TikTokCelebrating our global community and the popular trends that sparked joy and real-world impact
In 2022, we lived, we laughed, we learned on TikTok. Our African community entertained and inspired each other, elevating and celebrating self-expression by discovering, creating and sharing content that captured our collective imagination.
This year, TikTok is where we experienced the joy of learning a few new tips to make our lives easier, cooking our way through culinary adventures, turning the pages of our favourite books, singing along to songs stuck in our heads, and so much more.
These were the words of Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok's Head of Content Programming Sub-Saharan Africa, who commented that: “what happens on TikTok doesn’t stay on TikTok – whether you’re building a brand, showcasing talent or using the platform as a vehicle for self-expression, we’ve seen creators realising tangible, real-world benefits of creating content on the platform."
Sidwaba says that this was true in instances where we saw creators addressing pivotal, global issues such as climate change and interacting with communities in a way that is authentic, raw and creative. But, we also saw this play out on the lighter side of things, with TikTok being used as an entertainment destination for heart-warming humour.
"In the examples of the content our community enjoyed, this year lies a clear illustration of the fact that TikTok is for everyone, everywhere. This is something that we are proud of and will take into the new year as we continue to grow and develop as a platform for discovery, creativity and community.”
“We’re honoured to celebrate our global community who shaped this year's trends, shared new ideas, learned from one another, and turned their passions into careers and livelihoods throughout 2022. It's been truly inspiring to see over a billion people around the world show their creativity and come together to experience joy and find a sense of belonging on TikTok,” said Vanessa Pappas, Chief Operating Officer, TikTok.
Join us as we celebrate all the unforgettable trends, creators and moments that brought us closer together in 2022, a year that's truly #ForYou.
In 2022, trending content on TikTok reached For You feeds everywhere, with pets, greenscreen videos, and comedy transcending cultures and borders. Check out the videos that made up some of this year's most memorable moments.
@alphi_sipho - Konkaring at KONA with Mam'Sbosh (South Africa)
@bafanamthembu3 - Local fashion trendsetter. Bhinca Cool (South Africa)
@godsbutler - Vlogger taking us through his day in a South African township (South Africa)
@thembiseete1- Legendary songstress, actress and Idols South Africa judge, Thembi Seete reveals one of her Idols' Looks and the behind the scenes to it (South Africa)
@bontle_ba_afrika - One of SA's top dancers and choreographer dancing to Big flexa - Cosat Titch (South Africa)
@oskidoibelieve - producer and award winning musician who has taken over South African Tiktok within onlperthato (South Africa)
@primo9teen - Primo does a global music trend (humorous) (South Africa)
@mulamwah - Nyumba imeleta shida (Kenya)
@jackie_matubia - Oops! (Kenya)
@profatecomedy - kids be like... (Kenya)
@mohalicious_ - My Goodness! Just use your hand at this point! (Kenya)
@omoshkizangila - Maisha ni yangu we shughulika na (Kenya)
@azz_iad - #greenscreenvideo lets protect our mental health (Kenya)
@iam_bojoo - Catch me if you can! (Kenya)
@enioluwa - Celebrating the Nigerian community (Nigeria)
@simeonblinks - Transition skills on fleek (Nigeria)
@beeautygoddess - Smiles and all (Nigeria)
@r0dn3y_ - Kicked out of the choir - so relatable (Nigeria)
@crispdal - Hitting the beat - let's dance (Nigeria)
On TikTok, we all learned a thing (or two!) this year, as our community discovered new recipes, beauty and wellness routines, along with some handy life hacks along the way. Here are some of the popular trends and tutorials that showed us what we needed to know this year.
@triciampisi - Learning the difference between DRC and Congo Brazzaville (South Africa)
@doctor.siya - World Famous Dr.Siya teaches us about eye health myths (South Africa)
@missangler - Amazing Biology teacher, MissAngler, teaches us how to study exam questions (South Africa)
@connie_ferguson - Iconic actress, Connie Furguson teaches us dance moves to one leg (South Africa)
@techytonics - Exel Auto fill using shortcuts (Kenya)
@thekunalshah - Websites that will help you with your business (Kenya)
@ngurapoultrycare - Poultry farming for small-scale farmers (Kenya)
@doctorreign - Contrary to popular belief, Pneumonia isn’t caused by cold (Kenya)
@theycallmedaktari - Doctor tips on how to clean and take care of your sexual reproductive organs (Kenya)
@thelordsdoing - Understand tribes in Nigeria (Nigeria)
@therapeuticnurse_ - Teaching the community about the reproductive system (Nigeria)
@aprokodoctor - Understanding sleep paralysis from a qualified doctor (Nigeria)
@jameenjude - Creator educating about nose contour (Nigeria)
From fresh beats to classics making a comeback, the songs on our For You feeds made us hit repeat. In 2022, popular songs on TikTok came from established, emerging, and breakthrough artists, spanning a range of genres as diverse as our community itself. Here are TikTok's trending tunes this year
Creators are the beating heart of TikTok, driving culture and innovative content creation. In 2022, we saw creators around the world entertain and connect with communities, as well as launch their careers on and off TikTok. Here are the trending creators, celebrities and artists who hit new heights on TikTok this year.
