What are the TikTok trends right now?

This article has been written by our TikTok expert who will tell you what are the most efficient strategies in your niche

We will tell you what works for your niche on social media

TikTok's landscape has shifted dramatically in July 2025, with new content formats and audio trends reshaping what drives viral success.

The platform now prioritizes emotional authenticity over polished production, while specific audio clips and visual techniques have emerged as the backbone of high-performing content. Understanding these micro-trends can mean the difference between content that gets buried and content that explodes across millions of feeds.

And if you need help with your social media, our team can take a look and help you grow more efficiently.

Summary

TikTok trends in July 2025 center on emotional storytelling, nostalgia-driven content, and authentic personal narratives, while specific audio tracks like "Deslocado" and "Alibi" dominate the platform. The key to viral success lies in mastering first-3-second hooks, leveraging trending challenges like "God forbid..." and "I'm bored, tell me about...", and utilizing niches like ASMR and fitness that are experiencing explosive growth.

Trend Category Specific Elements Actionable Implementation
Trending Audio "Deslocado", "Alibi", "Drop Sax" by LC DE VV, "Aesthetic" by Tollan Use these tracks for transitions, storytelling, and daily routine content
Visual Techniques Nostalgia filters, "Then vs Now" transitions, split screens, bold colors Create vertical 9:16 videos with dynamic cuts and visual misdirection
Hook Strategies "If you ___, stop scrolling!", "The BEST way to ___", confessional statements Target specific audiences directly in first 3 seconds with value promises
Viral Formats "God forbid..." trend, "I'm bored, tell me about..." format, emotional storytelling Embrace quirks, invite personal stories, celebrate simple life moments
High-Growth Niches ASMR, fitness/gymrats, cleaning demos, BookTok, TikTok Shop integration Focus on personal progress, product demos, sensory content
Hashtag Strategy #fyp, #TikTokviral, #ASMR, #gymrats, #storytelling, seasonal tags Combine viral hashtags with niche-specific tags for maximum reach
Posting Optimization 1-3 posts daily, trend-aligned timing, short punchy captions Align posts with trending moment drops and seasonal content peaks

What kinds of content are blowing up on TikTok right now?

Emotional storytelling with self-aware humor has become the dominant content format, accounting for the majority of viral videos this month.

Unexpected plot twists and awkward audio moments are generating massive engagement because they subvert viewer expectations within the first few seconds. Body confidence spotlights and cleverly misdirected edits create the surprise factor that keeps audiences watching until the end.

Storytime formats using prompts like "I'm bored, tell me about..." are driving unprecedented engagement rates because they invite authentic, unfiltered personal narratives. Confessional content and character-driven series work particularly well because they create parasocial connections that translate into higher follower retention and repeat viewership.

Nostalgia-infused content performs exceptionally because it triggers emotional memory responses, making viewers more likely to share and comment. The key is balancing relatability with surprise elements that make your content memorable in an oversaturated feed.

If you're struggling to identify what content works in your niche, we can help you figure it out.

Which trending audio clips or songs are creators using the most this week?

"Deslocado" and "Alibi" are the two most utilized trending tracks across all content categories this week, with millions of new videos created daily.

"Drop Sax" by LC DE VV has become the go-to audio for dynamic transitions, fitness transformations, and car content because its beat drops align perfectly with visual reveals. "Talk of the Town" by The Love Rights dominates fashion and lifestyle storytelling due to its conversational tempo that matches narrative pacing.

"Dreaming" by The Ting Tings provides the perfect retro, soft-rock vibe for daily routine videos and travel content, while "Aesthetic" by Tollan offers a lo-fi, chill backdrop that works universally for calming and visually pleasing content across multiple niches.

Throwback and retro tracks are experiencing a resurgence because they tap into collective nostalgia while providing familiar emotional anchors for new content. The most successful creators are remixing these trending audios with their own voice-overs or sound effects to create unique hybrid experiences.

What visual styles, transitions, or editing techniques are performing best right now?

Visual Technique Specific Implementation Performance Benefits
Vertical 9:16 Format Full-screen mobile optimization with no black bars Higher engagement rates and algorithm preference
Nostalgia Filters Vintage film effects, sepia tones, grainy textures Triggers emotional connection and shareability
"Then vs Now" Transitions Split-screen comparisons, timeline jumps, transformation reveals Creates anticipation and completion satisfaction
Creative Space Usage Split screens, stacked visuals, multi-angle perspectives Maximizes information density and visual interest
Bold Color Schemes High contrast, saturated palettes, neon accents Improves scroll-stopping power and brand recognition
Dynamic Quick Cuts Rapid scene changes, beat-synced editing, rhythm matching Maintains attention and increases watch time
Visual Misdirection Surprise endings, plot twist reveals, expectation subversion Drives comments, shares, and repeat views

Which types of hooks or intros are making people stop scrolling in the first 3 seconds?

