Introduction

TikTok isn’t just a social media platform anymore—it’s a cultural powerhouse. In 2024, its influence reaches far beyond short-form videos. From fashion and music to language and lifestyle trends, TikTok plays a huge role in shaping global pop culture. It has become the place where new ideas are born, shared, and turned viral overnight.

In this blog, we’ll dive into the ways TikTok is influencing pop culture in 2024—and why you should be paying attention whether you’re a creator, brand, or casual user.

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TikTok: The New Trendsetter of Pop Culture

TikTok is now the go-to platform for trend discovery. In fact, trends that begin on TikTok frequently spread to other platforms like Instagram, YouTube, and even the mainstream media. From viral dance moves and catchphrases to fashion styles and beauty hacks, TikTok is where the next big thing often starts.

You can explore the hottest emerging trends by using platforms like Urlebird, which gives you a real-time look into trending hashtags, profiles, and viral content.

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1. Music Discovery and Revival

TikTok has become the top music discovery tool for Gen Z and millennials. Songs old and new explode on the app and then dominate streaming charts.

• Throwback Hits: TikTok revives forgotten songs from decades ago. Think about how Fleetwood Mac’s “Dreams” charted again in 2020 thanks to a single viral video—and that trend continues in 2024.

• Breaking New Artists: Many independent musicians are now launching careers solely through viral TikTok hits.

• Custom Sound Trends: Users remix audio clips and songs, creating viral sound bites that brands and creators use creatively.

To stay ahead of audio trends, try using TikTok Viewer for discovering what sounds are driving content this week.

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2. Redefining Fashion and Beauty

TikTok is now a virtual runway where trends are born. Instead of high-end fashion shows, Gen Z and young millennials look to TikTok for inspiration.

• Microtrends like “coastal grandma” or “blokecore” become global fashion statements within days.

• Makeup tutorials, skincare routines, and transformation videos go viral and launch entire product lines into fame.

• Influencers often share clothing hauls, try-ons, and styling tips with hashtags like #TikTokFashion and #BeautyTok.

These videos feel more real and accessible, pushing people to try new styles from small creators rather than luxury brands.

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3. Language and Slang

TikTok has become a dictionary of modern slang. Words and phrases like “main character energy,” “delulu,” or “rizz” gain popularity and then get adopted into everyday conversations.

These terms often start in niche communities and then go viral, influencing how people speak, even in professional settings or on TV shows.

This linguistic evolution highlights TikTok’s unique ability to shape communication trends globally, often faster than any other platform.

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4. The Rise of Viral Recipes and Food Trends

If you’ve tried baked feta pasta, cloud bread, or butter boards, you have TikTok to thank.

In 2024, TikTok is still influencing how and what people eat:

• Quick hacks for students and busy parents.

• Luxury plating tutorials from home chefs.

• Unusual ingredient pairings that actually taste great.

Entire cookbooks and food brands have launched based on trends that went viral through food-related hashtags. If you’re curious what’s trending in the culinary space, Tikcotech can help you uncover the latest viral food videos.

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5. BookTok, MovieTok, and Media Obsession

TikTok’s influence on the entertainment industry can’t be overstated. Books, films, and series become bestsellers or box office hits thanks to viral content.

• BookTok has driven multiple novels to the top of bestseller lists, often months or years after release.

• MovieTok creates fan theories, edits, and niche communities that keep shows alive well after their airing.

• Spoiler culture is now a big part of media engagement—people don’t mind being spoiled if the story is intriguing enough.

From indie films to fantasy novels, TikTok is now a cultural gatekeeper, shaping what becomes the next must-watch or must-read.

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6. Everyday People as Pop Culture Icons

TikTok democratizes fame. You don’t need a Hollywood agent or millions of dollars. All it takes is one video.

• Ordinary users become meme legends or trendsetters.

• Small creators turn their passion into careers—selling art, sharing life hacks, or even offering relationship advice.

• People from all walks of life become relatable influencers, with viral content that inspires and connects.

You can explore these rising stars and their viral journeys using the TikTok Profile Viewer to track accounts and engagement.

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7. TikTok’s Impact on Mental Health and Identity

Another significant shift is how TikTok influences self-expression and awareness around mental health.

• Creators openly talk about anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and more—making space for honest conversations.

• People discover relatable experiences and coping tips through Mental Health Tok.

• Identity exploration (gender, sexuality, neurodiversity) is encouraged and celebrated in many communities.

TikTok helps normalize being vulnerable and real, building a supportive culture where authenticity wins.

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8. TikTok and Memes: A New Artform

TikTok has turned meme-making into a high-speed, collaborative form of digital art.

• Users build on each other’s content with duets, stitches, and remixes.

• New joke formats, absurdist humor, and surreal edits push creativity to new levels.

• Memes are not just funny—they’re layered, emotional, and often socially aware.

The result is a constantly evolving meme ecosystem that spreads faster than anything on Reddit or Twitter.

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Conclusion

In 2024, TikTok isn’t just influencing pop culture—it is pop culture. From shaping the way we speak, dress, eat, and even think, TikTok’s impact is massive and ever-expanding. Whether you’re a creator, a brand, or simply a fan, understanding TikTok’s cultural role is key to staying connected in today’s digital world.

To stay ahead of trends, track viral profiles, and analyze engagement, make use of tools like Urlebird and Tikcotech. TikTok is no longer optional—it’s where culture is made.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How does TikTok influence music today?

TikTok breaks new artists and revives old hits by making songs go viral through trends, edits, and challenges.

2. What is BookTok?

BookTok is a TikTok community that shares book reviews, recommendations, and reactions, often boosting books to bestseller lists.

3. How does TikTok affect fashion trends?

TikTok popularizes microtrends like “Y2K style” or “clean girl aesthetic,” shaping what people wear and buy.

4. Can TikTok change the way people speak?

Yes! TikTok popularizes slang and new phrases that quickly enter everyday language across the world.

5. What is TikTok SEO?

TikTok SEO is the practice of using keywords and hashtags to make your content easily discoverable in TikTok search.

6. Are memes on TikTok different from other platforms?

Yes, TikTok memes are more visual, interactive, and layered thanks to duet, stitch, and editing tools.

7. Can I find food and recipe content on TikTok?

Absolutely. FoodTok offers recipes, hacks, and aesthetic cooking content that often goes viral.

8. How do I keep up with TikTok trends?

Use tools like Urlebird and Tikcotech to track trending videos and sounds.

9. Is TikTok influencing mental health conversations?

Yes, many users talk openly about mental health, normalizing discussions and sharing coping tips.

10. Is TikTok just for young people?

No. While popular with Gen Z, TikTok now includes creators and viewers of all ages, interests, and backgrounds.