The end of the year is fast approaching, and for community-driven entertainment destination, TikTok, the moment calls for a rewind – a retrospective look at the hottest moments and trends on the platform with #YearOnTikTok. The platform entered 2022 on a high note, having reached the 1-billion-user benchmark during the latter part of 2021.
From the rise in subcultures like #BookTok to the introduction of the first-ever public-voted ‘TikTok Viral Song of the Year’ award in partnership with the South African Music Awards, 2022 was a “year of impact.”
From the rise in subcultures like #BookTok to the introduction of the first-ever public-voted ‘TikTok Viral Song of the Year’ award in partnership with the South African Music Awards, 2022 was a “year of impact.”
These were the words of Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok's Head of Content Programming Sub-Saharan Africa, who commented that: “what happens on TikTok doesn’t stay on TikTok – whether you’re building a brand, showcasing talent or using the platform as a vehicle for self-expression, we’ve seen creators realising tangible, real-world benefits of creating content on the platform."
Sidwaba says that this was true in instances where we saw creators addressing pivotal, global issues such as climate change and interacting with communities in a way that is authentic, raw and creative. But, we also saw this play out on the lighter side of things, with TikTok being used as an entertainment destination for heart-warming humour.
"In the examples of the top-performing content, this year lies a clear illustration of the fact that TikTok is for everyone, everywhere. This is something that we are proud of and will take into the new year as we continue to grow and develop as a platform for discovery, creativity and community.”
TikTok Chief Operating Officer, Vanessa Pappas said: “We’re honoured to celebrate our global community who shaped this year's trends, shared new ideas, learned from one another, and turned their passions into careers and livelihoods throughout 2022. It's been truly inspiring to see over a billion people around the world show their creativity and come together to experience joy and find a sense of belonging on TikTok”.
Now for the exciting stuff
Celebrating #YearOnTikTok, TikTok South Africa puts the spotlight on the hottest, most happening TikTok trends of the past year. In no particular order, they are:
Breakthrough Stars: 2022's groundbreaking creators, celebrities and artists
The year had its fair share of emerging content creators who were destined for superstardom. Amongst these were talented vocalists, dancers and other creators who used the platform to showcase their unique talents. We were both humbled and honoured to see such a rich and diverse mix of talent coming through on the platform this year and really making it big. These were some of South Africa’s favourites:
- @s.eemah_ - always telling it like it is using humour
- @deemrsbee - getting down with Mrs Bee
- @moghelingz - getting down with talented Moghelingz
- @itskamo_ - a dance trio that took over our FYPs with fresh moves to trending sounds. They grew hundreds of thousands of followers this year
- @mandznothot - emerging star Mandisa Jakavula, jumps on a trending sound
- @miss_hilary - celebrating the traditional Xibelani with Miss Hilary
- @robot_boii_rsa - Robot Boii going "Roboto" on Mzansi
FYFaves: The most popular videos of 2022
TikTok’s ‘For You’ feed provides users with a curated offering of content that is tailored to their unique browsing preferences. Every ‘For You’ feed is different, ensuring that TikTok users are served the content they want to see, when they want to see it. Check out the videos that made this year’s leading list on ‘For You’ feeds across South Africa:
- @alphi_sipho - konkaring at KONA with Mam'Sbosh
- @bafanamthembu3 - local fashion trendsetter. Bhinca Cool
- @godsbutler - Vlogger taking us through his day in a South African township
- @thembiseete1- legendary songstress, actress and Idols South Africa judge, Thembi Seete reveals one of her Idols' Looks and details from behind-the-scenes
- @bontle_ba_afrika - one of SA's top dancers and choreographers dancing to Big Flexa - Costa Titch
- @oskidoibelieve - producer and award-winning musician who has taken over South African TikTok with Sis Judy
- @primo9teen - Primo adds a humorous twist to a global music trend
The Hitmakers South Africa: Most viewed artists on TikTok
From homemade beats to golden oldies and musical classics, TikTok is the platform to be on if you want to keep abreast of the biggest movements on the music scene. The following were the artists that made it big on TikTok this year:
The Playlist: The songs that soundtracked 2022
Music remained the mainstay of TikTok in 2022, with breakthrough artists using the platform to find their voice and the world’s most renowned singers, producers and musical artists using the platform to showcase their latest and greatest. The following is a list of the music that trended on TikTok among South African audiences:
