How to Spot Viral TikTok Trends in 2024: The Full Guide

Introduction

TikTok has completely transformed the social media landscape with its short-form videos and rapidly evolving trends. With over 1.04 billion active users in 2024, the platform offers unparalleled opportunities for creators and brands to engage with a global audience. 

However, the key to unlocking this potential lies in your ability to spot and leverage viral trends before they hit the mainstream. This comprehensive guide will walk you through 10 proven strategies to discover the latest TikTok trends and use them to your advantage.

1. Make Use of TikTok’s Search Function

The TikTok search bar is your first stop for trend discovery.

• Keyword Searches: Input phrases like “viral challenges,” “trending dances,” or “popular effects” to uncover current trends.
• Filter by Content Type: Use filters to narrow down results to videos, users, sounds, or hashtags.
• Stay Updated: The search suggestions often highlight what’s gaining traction at the moment.

Action Step: Set aside time daily to explore different keywords and see what’s popping up.

2. Engage with the “For You” Page (FYP)

The FYP is TikTok’s algorithm-driven feed showcasing content tailored to your interests.

• Active Engagement: Like, comment, and share videos to refine the algorithm’s understanding of your preferences.
• Spot Recurring Content: Notice if certain sounds, dances, or formats appear frequently—they’re likely trending.
• Diversity Matters: Interact with a variety of content to get a broader view of potential trends.

Read more about what the For You Page (FYP) is and how it works.

3. Explore TikTok’s Creative Center

TikTok’s Creative Center is a hub for insights on trending content.

• Trending Ads and Creatives: Learn from top-performing ads and creatives to inspire your content.
• Hashtag Insights: Discover which hashtags are gaining momentum.
• Audience Insights: Understand demographics engaging with specific trends.

Access TikTok’s Creative Center Here »

Pro Tip: Use the “Top Ads” feature to see what’s working well for others.

4. Follow Influential Creators and Trend Accounts

Influencers often set or amplify trends.

• Identify Trendsetters: Look for creators with rapid growth or high engagement rates.
• Turn on Notifications: Get alerts when they post new content.
• Engage with Trend Accounts: Accounts that focus on curating and highlighting trends can be invaluable.

Some Recommended Accounts to Follow:

• @TikTok: The official TikTok account frequently features trending content, challenges, and creator spotlights.
• @TikTokCreators: Provides updates on trending topics and showcases creative content from various users.

5. Monitor Trending Hashtags

Hashtags are the lifeblood of TikTok’s discoverability.

• Daily Hashtag Check: Make it a habit to review trending hashtags daily.
• Participate in Hashtag Challenges: These often have high visibility and engagement.
• Create Your Own Hashtags: Encourage your followers to use them to start your own trend.

Popular Hashtags in 2024:

• #2024TrendAlert
• #ViralVideo
• #NewChallenge
• #TikTokMadeMeDoIt

6. Keep an Eye on Other Social Media Platforms

Cross-platform trends can give you a competitive edge.

• Instagram Reels and YouTube Shorts: These platforms often share similar content styles with TikTok.
• Twitter Trending Topics: Real-time events here can inspire TikTok content.
• Reddit Communities: Subreddits like r/TikTokTrends or r/SocialMedia can offer insights.

Action Step: Allocate time each week to browse these platforms for potential trends.

7. Leverage Trend Analysis Tools

Data-driven insights can significantly enhance your trend-spotting abilities.

• TrendTok Analytics: Provides predictive analytics on upcoming trends.
• Pentos: Offers comprehensive analytics on sounds, hashtags, and profiles.
• Google Trends: Use it to see if TikTok trends are gaining popularity beyond the platform.

8. Capitalize on Viral Sounds

Sounds are integral to TikTok’s culture.

• TikTok’s Sound Library: Regularly check the “Trending” section.
• Spotify Viral Charts: This playlist can hint at songs gaining popularity on TikTok.
• Original Sounds: Don’t underestimate the power of creating your own sound.

Statistic: 90% of TikTok users consider sound vital to the TikTok experience.

Action Step: When you find a trending sound, think of unique ways to use it in your content.

