Tiktok Trend - The Girl I Used To Be / Honestly I Hardly Recognize - May 2025

The “The Girl I Used to Be / Honestly I Hardly Recognize” trend started picking up in May 2025 and is now everywhere on TikTok and Instagram Reels.

It’s nostalgic, emotional, and visually powerful — showing how much someone has changed over time. It’s especially popular with people reflecting on personal, emotional, or even political transformation.

If your content is about storytelling, self-reflection, or personal growth, this trend is perfect for you.

What’s this trend all about?

This trend uses a specific audio clip called “Who Am I” by Jenna Raine. The lyrics say:

“The girl I used to be... in [year or past version]... honestly I hardly recognize.”

People show a photo or video of themselves from the past — often labeled with a year like 2017, but it can be any time — during the first part of the sound. Then, it switches to a present-day photo or video of themselves right as the lyric “honestly I hardly recognize” plays.

The contrast creates a powerful emotional moment — highlighting how much someone’s appearance, identity, or beliefs have changed.

What kind of videos people are making

  • Example 1: A girl wearing Trump merch in the past, then Democratic merch today — showing a political shift.
  • Example 2: A simple photo carousel showing a younger version and then a more confident present-day version.
  • Example 3: A happy moment at a birthday party in the past, followed by a sad present-day moment, showing emotional change.
  • Example 4: A visual transformation with dramatic makeup and style change.

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

  • Find the “Who Am I” audio on TikTok or Reels.
  • Choose a clip or photo of yourself from the past — any year or moment that feels meaningful.
  • Choose a current photo or clip that shows who you are today.
  • Edit the video so the past version plays during “The girl I used to be...” and the present version hits right when the song says “honestly I hardly recognize.”
  • Add text overlays like:
    “The girl I used to be...”
    “Back then…” or a specific year like “in 2017”
    “Honestly I hardly recognize 🩵”
  • Use hashtags like #thegirliusedtobe #glowup #transformation #fyp #personalgrowth

Why it works so well

This trend connects because it’s real and relatable. It works best when:

  • The change between “then” and “now” is dramatic — visually or emotionally.
  • The timing of the switch matches the music perfectly.
  • The visuals are clear, and the text is easy to read.
  • The story feels genuine — whether it’s growth, heartbreak, healing, or change.

Things to keep in mind

  • You don’t have to use 2017 — pick whatever time makes sense for your journey.
  • If your transformation involves sensitive topics (like mental health or trauma), share only if you’re comfortable.
  • Political or lifestyle changes can get strong reactions — be ready for comments.
  • Keep it authentic. That’s what makes this trend powerful.

More examples

@brynnemarieeee

IM GONNA CRY

♬ Who Am I - Jenna Raine
@marybridgetstanleyx

This kinda made me sad 11 year old me🥹

♬ Who Am I - Jenna Raine
@allysammarco and thank god for that #fyp #foryou #tiktok #formerrepublican ♬ Who Am I - Jenna Raine
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