TikTok in 2024 became a crucible of viral trends, from bizarre dances like the ”skibidi” to catchphrases like ”give my money” and even the controversial act of ”rawdogging” on airplanes. Beyond the outlandish, the platform also provided a launchpad for unexpected influencers to gain significant traction. Diana Moseni, known for her appearance on the reality show ”Paradise Hotel,” achieved viral fame with her unique take on the international cucumber salad trend, garnering over 532,000 views. This highlights TikTok’s ability to amplify even simple content into major cultural phenomena, and its power to elevate personalities from various backgrounds into the social media spotlight. The platform’s global reach facilitated cross-cultural exchanges, as evidenced by the surprising international popularity of Swedish candy, particularly in the United States. This showcases how TikTok can introduce niche interests to a wider audience, impacting consumer behavior and shaping global trends in unexpected ways.
Beyond individual creators, TikTok also influenced broader social and cultural currents. The platform saw a surge in popularity for lifestyle trends like ”Soft girl” and ”Trad wife,” exemplified by influencer Vilma Larsson whose video about her life as a homemaker received nearly 370,000 views. This demonstrates TikTok’s role in shaping perceptions of femininity and domesticity, reflecting and amplifying evolving societal values. Furthermore, the platform breathed new life into existing cultural artifacts, most notably the resurgence of the Swedish band Kent. Their 90s classic ”Kräm (så nära får ingen gå)” became the soundtrack to a viral video about Stockholm style and the fashion term ”grisch,” exposing the band to a new generation and contributing to their upcoming comeback tour. This demonstrates TikTok’s power to revive older cultural trends and introduce them to younger audiences, blurring generational lines and creating unexpected connections between past and present.
The viral nature of TikTok propelled several musical artists to new heights of popularity. Zara Larsson’s 2017 song ”Symphony” experienced a resurgence after a user paired it with a comforting image of dolphins and rainbows, sparking a meme that garnered millions of views in various iterations. Larsson embraced the trend, incorporating the dolphins and rainbows into her USA tour, demonstrating the symbiotic relationship between artists and the platform. This shows how TikTok can generate organic, unpredictable revivals of older music, offering artists new opportunities to connect with fans and expand their reach. The platform’s impact on the music industry extended beyond established artists, as emerging talents also found success. The Cardigans, another Swedish band, benefited from American singer Sabrina Carpenter’s incorporation of their 90s hit ”Lovefool” into her live performances, introducing their music to a global audience. This cross-pollination of musical styles showcases TikTok’s influence on music discovery and its ability to connect artists across geographical boundaries.
The ”brat summer” of 2024, characterized by a rebellious and playful aesthetic, found its embodiment in artist Charli XCX. Her album ”Brat” resonated with the trend, and her iconic ”apple dance” video garnered 13.6 million views, solidifying her status as a key figure in the online cultural moment. This illustrates TikTok’s ability to amplify specific aesthetics and contribute to larger cultural narratives, solidifying artists’ positions within those narratives. These diverse viral moments underscore TikTok’s power to shape trends, revive past cultural artifacts, and propel both established and emerging artists into the spotlight. The platform’s unique blend of short-form video, music integration, and user-generated content fostered a dynamic environment where trends could emerge and spread rapidly, impacting music, fashion, and broader cultural conversations. The diverse range of viral moments highlighted in 2024 underscores the unpredictable and influential nature of the platform.
The success stories of Diana Moseni, Kent, Zara Larsson, The Cardigans, and Charli XCX exemplify the democratizing power of TikTok. The platform allows individuals and established figures alike to capture the zeitgeist, creating viral moments that resonate with millions. This highlights the shift in power dynamics within the entertainment industry, where organic, user-driven trends can outpace traditional marketing and promotion efforts. The platform’s algorithm, which prioritizes engagement and virality, creates a level playing field where anyone with compelling content has the potential to reach a global audience. This has fostered a more inclusive and diverse online landscape, empowering creators from all backgrounds to share their stories and connect with others.
In conclusion, 2024 on TikTok was a year of unexpected viral moments, resurfacing nostalgia, and the rise of new trends. From bizarre dances to heartwarming musical rediscoveries, the platform showcased its ability to shape culture, amplify individual voices, and connect people across the globe. The stories of creators like Diana Moseni, artists like Zara Larsson and Kent, and the broader trends like ”Soft girl” and ”brat summer” illustrate the dynamic and multifaceted nature of TikTok’s influence. These examples demonstrate the platform’s ability to not only reflect existing cultural trends but also to create and shape new ones, impacting everything from music and fashion to broader societal conversations. The unpredictable and often surprising nature of viral moments on TikTok ensures that the platform remains a powerful force in shaping online culture and beyond, continuing to surprise and entertain users worldwide.
