Popular video hosting service TikTok has solidified its place as a hub for creativity, entertainment, and global connection, known for generating viral trends that dominate the internet and shape pop culture. The year 2024 has been no exception, with the platform continuing to set the tone for what’s cool, funny, and memorable.
Owned by Chinese internet company ByteDance, TikTok trends have united users across generations, from lip-syncing challenges that had everyone mimicking their favourite songs and movie quotes to hilarious pranks that brought out laughs and surprises. Add in the viral dance routines that became instant hits, drawing millions of recreations, and it’s easy to see why the app remains a centrepiece of digital culture.
Beyond the fun, TikTok in 2024 also amplified impactful movements and social causes, making it a platform for both entertainment and awareness. Users turned viral trends into opportunities to share stories, spread positivity, and connect on deeper issues, proving the app’s versatility.
As the year draws to a close, it’s time to reflect on the TikTok trends that captivated audiences and inspired creativity worldwide. These moments didn’t just get us talking; they defined the year in the digital space, reminding us of TikTok’s unique power to turn everyday moments into unforgettable cultural phenomena.
See the trends that went viral on TikTok in 2024:
1. Very Demure
@commentforum @Jools Lebron #demureoriginal #verydemure #verymindful #demure
The “Very Demure” trend, started by TikTok creator Jools Lebron, has been a major hit.
It began with her video on how to be “demure at work,” where she humorously gave tips on being reserved, modest, and shy.
It’s all about pretending to be “reserved and modest” while rocking bold and confident vibes.
Nigerians quickly embraced it, using phrases like “very cutesy” and “very mindful” in all sorts of contexts, from office skits to meal prep videos.
2. ‘Suspect’ Running Challenge
@veekeejames COUPLE SUSPECT CHALLENGE 🤣 #fyp #couple #suspectchallenge
The “Suspect Running” challenge added a fun twist to everyday activities. In this trend, participants narrate a funny, third-person police-style description of their friend’s habits while they pretend to run from a crime.
Starting each sentence with “Suspect does X,” the challenge is all about roasting your friends in a playful and hilarious way.
Nigerian creators like Veeke James and Ashmusy tongues wagging over their candid and over-the-top confessions.
3. ‘Give Me My Money’ Prank
@onlythecrowders “Give me my MONEEEEY!” #OnlyTheCrowders #Funny #Family #Fyp #Viral #Comedy #viraltiktok #GiveMeMyMoney #justgivememymoney #prank #Jokes #tiktokchallenge
This simple yet hilarious prank has been taking over TikTok, with over 100k+ videos created so far.
The prank is easy: gather your friends, and everyone takes turns saying “Just give me my money” in a funny voice, while everyone claps enthusiastically.
The twist comes when it’s one person’s turn to say the line — everyone suddenly stops clapping and stares at them awkwardly, leaving them confused and laughing.
The fun lies in how unsuspecting the prank victim is.
4. We Listen, We Don’t Judge Trend
@mrandmrsphoenix We listen we don’t Judge 😂😂.#fyp #viral #husband #fyp #funny
Another TikTok trend that took off in the latter part of 2024 is the “We Listen, We Don’t Judge” trend.
This trend has couples, friends, and families revealing shocking concealed truths to each other under the pre-admission chant, “We listen and we don’t judge.”
The trend encourages participants to share humorous or benign confessions. While the intention is to create a judgment-free zone, some confessions take a darker turn, involving serious admissions.
Despite the light-hearted spirit of the trend, the comment sections are often filled with judgment, making it both fun and unpredictable.
5. Asoka Makeup
@purplespeedy Due to popular demand🌝…. Y’all know I’ll always deliver 🥰💜.. shot by : @Judedrizzy💚🌴 …. #asokamakeup #purplespeedy
Inspired by the Bollywood movie Asoka and its iconic song “San Sanana,” the Asoka makeup trend took TikTok by storm in February 2024.
The trend began with an Indonesian influencer’s makeup transition video that quickly turned into a global challenge.
It features bold eyeliner and geometric patterns inspired by the ancient Indian style seen in the movie.
While not many Nigerian creators showcased this exact style, many have used the song “San Sanana” for comedic skits, making it a fun and trendy sound on TikTok.
6. Sing Chinese
@asuma_priest Yeaaaa, can’t do it boss🙅🏾♂️😂 #fy #fyp #chinesesong #chinese #china #funny #viral #tiktok #lipsync #fypシ
The “Sing Chinese” trend, set to the song “Women Gi” by Chinese artist Zhang Yixing, became a huge hit.
In this trend, TikTok users lip-sync passionately to the song, often pretending they can speak Chinese.
Creators emphasize their emotions and enthusiasm while lip-syncing, with some adding dramatic facial expressions.
7. Tshwala Bami Dance
@jasonderulo First tok for @Larry Bourgeois @Laurent BOURGEOIS @Larry & Laurent
The “Tshwala Bami” dance trend, sparked by the song “Tshwala Bam” by TitoM and Yuppe, became a massive sensation in 2024.
Released on April 4, the Amapiano beat and catchy rhythm made it an instant hit on TikTok.
Nigerian and international celebrities, including Beyoncé and Will Smith, joined the #TswalaBamiChallenge, making the song and dance even more popular.
Burna Boy also jumped on the trend, remixing the track with TitoM and Yuppe. The blend of Afrobeats and Amapiano sounds made it a must-do dance for TikTok users.
