Tik tok in 2024

TikTok Viral Trends of 2024: A Deep Dive into the Internet’s Biggest Sensations

TikTok has once again proven its dominance in shaping global culture, with 2024 bringing a fresh wave of viral trends that captivated millions. From quirky catchphrases to food experiments and adorable animals, TikTok set the stage for new influencers, brands, and even economic shifts. In this article, we’ll explore the biggest viral trends that defined 2024, breaking down their impact on pop culture and the internet.

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1. “Very Demure, Very Mindful” – The Catchphrase That Took Over

One of the most unexpected yet defining TikTok trends of 2024 was the phrase “Very demure, very mindful.” Originally coined by Jools Lebron, a lifestyle influencer known for her soothing content, the phrase quickly transcended its initial context and became a viral staple in everyday conversations.

How Did It Start?

Jools used the phrase in a video where she described her approach to dressing with elegance and simplicity. She casually remarked, “I like to keep my fashion very demure, very mindful,” which viewers found oddly satisfying and relatable.

The Rise of a Viral Phrase

Within weeks, the phrase was everywhere:

Parodies and Memes: People humorously applied it to unrelated topics like eating junk food (“Very demure, very mindful…as I devour this burger”).

Brands Jumped In: Skincare, fashion, and wellness brands began incorporating the phrase into their advertising campaigns.

Dictionary.com’s Word of the Year: The phrase became so influential that it was recognized as a cultural phenomenon, making it into online dictionaries.

This trend showed how simple, aesthetic phrases can evolve into massive cultural touchstones, influencing everything from fashion choices to mental wellness discussions.

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2. Moo Deng the Pygmy Hippo & Pesto the King Penguin – The Internet’s Favorite Animals

TikTok has a long history of obsessing over cute animals, and 2024 was no exception. Two unlikely stars stole the spotlight this year:

Moo Deng, the Pygmy Hippo

Moo Deng, a baby pygmy hippo from a wildlife rescue center, became TikTok’s most beloved animal after a viral video showed him slipping and tumbling into a pond. His playful antics and curious nature made him an instant star.

Why Did Moo Deng Go Viral?

Endearing Personality: His wobbly walking and clumsy falls created meme-worthy content.

Conservation Awareness: His fame led to increased donations for hippo conservation efforts.

Merchandise Boom: Moo Deng plushies and stickers flooded online marketplaces.

Pesto, the King Penguin

Another animal sensation was Pesto, the King Penguin from a European zoo. Unlike regular penguins, Pesto had a habit of following zookeepers around like a lost puppy. A video of him waddling after a caretaker while dramatically tripping over a pebble hit 50 million views overnight.

Impact of Animal Virality

Both Moo Deng and Pesto’s popularity led to:

Educational Videos: People learned about their species and conservation.

Tourism Boost: Visitors flocked to the zoos housing these animals.

Branded Collaborations: Companies made Pesto-themed T-shirts and hippo phone cases.

Animals have always been TikTok royalty, but Moo Deng and Pesto proved that adorable, unexpected moments can dominate the internet.

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3. The “Cucumber Guy” – Logan Moffitt’s Unexpected Food Trend

If 2023 was about butter boards and 2022 was about baked feta pasta, 2024 belonged to cucumbers—thanks to a guy named Logan Moffitt.

How Did It Start?

Logan, an amateur chef and food content creator, posted a simple video of himself slicing a cucumber into thin ribbons, then seasoning it with chili flakes and honey. His enthusiasm and phrase “This is life-changing, trust me” sparked curiosity.

The Cucumber Explosion

Before anyone realized what was happening:

Cucumber sales skyrocketed, with grocery stores reporting a 300% increase in demand.

Restaurants began featuring cucumber-based dishes like cucumber tacos and cucumber sorbet.

Mishaps followed—TikTokers started trying to slice cucumbers like Logan, leading to a surge in minor kitchen injuries.

This trend showed how simple, refreshing food ideas can become cultural phenomena, influencing diets, restaurant menus, and even product sales.

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4. The Return of “Old Money” and “Quiet Luxury” Trends

Fashion trends on TikTok often revolve around aesthetic movements, and in 2024, the “Old Money” and “Quiet Luxury” trends made a massive comeback.

What Is the Old Money Aesthetic?

This trend celebrates classic, understated fashion associated with European elites and American Ivy League culture. It features:

Neutral colors (beige, navy, white).

Minimalist gold jewelry.

Expensive-looking outfits with no visible logos (unlike past logo-heavy designer trends).

How Did It Go Viral?

TikTok influencers posted videos explaining how to “dress like you have old money”, focusing on:

Investing in quality over quantity.

Wearing unbranded luxury items.

Elegant behaviors and etiquette tips.

Impact on the Fashion Industry

High-end brands like Loro Piana, The Row, and Brunello Cucinelli gained traction.

Fast fashion brands copied the aesthetic, making budget-friendly versions.

Young professionals embraced the trend, leading to a shift from streetwear to sophisticated attire.

This trend proved that fashion moves in cycles, and sometimes, less is more.

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5. “AI Influencers” and the Rise of Virtual Content Creators

AI has been creeping into every part of the internet, but in 2024, TikTok saw an explosion of AI-generated influencers who looked and acted just like real people.

Who Were the AI Stars of 2024?

Kyra, the Virtual Model: An AI-generated fashion influencer who partnered with brands.

NeoChef, the AI Food Critic: An AI persona that reviewed real restaurants and recipes.

Echo, the AI Storyteller: An AI-generated personality who told interactive stories with audience input.

Why Did This Trend Take Off?

AI influencers never age, get tired, or need breaks.

Brands saved money by using AI-generated ads instead of hiring real people.

People were fascinated by the blurring lines between reality and fiction.

While some feared that AI influencers would replace human creators, the trend mainly showed how AI can be a tool for creativity rather than competition.

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Conclusion: What We Learned from TikTok’s 2024 Trends

TikTok’s viral trends in 2024 highlighted three key lessons:

1. Authenticity Wins – From cute animals to simple food trends, people love relatable, unscripted content.

2. Microtrends Have Real-World Impact – A simple cucumber recipe can change grocery sales, and a random phrase can enter the dictionary.

3. The Internet Loves a Good Story – Whether it’s a hippo slipping into water or an AI influencer gaining followers, TikTok thrives on engaging narratives.

As we move into 2025, one thing is clear: TikTok isn’t just an app—it’s a cultural powerhouse. Whether you’re looking for the next fashion wave, food craze, or viral catchphrase, TikTok is where trends are born.

So, what’s next? Only time (and the For You Page) will tell.