TikTok Worlds

Before the pandemic, I told my younger sister I’d never download TikTok. I’m more of a classic millennial—I still use Facebook (I know!) and I love a good YouTube compilation video. But as quarantine dragged on, I found myself looking over my sister’s shoulder more and more, until I finally took the plunge and downloaded the app for myself in July.

With all its flaws and controversies, I’ve found TikTok to be an amazingly diverse, interesting, and entertaining place on social media. For every hobby or interest you can think of, there seems to be a community somewhere on TikTok. And everyone who is on the app knows that the algorithm can be scarily accurate! In 2020, TikTok was a small source of joy in an otherwise dark year. Here are some of the TikTok niches and trends that made me smile this year.

As in…stones. Many of us developed new hobbies during quarantine—or lived vicariously through others hobbies on social media. Maybe it’s the stay-at-home boredom getting to me, but these before and after rock tumbler videos have me keeping a closer eye on the ground.

Hashtags to Check Out: #rocktok, #rocktumbler, #rockhunting, #geology, #geologyrocks

https://www.tiktok.com/@shaneerah/video/6802733953213091078?lang=en

Let’s face it, as kids we all wanted to be a marine biologist at some point. I’ve enjoyed watching some serious marine biologists and marine biology students on TikTok living out my childhood dream.

Hashtags to Check Out: #marinebiology, #marinebiologytok, #marinebiologystudent

https://www.tiktok.com/@intertidalkendy/video/6905192793287691526?lang=en

During 2020, we’ve learned to appreciate our pets and the wholesome feelings they give us more than ever before. When you need a pick-me-up, you can find every kind of cute pet on TikTok, from cats, to frogs, to hermit crabs.

Hashtags to Check Out: #petsoftiktok, #cattok, #frogtok, #dogsoftiktok

https://www.tiktok.com/@louryan/video/6908142691956100358?lang=en

You might want to check your sources before referencing a TikTok for your research paper, but there are lots of creators talking about important lesser-known history on the app. I’ve been amazed by some of the people and events I didn’t learn about in school.

Hashtags to Check Out: #historymemes, #historylesson, #historytiktok, #blackhistory, #LGBTQHistory, #worldhistory

https://www.tiktok.com/@frederick_lewis1/video/6904648422859558149?lang=en

I never thought TikTok would help me learn how to take better care of my houseplants, but here we are!

Hashtags to Check Out: #planttiktok, #planttok, #gardeningtiktok, #plantmom

https://www.tiktok.com/@gardengal_/video/6892147758824754438?lang=en

2020 was an especially awful year for mental health. Nothing can replace the expertise of a health professional, but a few quick tips and some positive vibes doesn’t hurt.This year, I’m thankful for the creators that interrupted my scrolling to remind me that I’m not alone, and that I should take a moment to care for myself. Note: Be sure to watch with caution in case of triggering content (for example, users sharing traumatic experiences and recovery). If you’re going through a dark time, it may be better to stick to Pet Tok and reach out to a mental health professional.

Hashtags to Check Out: #mentalhealthmatters, #mentalhealthawareness, #anxietytips, #anxietyrelief, #depressionrecovery

https://www.tiktok.com/@amandatheanxietycoach/video/6877209811398823173?lang=en

• See if you can take some of the tips you’ve learned on TikTok into your everyday life—Plant Tok has taught me how to mix soil like a pro!
• Like, share, and comment on the videos of creators you enjoy who are doing good work. Many are now using TikTok to educate and inform others on important topics.
• If you’re part of a cool community or niche, consider sharing your passion on TikTok. Chances are there are others like you searching the app for inspiration.

–Madeline Fink, Content Creator