Direct audience call-outs using "If you ___, stop scrolling!" format achieve the highest scroll-stopping rates because they create immediate personal relevance.

"The BEST way to ___" promises deliver instant value proposition that triggers curiosity gaps in viewers' minds. This format works because it positions you as an authority while promising concrete solutions to specific problems.

Visual hooks that start with physical props or deliberate movements, such as putting your phone down or holding up a specific item, create immediate authenticity and curiosity. These work because they break the pattern of typical talking-head videos and signal that something different is about to happen.

Confessional or surprising statements in the first 3 seconds, like "You won't believe what happened when..." or "Nobody talks about this but...", exploit psychological triggers for gossip and insider information. The key is delivering on these promises with genuine, valuable content rather than clickbait.

Are there any specific challenges or formats going viral at the moment?

The "God forbid..." trend has exploded because it encourages creators to embrace their quirks and showcase unapologetic uniqueness with humorous self-awareness.

The "I'm bored, tell me about..." format is generating massive engagement by inviting wild, personal stories from both creators and their followers. This challenge works because it creates community-driven content that feels authentic and unscripted.

The "Almost forgot that this is the whole point" trend celebrates simple joys and small life moments, resonating strongly because it counters the pressure for constant productivity and achievement. Creators use this format to highlight mundane but meaningful experiences.

Dance and transformation challenges remain evergreen but are now being paired with trending audio in more creative ways. The most successful versions combine traditional challenge elements with personal storytelling or niche-specific twists that make them feel fresh and relevant.

Not sure why your posts aren't converting? Let us take a look for you.

Which hashtags are getting the most traction in the explore feed?

Core viral hashtags including #fyp, #tiktok, #TikTokviral, #foryoupage, #viralvideos, and #trending continue to drive the highest reach across all content types.

#ASMR is experiencing rapid growth with millions of new videos weekly, making it one of the fastest-expanding hashtag categories. #gymrats and #dancechallenge maintain strong performance for fitness and entertainment content respectively.

#storytelling has emerged as a powerful hashtag for narrative-driven content, while #memes remains consistently strong for humor-based videos. Seasonal and event-specific hashtags like #WorldEmojiDay and #IceCreamMonth are creating spikes in niche content visibility.

The most effective strategy combines 3-5 broad viral hashtags with 2-3 niche-specific tags relevant to your content vertical. This balance maximizes both discovery potential and audience targeting precision for sustainable growth.

What niches or topics are seeing a spike in views or engagement lately?

ASMR content is experiencing explosive growth with millions of new videos uploaded weekly, particularly content focused on relaxation and sensory experiences.

Fitness and "gymrats" content is surging due to increased focus on personal progress documentation, motivation sharing, and transformation storytelling. This niche benefits from highly engaged communities that actively seek inspirational content.

Cleaning content, especially featuring products like "The Pink Stuff," is gaining massive traction through product demonstrations and cleaning hack tutorials. BookTok continues its strong performance, while beauty content featuring brands like "Beauty of Joseon" maintains consistent engagement.

TikTok Shop integration has created a new content category where creators successfully blend entertainment with product demonstrations and affiliate sales. This represents a significant monetization opportunity for creators who can authentically incorporate product showcases into their content strategy.

Are there any recent TikTok updates or features that creators are leveraging right now?

TikTok Shop has become the most significant platform update, with creators increasingly using in-app shopping features for seamless product demonstrations and affiliate sales integration.

Advanced analytics tools are now being utilized by successful creators to optimize content performance and reach through data-driven decision making. These tools provide deeper insights into audience behavior, optimal posting times, and content performance metrics.

The platform's enhanced recommendation algorithm now better recognizes niche content, making it easier for specialized creators to find their target audiences. This change has particularly benefited educational content, specialized hobbies, and professional advice channels.

Live shopping features and enhanced duet capabilities are creating new opportunities for real-time audience engagement and collaborative content creation. Creators who master these features are seeing higher engagement rates and stronger community building.

What's currently working in terms of posting frequency and time of day for reach?

Consistent posting between 1-3 times daily remains the most effective frequency for maintaining visibility and engagement across the platform.

Aligning posts with trending moment drops and seasonal events significantly amplifies reach compared to random posting schedules. The most successful creators track when new trending audio clips are released and post content using those sounds within the first 24-48 hours.

