TikTok's breakout stars, memes and music from 2022 — and, wow, there's a lot
TikTok released its Year on TikTok: 2022. Here are the trends, songs and creators that made their mark this year.
Every day, communities convene on TikTok to share their funniest, toughest and weirdest moments. Whether it’s a shared sense of humor or a shared love of dance, TikTok is where celebs, creators and fans keep things copacetic. In 2022, all three groups drove trends, memes and memorable moments.
Who were the breakout stars of TikTok in 2022?
1. @dylanmulvaney
Trans actress and comic Dylan Mulvaney captivated TikTok as she documented her transition in the series “Days of Girlhood,” which earned over 1 billion views.
2. @pepperonimuffin
Influencer Kirsten shared her Hawaiian culture in lighthearted, funny and creative ways.
3. @kervo.dolo
Comedian Kervo Dolo made TikTok laugh in 2022 with his funny skits and impersonations.
4. @drewafualo
TikTok’s very own “Crusader of Women,” Drew Afualo is best known for using humor to call out misogyny.
5. @shoelover99
Ophelia Nichols, aka “Mama Tot,” cultivated a space for healing on her channel even through life’s toughest moments.
6. @drewbarrymore
Actress and television host Drew Barrymore created a viral moment when she willingly drenched herself in the pouring rain.
7. @lupitanyongo
This year, Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyong’o gave glimpses into her Hollywood life to fans.
8. @jaedengomezz & @karaleighcannella
Best friends Jaeden and Kara are dance-challenge royalty. Jaeden came up with the viral dances for Lizzo’s “About Damn Time” and Ariana Grande’s “34+35.” Meanwhile, Kara choreographed the dances to “Conceited” by Flo Milli and “Cry Baby” by Megan Thee Stallion.
Gen Zer Reece Feldman is an entertainment connoisseur. He went viral as a production assistant on the set of The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. Now, he creates industry-related content.
10. @richardajefferson
Former NBA player and game analyst Richard Jefferson made sports fans laugh by roasting himself and his colleagues.
What were the top trending videos on TikTok in 2022?
1. @amauryguichon – Constructing a very large chocolate giraffe
Amaury Guichon’s mesmerizing construction of an 8.3-foot-tall giraffe made entirely of chocolate nabbed TikTok’s top spot.
2. @chipmunksoftiktok – Squishy’s back after hibernation!
SquirrelTok got a real treat when Squishy the squirrel emerged from winter hibernation to feast upon a few nuts.
3. @rosalia – You can say a lot with the way you chew gum
Spanish singer Rosalia acknowledged her “chewing gum” meme and sent fans into a tizzy.
4. @blondebrunetteredhead – A deadpan take on “Jiggle Jiggle” by the leads of Riverdale
The Riverdale ladies flexed their choreo skills in this cheeky routine.
5. @little.blooming.women – “I’m just a baby!”
A toddler’s defensive plea to her mother that she’s “just a baby” was all too relatable.
6. @schmoyoho – The beloved Corn Kid gets remixed
Corn Kid’s passion for corn melted America’s hearts this year. Naturally, this musical remix of his iconic interview was a certified bop.
7. @lizzo – Lizzo helps us learn the choreo for “About Damn Time”
Singer Lizzo did not mince words when she instructed fans on how to do her hit single’s dance challenge — perfectly.
8. @itsmrfinn – A teacher’s elaborate yearly school musical reveal
This drama teacher practically tortured his students with anticipation just to announce which musical they’d be doing.
9. @jimmydarts – Helping Tom get back on his feet
Influencer Jimmy Darts showed how Tom, an unhoused man he befriended, turned his life around.
10. @meltandpour – The ultimate showdown: lava vs. ice
Lava and ice went head to head in a legendary battle with a surprising winner.
What were the top songs on TikTok in 2022?
1. “Sunroof” – Nicky Youre & dazy
The upbeat tune nabbed the top spot in 2022 after being featured in 8.9 million videos.
2. “L$d” – Luclover
The hip-hop snippet used in 7.5 million videos has become the perfect soundtrack to flexing.
3. “Ginseng Strip 2002” – Yung Lean
The chill song found its way into 10.6 million videos in 2022.
4. “About Damn Time” – Lizzo
Lizzo’s top-charting single has been featured in 1.9 million videos.
5. “Just a Cloud Away” – Pharrell Williams
Pharrell’s throwback track saw a revival on TikTok seven years after its initial release. TikTokers have put it in over 2.4 million videos.
6. “Forever” – Labrinth
Used in 4.1 million videos, this song from the soundtrack of HBO’s Euphoria was perfect for 2022’s moody moments.
7. “Wait a Minute!” – WILLOW
Many dances were done to the groovy tune that’s been featured in 1 million TikToks.
8. “Jiggle Jiggle” – Duke & Jones, Louis Theroux
This silly rap song has inspired 6.6 million tongue-in-cheek videos.
9. “BILLIE EILISH.” – Armani White
Rapper Armani White’s homage to the singer resonated with more than just Eilish fans. In 2022, it was featured in 2.9 million videos and spawned trends.
10. “Running Up That Hill (A Deal With God)” – Kate Bush
Stranger Things sparked new interest in Bush’s hit from nearly 30 years ago. The song scored over 2.6 million TikToks.
The post The breakout stars, songs and moments on TikTok in 2022 — and, wow, there are a lot appeared first on In The Know.
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