The platform has been widely associated with
Generation Z and millennials who experiment
with the app’s digital effects like green screens
and and influencers who have launched careers
based on the shared videos.
The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights” and Jason
Derulo’s “Savage Love” inspired TikTok dance
challenges that made them among the top
songs used on the app, as well as the not-safe-
for-grandma “WAP” by Cardi B and Megan
Thee Stallion.
For some TikTok creators, the pandemic itself
became inspiration to create a connection with
other users. Comedian Caitlin Reilly used the
app during quarantine to make fun of those
annoying coworkers on Zoom for one of the top
liked videos. And rapper Curtis Roach made an
anthem for the endless days at home with his
song and meme “Bored in the House.”
The second most popular video was an Idaho
man named Nathan Apodaca who shot to fame
after casually and coolly belting out “Dreams”
by Fleetwod Mac while skateboarding on
an interstate.
“It’s really about capturing an essence and a
moment,” said Chikumbu of Apodaca’s video.
“What Gen Z would call ‘immaculate vibes.’”
But the most liked TikTok video is actually even
harder to explain to those who haven’t used the
app. Bella Poarch, who has 45 million followers,
created a simple but lip synch video with a few
seconds of well-timed head nods and eye rolls.
“She’s gone on to create a lot of more dances
and facial expressions and launching her own
businesses and really turning her art form into
her career,” said Chikumbu.