Tiktok Trend - Narrator / This Is ... - May 2025

The “Narrator / This is…” trend started gaining traction in May 2025 and quickly took over TikTok and Instagram Reels. It’s funny, real, and empowering — a perfect mix that hits home for anyone who’s been through a rough patch and come out stronger.

This trend uses upbeat music and a storytelling format to show someone's journey from chaos to confidence. It’s full of humor, transformation, and personality. And yes, pets can join in too.

What’s this trend all about?

Called the “Narrator / This is…” trend, it opens with the phrase “This is [Name]” and dives right into a bold or awkward life fact. What follows is a short, punchy story — a little bit of mess, a turning point, and a glow-up.

The soundtrack that ties it all together is the funky, feel-good tune Got To Be Real (as performed by Cheryl Lynn). It’s the perfect audio for pacing dramatic text and fast-cut visuals.

These videos are fast (usually 20–30 seconds), packed with humor and realness, and full of visual contrast: messy past vs. put-together present.

What kind of videos people are making

  • Example 1: A 34-year-old reflecting on her chaotic 20s, mom’s hilarious insults, and finally taking control of her life.
  • Example 2: A woman who used to live at home her whole life, now thriving in her dream house and owning her peace.
  • Example 3: A rabbit named Theodore who’s outshining his human by living the ultimate spoiled pet life.

Want to use it? Here’s the step-by-step

  • Pick your subject — yourself, a friend, even a pet.
  • Write a short story arc:
    • Start with: “This is [Name].”
    • Add a fact that sounds a little bad, silly, or messy (e.g., “she’s 34 and lives at home”).
    • List 2–4 struggles or funny facts from the past (use ✓ marks or similar symbols).
    • Add a turning point (“she decided to get her sh*t together”).
    • Show the current glow-up state (e.g., “she’s her own boss and doesn’t get fired anymore”).
    • Finish with a cheeky or heartwarming line (“she’s waiting for Pedro Pascal”).
  • Collect visuals:
    • Past: old photos, messy looks, screenshots
    • Present: more polished clips, makeup, work/life wins
    • Fun graphics (optional): e.g., Pedro Pascal, a Chanel bag, a cartoon prince
  • Use the audio “Got To Be Real”.
  • Edit the video with fast cuts and timed text overlays that match the beat.
  • Post with a catchy caption and hashtags like #thisis #transformation #realstory #fyp

When it works best (and why)

This trend shines when it’s relatable, funny, and honest. Here’s what helps it pop:

  • A strong contrast between past and present (visually and emotionally)
  • Fast cuts that follow the music’s rhythm
  • Text that is timed well and easy to read
  • A tone that blends humor with real talk
  • A clear message or “lesson learned” at the end

When it doesn’t work (and why)

A few things can make this trend fall flat:

  • Trying too hard to be perfect — people love the realness
  • Poor audio timing — if the text doesn’t match the beat, it feels off
  • Too much explaining — keep it quick and snappy
  • Forgetting the transformation — without a before/after, it’s just a list
  • Making it too much of an ad — this isn’t the place for hard-selling

So if you’ve got a story — even a messy one — and a camera roll full of memories, this trend might be your moment to shine. Or your pet’s.

More examples

@bambidoesbeauty Love from your internet big sis 💖 #livingathome #relatable #lifestyle #narratorsvoice #bigsisteradvice ♬ Got To Be Real (Αs performed by Cheryl Lynn) - Pop Music Workshop
@haylieschick King theo #dayinmylife #lifestyle #bunnytok #petsoftiktok #pet #rabbit #bunny #bunnytiktok ♬ Got To Be Real (Αs performed by Cheryl Lynn) - Pop Music Workshop
@ayumihills Love✌🏻✨ #grwm #makeup #メイク #fashion #今日のコーデ ♬ Got To Be Real (Αs performed by Cheryl Lynn) - Pop Music Workshop
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