The Brief: Here's a roundup of the year's best TikTok trends, memes, and dance challenges.
DEEP DIVE
It’s been a memorable year, especially on TikTok. The platform saw creators use their platforms to share everything from dance challenges to memes about popular celebrities. Here are some of the most viral TikToks of 2020.
Mi Pan Su Su Sum
The “Mi Pan Su Su Sum” track sparked a viral, international sensation with its popularity tracing back to TikToks of a dancing llama and photos of bread.
@ya.rozalia Yes, It is my accelerated voice. Miel Pops )) I just did a cover on russian commercial about cereal
Dancing Baby Trend
The dancing “Oogachaka” Baby from Ally McBeal in the ’90s made an appearance in April 2020 as a viral high-def TikTok meme where creators made jokes about babies and miscarriages. Some of these jokes might be considered insensitive.
@she.aint_allat Welp… #getintoit #viral #funny #gottablast #keepingbusy #outofpocket #nsfw #baby
Doggface Drinking Cranberry Juice While Skateboarding
Who knew drinking cranberry juice while skateboarding to Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” would lead to incredible viral success and an entirely new life for Nathan Apodaca, aka, Doggface.
@420doggface208 Morning vibe #420souljahz #ec #feelinggood #h2o #cloud9 #happyhippie #worldpeace #king #peaceup #merch tacos #waterislife #high #morning #710 #cloud9
@angietrusty8 Morning vibe. So glad I didn’t fall & break a bone or spill my martini. Inspired by @420doggface208 #morningvibes #skateboarding #vibewithus
Oh No!
Watching other people fail will never not be funny! The “Oh No” trend definitely proves this.
@itsmenicksmithy This trend fit perfectly for this video
Dance Trends & Challenges
2020 was nowhere short of dance challenges and these were some of the most infectious routines.
#SavageChallenge
This dance performed to Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage” was created by @Keke.Janajah. She performed her dance daily until it caught the eye of Thee Stallion herself. The choreo became so popular it appeared across all major social media platforms and was performed by Megan Thee Stallion and other celebs like Justin and Hailey Bieber, Tinashe, Marsai Martin, Keke Palmer, and many more.
@keke.janajah day 2 doing my dance till it goes viral 🤗 #PlayWithLife #foyou #fyp #foryoupage #newdance #megan
#SaySo Dance
The “Say So” choreo by Haley Sharpe (@YodelingHaley) was another major hit. So much so, Doja Cat performed the choreo in the “Say So” music video and invited Sharpe to make a cameo.
@yodelinghaley and here’s the dance🤪🥰 and THANK YOU FOR 10 MILLION HEARTS OMG THAT’S CRAZY
Blinding Lights
TikTokers and their parents broke out their best ’80s-style dance moves as part of the #BlindingLightsChallenge set to The Weeknd’s “Blinding Lights.”
@the.mcfarlands You asked for it… Here it is 📸 #blindinglightschallenge #blindinglights #happyathome
Taylor Swift “Love Story” Disco Lines Remix Dance
All TikTokers need are a skateboard to hop on this infectious choreo set to Taylor Swift’s “Love Story” disco lines remix.
@pokemonmasterzo POV: ur my phone on a skateboard being propped up by a bottle of all™️ free and clear laundry detergent for sensitive skin #fyp SlurpeeSummer
TikTok Memes
Even on a video app, Zoomers found a way to create memes out of funny audio clips. Here are some of the best.
“I Was Supposed To Be In The Video”
Madison Beer once said she was supposed to be in Ariana Grande’s “Thank U, Next” music video and fans ran with it, creating a catchy TikTok meme.
@hak.du The other half didn’t get appreciated enough 💀#sun #drawing #childhood #madisonbeer
“Bad Bleep Addison Rae”
A clip of Addison Rae’s discussing the Kid Laroi track that was named after her also got the meme treatment.
@pogobabayyy no way! So glad she clarified the meaning behind that😊
“Two Pretty Best Friends”
A TikTok relationship advice enthusiast @jayrscottyy believes others are hard-pressed to find a pair of attractive friends. His quote (and striking looks) became the subject of many creative and unique memes.
@jayrscottyy why y’all never choose another equal to be y’all best friend?? I hate when the ugly one call the pretty 1 “twin” if ur best friend bad as u tag her rn
@ernatheartist 🙁 #WellDone #collegelife #iainteverseentwoprettybestfriends #foryoupage #fyp #foryou
“If You Ever See Me Fighting In The Forest With A Grizzly Bear…”
Rapper Mystikal’s freestyle about being such a savage he’d fist fight a grizzly bear became a meme for TikTokers to showcase just how fearless they are.
@leilafit #foryou #fyp #hospital #bored #covid19 LittleBitFancy #TravelMemories
Game Trends
It’s Tricky/This Or That
The “Its Tricky,This Or That” trend saw groups of friends, families, and couples race toward the direction of on-screen text that indicates their interests and preferences.
@mr_mrs_wash Decisions, decisions, decisions. #washfamily8 #fyp #vs #HolidaysOurWay #meagainsttheworld 
Ruin Our Friendship
TikTokers are “risking it all” and confessing their love for their friends, or at least pretending for likes.
@bbrookebbentley didn’t expect that😂🤫🤣 #fyp #InkDrawing #PajamaJam #boyfriend #blowup #GraphicDesign @jack.mowery
“It’s The… For Me”
The #ItsForMe TikTok challenge saw friends flaming their friends by listing embarrassing things about each other.
@officialpapikaaash