How the Viral Video App TikTok is Changing College Culture

TikTok has taken the world by storm since its launch in 2016.

With its addictive short-form videos, the app has quickly become a cultural phenomenon, especially among younger generations.

It’s no surprise then that college students have also embraced TikTok and made it an integral part of their daily lives.

Key takeaways 

• TikTok is the third most popular social media platform among college students, with over 60% of college students in the United States using the app regularly.

• TikTok challenges and trends have become a major part of college culture, providing a platform for creativity and self-expression.

• TikTok has created a unique subculture on college campuses, where users can explore and express their identities.

• Colleges and universities have recognized the potential of TikTok for marketing and admissions services, using the app to showcase their campus life and student culture.

• It’s important for college students to use TikTok responsibly and prioritize their mental health and well-being, as TikTok should not be viewed as a replacement for real-life experiences and connections.

TikTok and Social Media Trends Among College Students

TikTok has taken the world by storm since its launch in 2016, with over 1 billion active users as of 2021. The app’s short-form videos have become a cultural phenomenon, especially among younger generations. It’s no surprise then that college students have also embraced TikTok and made it an integral part of their daily lives.

A recent survey found that over 60% of college students in the United States use TikTok on a regular basis, making it the third most popular social media platform among college students, after Instagram and Snapchat.

The survey also found that TikTok usage is highest among female college students and students aged 18-21.

One reason for the popularity of TikTok among college students is its unique content. Unlike other social media platforms that mainly feature static photos and text, TikTok allows users to create short-form videos with a variety of filters, music, and effects.

This has led to the rise of a new genre of content, including dance challenges, lip-syncs, and comedy skits.

TikTok also offers a sense of community for college students. With the ability to follow and interact with other users, college students can connect with others who share their interests and passions. This has created a unique subculture on TikTok, where users can explore and express their identities.

Moreover, TikTok has become a platform for college students to express their creativity and showcase their talents. Many college students use TikTok as a way to develop their video editing and content creation skills, and some have even gained large followings and even monetary rewards for their content.

TikTok Challenges and Trends on College Campuses

TikTok challenges and trends have become a significant aspect of college culture, with students participating in a wide range of viral trends and challenges on the app.

These challenges and trends have gained massive popularity among college students, with some even going viral and being featured on mainstream media.

One of the most popular TikTok challenges among college students is the “Renegade” dance challenge, which originated from a user-created dance routine set to the song “Lottery” by K Camp. The challenge involves a complex set of dance moves that have been adopted and reinterpreted by TikTok users.

The “Savage” dance challenge, which features a dance routine set to the song “Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion, is another popular TikTok trend among college students.

Apart from dance challenges, other trends that have gained popularity among college students include dorm room tours, food hacks, and beauty tutorials.

The “Don’t Rush” makeup challenge, where participants showcase their makeup transformation from their most casual to a glamorous look, has also gained massive popularity among college students.

While these challenges and trends have provided an avenue for self-expression and creativity, they have also sparked controversies and debates on college campuses.

For example, the “skull breaker challenge,” which involves tripping a person while they jump, has led to injuries and suspensions at some schools. Additionally, the “TikTok Made Me Buy It” trend, where users showcase products they purchased based on TikTok recommendations, has raised concerns about consumerism and social media influence.

Despite these controversies, TikTok challenges and trends have become a way for college students to connect and interact with each other.

They have also become a way for students to showcase their creativity and talents, and even gain recognition and popularity on the app.

As TikTok continues to evolve and attract more users, it’s likely that new challenges and trends will emerge, shaping college culture in exciting new ways.

TikTok and College Marketing/Admissions

TikTok has emerged as a valuable platform for colleges and universities to reach out to prospective students and promote their brands.

With over 60% of college students in the United States using the app on a regular basis, TikTok has become a popular destination for students to engage with campus culture, connect with other students, and learn about college life.

Some colleges have established official TikTok accounts to showcase their campus life, student culture, and academic resources.

The University of Florida, for instance, has amassed over 200,000 followers on their official TikTok account, where they post videos highlighting their academic programs, campus traditions, and student organizations.

By creating TikTok content that appeals to a younger audience, colleges can raise awareness of their brand, reach out to prospective students, and showcase the unique aspects of their campus culture.

TikTok has also become a powerful tool for colleges and universities to target specific demographics of prospective students. With the ability to create targeted ads and engage with younger audiences, colleges can use TikTok to promote their brand and attract applicants.

By creating engaging and shareable content, such as campus tours, student testimonials, and academic highlights, colleges can increase their visibility and reach a broader audience of potential students.

In addition to traditional marketing efforts, some colleges have also launched TikTok-specific contests and scholarships to engage with potential students.

For example, the University of Alabama at Birmingham created the #UABScholarshipChallenge on TikTok, which encourages students to create videos showcasing their academic achievements and involvement in their community. By offering TikTok-specific scholarships and contests, colleges can increase their visibility and appeal to prospective students who are active on the app.

Final Remarks

TikTok has become a defining feature of college culture, with its unique content and community-building features.

As the app continues to evolve and grow, it will undoubtedly have a significant impact on college marketing, admissions, and student life. However, it’s important for college students to use TikTok responsibly and not rely on it as a substitute for real-life experiences and connections.