TikTok has more than 800 million active users around the world and has been downloaded more than 2 billion times via the App Store and Google Play since September 2020. The app published its annual edition in commemoration of a year of success. TikTok 100 — a year-in-review roundup highlighting the top videos, genres, creators, and memes that took the Internet by storm.
“From a global pandemic that introduced us to social distancing to protests for racial equality, community hardships, and personal and economic uncertainties the world over, 2020 was full of all the feelings. Throughout those moments, millions of Americans turned to TikTok to share their stories and lift others up,” the platform shared.
Here are some highlights from 2020 as you try to figure out how your brand can get in on the action and create your own TikTok experience.
Top Viral Videos
Bella Poarch’s video lip-syncing “M to the A” was TikTok’s biggest viral video of the year, The clip quickly went viral after she published it in August and is currently the most-liked video on TikTok with nearly 520 million Views and More than 43 millionLikes
Second to Poarch, Ohio native Nathan Apodacaaka doggface208. After his aforementioned “Dreams” video went viral on September 25 — it now has over 69 million views and 12 Million Likes (and counting) — the short clip also served to benefit Fleetwood Mac. Streams for “Dreams” more than doubled while sales nearly tripled since his video became a sensation. “It struck a chord,” stated Chris Ferzli, Ocean Spray’s director of global corporate affairs.
Nearly made the top:Will Smith for his take on the “Wipe it Down” challenge and Julian Bass’ superhero special effects video that earned the attention of Disney executive chairman Bob Iger.
Top trends, hashtags and challenges
By now it’s no secret TikTok is the birthplace of trends — whether referring to a dance, a new comedy format, or a memorable quote — and 2020 saw no shortage of these viral moments.
The following are among the most highly regarded individuals: #blindinglightsDance challenge. Set to The Weeknd’s chart-topping hit “Blinding Lights,” the moment brought families, friends together, bound by a love for the song and finding ways to have a little fun at home during the pandemic by dancing. The hashtag #blindinglights has been used approximately 3.5 BillionViews
Another trend that kept people entertained during COVID was social distancing Curtis Roach‘s “bored in the house”– a quarantine anthem that inspired over 4.5 million videos to date, and the hashtag #boredinthehouse has approximately 4.8 billionViews
The ‘YouHaveTo’ hashtag has earned over 7.3 billionViews today. Set to a cover Odezsa‘s “A Moment Apart” by @hannah_harpist, TikTokers parodied a monologue about how “you have to start romanticizing your life.” Those who have put their own twist on the trend include familiar names such as Dr. Phil Catfish’s Nev Schulman.
Then, there’s the matter of forgetting the Time Warp Scan This feature freezes an image as a blue line crosses over the screen. It allows for unlimited creative transformation. The #timewarpscan has been viewed More than 14.3 billionTimes have changed.
Celebrities and top creators
TikTok’s heart is made up of creators. This year, many of them took the initiative to deliver videos that were authentic to their values and those of brands that align with them. As voices were used to raise awareness about the pandemic, Black Lives Matter and underrepresented communities, we saw a huge cultural shift. The platform continues its role as a platform that inspires and builds community.
So who were the biggest breakout star? TikTok’s list of top creators overall is led by none other than Charli D’AmelioThis includes familiar names as well. Addison Rae, Bella Poarch, and Noah Beck.
A separate creator list dubbed ‘Most Impactful,’ recognizes creators for their efforts in the fight for positive change in the U.S. and around the world. These were the top three names in this group. Doctor Leslie(@drleslie) Taylor Cassidy(@taylorcassidy), Sienna Mae (@siennamae).
Celebrities are a hot topic. Jason DeruloFinished second, followed by Kylie Jenner Lizzo. Other top 10 performers include Tyga. Charlie Puth. Shay Mitchell. Jack Black. Lil Yachty. China McClain, Dr. Phil.
Top songs
TikTok’s top 10 songs feature hits from established hitmakers, rising stars, and previously-unknown artists. The platform’s unabated creativity transformed sounds into immersive experiences in a COVID-19 universe, where in-person experiences such as concerts were no longer possible.
The number one ranking went to Jason Derulo’s “Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat),” with Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage Remix” coming in second and “WAP” by Cardi BMegan Thee Stalin is fourth. Also making the list– “Say So” by Doja Cat.
The complete list is available here hereThere will be winners in categories like top food trends, hacks, top style trends and top product elements. Stay tuned on the 31st for a special New Year’s Eve countdown live on TikTok!
UPDATE: TikTok has also added a new ‘Year in Review‘ feature, which enables users to take a look back at the top videos, tracks and effects they engaged with in the app throughout 2020. You can check it out by clicking the icon on your For You Feed or the Discover Page banner. (You’ll need to be on the latest version of the app).
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