Peak engagement windows continue to vary by niche, but posting during major trending challenge launches or viral moment peaks consistently outperforms arbitrary scheduling. The key is monitoring your analytics to identify when your specific audience is most active.

Quality over quantity remains crucial - posting 1 high-quality, trend-aligned video per day outperforms posting 3 mediocre videos without strategic timing or trending elements.

If you feel like your content isn't getting enough engagement, we can help improve that.

How are top-performing creators structuring their captions and calls to action?

Short, punchy captions with clear calls to action like "Follow for part 2," "Share your story," or "Tag a friend" generate the highest engagement rates.

The most effective captions create immediate interaction opportunities by asking specific questions, inviting duets or stitches, or encouraging viewers to share personal experiences in comments. This strategy transforms passive viewers into active community participants.

Top creators are using caption space to extend their content narrative rather than simply describing what's already visible in the video. This approach provides additional value and context that enhances the viewing experience.

Emojis and formatting are being used strategically to break up text and create visual hierarchy within captions. The most successful creators limit themselves to 1-2 emojis per caption to maintain professional authenticity while adding personality.

Which influencer collaborations or brand trends are taking off this week?

Brands are increasingly partnering with creators who lead series or character-driven content because these formats provide authentic storytelling opportunities and sustained audience engagement.

Influencer-led campaigns focusing on trending challenges or product demonstrations, particularly in cleaning hacks and beauty routines, are achieving significant traction and conversion rates. These collaborations work because they feel natural within the creator's existing content style.

Macro creators combined with paid amplification strategies are being used for major campaign launches, while micro and nano-influencers are handling niche community engagement and authentic product integration.

The most successful brand collaborations now involve creators who can seamlessly integrate products into viral trends rather than creating separate sponsored content that feels disconnected from their regular posting patterns.

How can these current trends be adapted or remixed to fit a specific niche or personal brand?

Trend Element Adaptation Strategy Niche Application Examples
Trending Audio Remix with niche-specific voice-overs or sound effects Fitness: Add workout counting over "Drop Sax", Business: Layer motivational quotes over "Aesthetic"
Nostalgia Filters Apply to industry-specific "Then vs Now" content Tech: Show software evolution, Food: Traditional vs modern cooking methods
Plot Twist Format Subvert expectations within your expertise area Education: "You think this is math, but actually...", Beauty: "This looks like skincare, but it's..."
Challenge Participation Showcase products/services within viral challenge context Real Estate: "God forbid I show you house hunting reality", Cooking: "I'm bored, tell me about weird ingredients"
Hashtag Strategy Combine viral tags with niche-specific targeting #fyp + #realestate + #firsttimehomebuyer, #viral + #mentalhealth + #therapytips
Hook Techniques Tailor audience call-outs to your target demographic "If you're a small business owner, stop scrolling!", "Parents with toddlers, this is for you!"
Visual Techniques Apply trending editing to industry-standard content Finance: Use split screens for budget comparisons, Health: Dynamic cuts for workout routines

Conclusion

Sources

  1. Pepper Agency - Top TikTok Trends for July 2025
  2. NewenGen - July 2025 TikTok Trends
  3. NapoleonCat - TikTok Trends
  4. Dash Social - TikTok Sounds
  5. Innovature - Top 10 Video Editing Trends
  6. Hey Orca - Best TikTok Hooks
  7. LitCommerce - Best TikTok Hashtags
  8. Exploding Topics - TikTok Trends

Who is the author of this content?

NAPOLIFY

A team specialized in data-driven growth strategies for social media

We offer data-driven, battle-tested approach to growing online profiles, especially on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook. Unlike traditional agencies or consultants who often recycle generic advice, we go on the field and we keep analyzing real-world social content—breaking down hundreds of viral posts to identify what formats, hooks, and strategies actually drive engagement, conversions, and growth. If you'd like to learn more about us, you can check our website.

How this content was created 🔎📝

At Napolify, we analyze social media trends and viral content every day. Our team doesn't just observe from a distance—we're actively studying platform-specific patterns, breaking down viral posts, and maintaining a constantly updated database of trends, tactics, and strategies. This hands-on approach allows us to understand what actually drives engagement and growth.

These observations are originally based on what we've learned through analyzing hundreds of viral posts and real-world performance data. But it was not enough. To back them up, we also needed to rely on trusted resources and case studies from major brands.

We prioritize accuracy and authority. Trends lacking solid data or performance metrics were excluded.

Trustworthiness is central to our work. Every source and citation is clearly listed, ensuring transparency. A writing AI-powered tool was used solely to refine readability and engagement.

To make the information accessible, our team designed custom infographics that clarify key points. We hope you will like them! All illustrations and media were created in-house and added manually.

Back to blog