9. Align with Seasonal and Cultural Events

Timing is everything.

• Create a Content Calendar: Mark important dates like holidays, festivals, or significant events.
• Tailor Content Accordingly: For instance, create eco-friendly content for Earth Day or motivational themes for the New Year.
• Stay Culturally Sensitive: Ensure your content respects all cultures and communities.

Upcoming Events in 2024:

• Presidential Elections
• Major Music Festivals

10. Collaborate with Trend-Savvy Influencers

Partnerships can exponentially increase your reach.

• Micro-Influencers: Don’t overlook creators with smaller but highly engaged audiences. For the complete guide on how to find and hire micro-influencers in 2024, read this article.
• Joint Challenges: Co-create a challenge to boost participation.
• Sponsored Content: Be transparent about partnerships to maintain trust.

Platforms for Collaboration:

• TikTok Creator Marketplace
• Influencer Marketing Platforms: Such as Upfluence
• Direct Outreach: Engage with influencers via direct messages or email.
• 2024 Updated Influencer database: FindMeCreators

Action Step: Develop a clear proposal before approaching influencers.

Follow Viral Influencers to Spot Trends

To stay ahead of the curve, follow influencers who are known for creating or popularizing trends. You don’t need to follow these ones, but you should find and follow the most viral accounts that do content around your niche, so that you can spot straight away when a new trend has popped up.

• @charlidamelio (Charli D’Amelio): One of TikTok’s most-followed creators, famous for her dance videos and trendsetting content.
• @khaby.lame (Khaby Lame): Known for his silent comedic reactions to overly complicated life hacks, Khaby often sparks new trends.
• @addisonre (Addison Rae): A top creator who frequently participates in and initiates trending dances and challenges.
• @bellapoarch (Bella Poarch): Gained fame for her lip-syncing videos and has since become a music artist, influencing music trends on TikTok.
• @zachking (Zach King): Known for his digital magic tricks and illusions, offering a unique twist to trending content.

Why Follow Them?

• Early Access to Trends: These influencers often start or popularize new trends.
• Inspiration for Content: Their creative approaches can spark ideas for your own videos.
• Engagement Strategies: Observe how they interact with their audience to improve your engagement.

Action Step: Follow these and other major TikTok influencers and turn on notifications to stay updated on their latest posts.

Why Staying Ahead of Trends Matters

Understanding and participating in trends offers several benefits:

• Algorithm Favorability: TikTok’s algorithm tends to promote trending content.
• Audience Growth: Trends can attract new followers interested in that content.
• Brand Relevance: Shows that you or your brand are current and engaged.

Case Study: Brands that quickly adapted to the #FlipTheSwitch challenge saw a 150% increase in engagement.

Not to mention, early adopters often become trendsetters, gaining a reputation for being innovative and in touch with the community. This can lead to increased trust and loyalty among your audience.

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Pro Tips for Predicting Upcoming Trends

Want to be a trendsetter rather than a follower? Here’s how:

• Early Engagement: Be active in beta features or new TikTok updates.
• Community Participation: Join TikTok groups on platforms like Discord, Clubhouse, or Facebook.
• Educate Yourself: Stay informed about global news, pop culture, and memes that could inspire new trends.

Additional Strategies:

• Monitor Emerging Creators: New creators can bring fresh ideas that become trends.
• Pay Attention to Music Releases: New songs often become the next trending sound.
• Watch Global Content: Trends from other countries can cross over to your region.

Networking Tip: Attend virtual events or webinars focused on TikTok strategies to connect with other creators and marketers.

Conclusion

Staying ahead of TikTok trends in 2024 is a dynamic process that combines observation, analysis, and creativity. By implementing these strategies, you’ll position yourself to not only ride the wave of current trends but also potentially start your own. Remember, the TikTok landscape moves quickly—so should you.

By actively engaging with the platform, taking advantage of available tools, and keeping an eye on both TikTok and external social media channels, you can maintain a competitive edge. Whether you’re a content creator aiming for virality or a brand seeking to connect with your audience, understanding and leveraging trends is crucial for success on TikTok.