From reveling in brat summer to embodying the traits and characteristics of being “very demure, very mindful,” and making reading hot again. 2024 was a defining moment for pop culture and for the moments that sparked a lasting impact on the online community.
For TikTok’s year-end report, they took the community back to this year’s most memorable trends, from all the shared moments that later became movements. As one of the internet’s melting pots for the emergence of viral catchphrases and iconic dances, TikTok made its mark for initiating conversations and bringing entertainment to its global audience.
“Very demure, very mindful,” which was popularized by Jools Lebron was one of the catchiest phrases this year. Additionally, Kelley Heyer’s Apple dance, inspired by Charli xcx’s “Brat Summer,” also fueled hits that have now made their way to our cultural lexicon.
According to TikTok’s report, the #demure trend hit two birds with one stone as it got coined as a new catchphrase and empowered self-expression. Because of that, the viral word was named the Word of the Year by Dictionary.com. While Brat was named Collins Dictionary’s Word of the Year; defining it as someone “characterized by a confident, independent, and hedonistic attitude.”
Besides that, Megan Boni’s “Man in Finance” was also a conversation starter on dating expectations, gender roles, and the world of finance.
But beyond that, the community also pivoted its attention to the shared love of animals. Adorable creatures from the animal kingdom like Moo Deng (the pygmy hippo from Thailand), Pesto (the oversized King Penguin from Australia), and many others have also inspired conversations on animal welfare and preservation.
Meanwhile, there are over 5.5 million #TeachersOfTikTok posts to date, marking a transformative year for educational communities utilizing the platform to share complex topics and creatively connect with students and like-minded people worldwide. Moreover, their data also found a 45% increase in #sicence posts compared to 2023. The community’s pick this year is STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics), which inspired many to explore the topic through engaging content from astronauts, teachers, and field experts.
@tiktok see how you made an impact in 2024? very mindful, very demure #YearOnTikTok ♬ original sound - TikTok
“Throughout 2024, TikTok continued to redefine how we discover, create, and connect through the shared language of video. From small businesses launching global brands to creators and artists at the forefront of cultural movements, TikTok is a catalyst for economic growth, cultural trends, and social impact,” James Stafford, Global Head of Content, TikTok said.
We celebrate our global community who have inspired and entertained us this year, as we remain committed to nurturing a positive and inclusive environment where everyone can bring joy, have a unique voice, and a chance to shine," he added.
