specific dislikes, from group projects to cover letters.
From a brand perspective, smaller and more niche brands can use this sound as a way to one up their competitors with humour. For example, if you’re a niche coffee company you could write “drinking coffee from Starbucks?” to the sound expressing that you’d rather sit naked on a hot grill…
“I’m coming back for you, baby / I’m coming back for you”
Honestly until just now (upon research) I didn’t know this trend was from a Carly Rae Jepson song. Many TikTokers have been using this sound as a way to express undevout love for something. Rita Ora even posted a video in collaboration with a sportswear brand which sees her wearing the gear and working out while staring at a bar of chocolate lip syncing to the sound ‘I’m coming back for you!’ – relatable, right?
“Let me pose for you now” from Kute & Neat by Sasique
This is the catchiest clip ever and the real song itself is so danceable. Stars like Shy`girl are using it to serve looks and others are being humorous about it. @danispeaks used it to laugh at how her kids pose for photo day at school. However if your brand involves cameras or items that benefit from being photographed, this catchy 8 second number can definitely come in handy.