- Bafo (feat. Sizwe Alakine, K-Zaka, Djy Ma'Ten, Djy Zan SA, Djy Biza & M.J) by Mr.JazziQ
- SETE (feat. Young Stunna & Blxckie) by K.O
- Sofa Silahlane by Wanitwa Mos & Master KG & Lowsheen
- uMlando (feat. Sir Trill, Sino Msolo, Lady Du, Young Stunna and Slade) by 9umba & TOSS & Mdoovar
- Trigger by Dj Karri
- Ketseng by Felo Le Tee & DBN Gogo & MJ
- Buga (Lo Lo Lo) by Kizz Daniel & Tekno
- Manca by Felo Le Tee & Toss
- Hamba Wena by Deep London & Boohle
- Salary Salary by Robot Boii & Mellow & Sleazy & Soul Revolver
Only on TikTok: Trends powered by creative effects, sounds and other product features
TikTok knows no limits when it comes to creativity, and its communities took theirs to new heights this year, powered by the tools and features that are unique to the platform. These were the videos that featured elements that are unique to TikTok:
- @stunningmaze - the use of make-up effect and transition to reveal a new red carpet outfit
- @chila_and_matevhu - the Unhappy Effect
- @jessicamashaba20 - the Thriller Effect
- @kayurinthirushanvg - SoftieCam By huseyincanxs
- @laurenandlaratiktok - Freeze Frame Effect
- @da_future7 - Double Layers Effect
Big Little Communities: Popular subcultures and niche communities
One of the things that our users have come to know and love about TikTok is the enabling environment it provides for the emergence of niche communities and subcultures. These were some of the communities that captured the imagination of South Africans this year:
- @kimpinkillustration - children's books illustrator, Kimpink, working on her ameloen Super hero character #BookTok
- @.lachief - tech and #Appreviews
- @exclusivebooks - partner, Exclusive Books took on the #BookTok challenge
TikTok Taught Me: Lessons and life hacks powered by TikTok trends and features
2022 saw TikTok being used to entertain and inspire, but also to inform. Its immense value as an educational platform was clear in the overwhelming popularity of videos that provided users with quick and easy life hacks and bite-sized lessons. These were some of the most popular videos in this category:
- @triciampisi - learning the difference between DRC and Congo Brazzaville
- @doctor.siya - World Famous Doctor teaches about eye health myths
- @missangler - amazing Biology teacher, MissAngler, teaches how to study exam questions
- @connie_ferguson - iconic actress, Connie Furguson teaches dance moves to one lege
- @coachela.randy - learning the basics of skincare
Eats on Repeat: #FoodTok trends and other favourites
On TikTok, nothing captures the hearts and minds of South Africans more than food-related content, with pro chefs, amateur gastronomists and all-round foodies taking to the platform to showcase their culinary creations. These were the recipes and food hacks that made it to the top of menu:
- @yo.meal - student Chef Keso makes a South African corn dog
- @yungearn - food blogger vists most popular braai + Zulu cultural hub - Kwa Mai Mai
- @mfaniruthymiti - Chef creator teaches how to make wings
- @natheerah_solomon - a simple 4-ingredient dessert
- @4king_fantasties - self-taught chef takes a spin at 2min noodles with an Afrikaans narration
Best programmed TikTok LIVE
TikTok LIVE dominated the scene with some great LIVE music performances, social change discussions and social events.
- @thesamas_ - the 28th South African Music Awards and Red Carpet
- @lloyiso - #Love - Valentines Day Live
- @themktshow - the MKT Show African Cup of Nations Watchalongs
- @azz_iad & @mentallyawareng - Mental Health Awareness Campaign
- @tiktok.southafrica - Easter Music Live with Dr Rebecca Malope -
- @mowalolatv - Mowalola SS23 "Burglar Wear" show
Creator of the Year award: This is your chance to vote
Last but not least, for the first time ever, TikTok will be awarding content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa through their inaugural TikTok #TopCreator2022 awards. For this momentous celebration, the platform is calling on all TikTok users throughout the region to vote for their favourite content creator who will stand a chance to be crowned TikTok #TopCreator2022 or #TopCreator2022 runner up for South Africa. Furthermore, the nominated creators will battle it out to earn the crown Creator of the Year title for the whole Sub-Saharan African region.
Public voting will open on TikTok from midnight on 16 December until 23:59 on 23 December. Nominees will be announced on the TikTok Africa newsroom.
Sidwaba concludes: “as a platform, we are going into 2023 strong, with a solid head start on the hottest topics and trends that are capturing the attention of the world and the country at large. We’re excited to find out what lies ahead and remain committed to developing TikTok in a way that provides a safe and secure online environment for self-expression, fun and of course, fame. Here’s to another year of remarkable content."
Image Cred: Instagram
Image Cred: Instagram