@s.eemah_ - Always telling it like it is using humour (South Africa)
@deemrsbee - Getting down with Mrs Bee (South Africa)
@moghelingz - Getting down with talented Moghelingz (South Africa)
@itskamo_ - A dance trio that took over our FYPs with fresh moves to trending sounds. They grew hundreds of thousands of followers this year (South Africa)
@mandznothot - Emerging star Mandisa Jakavula, jumps on a trending sound (South Africa)
@miss_hilary - Celebrating the traditional Xibelani with Miss Hilary (South Africa)
@robot_boii_rsa - Robot Boii going "Roboto" on Mzansi (South Africa)
@realmichaelbundi - Father and Son Perform, I Believe #fayezandbundi (Kenya)
@tukukantu - Sasa Hivi Video Out Now Performed by Tuku Kantu (Kenya)
@moyadavid1 - Surprising my niece! (Kenya)
@mummie_francie - Love is in the air. A welcome home dance for comic relief (Kenya)
@dabon_shedrack - Kalekadance (Kenya)
@lary_shantel (Nigeria)
@orelejika (Nigeria)
@abikeshugaa (Nigeria)
@folagade_banks (Nigeria)
@jay_onair (Nigeria)
This year, we continued to push the boundaries of authentic self-expression on TikTok through a diverse array of creative and community effects, sounds, filters, and more. Here are the TikTok trends made possible by our features - and your own creativity - in 2022.
Make-up Effect - @stunningmaze (South Africa)
The Unhappy Effect - @chila_and_matevhu (South Africa)
The Thriller Effect - @jessicamashaba20 (South Africa)
SoftieCam By huseyincanxs Effect - @kayurinthirushanvg (South Africa)
Freeze Frame Effect - @laurenandlaratiktok (South Africa)
Double Layer Effect - @da_future7 (South Africa)
Let me pose for you now! - @georginanjenga (Kenya)
SoftieCam By huseyincanxs Effect - @muniir_aqaa.10 (Kenya)
Wave Effect - @ro.salita (Kenya)
Let's get some colour in there - @kilipaul (Kenya)
How did that get here? - @rashkaboy.2 (Kenya)
Country Flag Effect - @_badboywilly (Nigeria)
Double Layers Effect - @king_jasminez (Nigeria)
Fashion Sketch Effect - @dinmaotutu (Nigeria)
Slideshow Effect - @telistyles (Nigeria)
SoftieCam By huseyincanxs Effect- @naadromo98 (Nigeria)
TikTok is a playground where artists propelled trends to the forefront of culture and inspired us with their boundless creativity this year. Here are the artists who captured our community's ears - and eyes - with the most video views throughout 2022.
South Africa
- Pabi Cooper
- Makhadzi
- Mr Jazziq
- Uncle Waffles
- EBucs
- Quality Biyela
- Owami Mafokate
- Lloyiso
- Oskido
- Vusi Nova
Kenya
Nigeria
In 2022, TikTok continued to bring together people from all over the world with common interests and curiosities. Whatever you're interested in, whether it's #FarmTok, #BookTok, or #SportsTok, you can find your own community and make authentic connections on TikTok.
Children's books illustrator, Kimpink, working on her Chameleon Superhero character #Booktok (South Africa)
Tech and #Appreviews (South Africa)
Partner, Exclusive Books took on the #Booktok challenge (South Africa)
African Football (Kenya)
Showing off the skills - its #SportTok (Kenya)
Maasai brother and sister take on the Calm down song by Rema (Kenya)
Women coming together for a #FashionTok Collaboration (Nigeria)
TikTok Creators that become #Friends (Nigeria)
#DanceTok in the house (Nigeria)
#Blackpanth(Nigeria)
As a recent saying goes, phone eats first! This year, foodies around the world continued to find a home on TikTok, sharing their favourite cooking tips, culinary adventures and all-day cravings. In 2022, TikTok continued to bring together people from all over the world with common interests and curiosities. Here are the popular #FoodTok videos and favourite foodie trends we all couldn't get enough of this year.
@yo.meal - Student Chef Keso makes a South African Corn dog (South Africa)
@yungearn - Food blogger vists most popular braai + Zulu cultural hub - Kwa Mai Mai (South Africa)
@mfaniruthymiti - Chef Creator teaches us how to make wings (South Africa)
@natheerah_solomon - A simple 4 ingredients dessert (South Africa)
@4king_fantasties - Self Taught Chef takes a spin at 2min noodles with an Afrikaans narration (South Africa)
@theroamingchef -Comfort food at its best (Kenya)
@tmd.kitchen - Breakfast ideas - Yummy (Kenya)
@dida_snacks - Time for a Swahili Snack (Kenya)
@penlopeanngaita - East way to make ox liver (Kenya)
@kamwari_ - Did you know you can use pilau masala on your fish? (Kenya)
@foodloverstz - Let's enjoy maini roast!(Kenya)
@diaryofakitchenlover - Making Ogbono Soup (Nigeria)
@chef.maah - Who doesn't like a quick fix recipe? (Nigeria)
@cookingwithnimoh - Making a simple breakfast - Naija style (Nigeria)
Best programmed TikTok LIVE
TikTok LIVE dominated the scene with some great LIVE music performances, social change discussions and social events. These are the programmed LIVES that kept our community entertained.
The 28th South African Music Awards and Red Carpet- @thesamas_ (South Africa)
#Love Valentines Day Live - @lloyiso (South Africa)
The MKT Show African Cup of Nations Watchalongs - @themktshow (South Africa)
Easter Music Live with Dr Rebecca Malope - @tiktok.southafrica (South Africa)
Mowalola SS23 "Burglar Wear" show - @mowalolatv (South Africa/Nigeria)
Talking all thing mental health - @azz_iad & @mentallyawareng (South Africa/ Kenya/ Nigeria)
#AfricanApron Live - Celebrating Africa Month - @theroamingchef (Kenya)
TikTok 4 Peace - Reducing the spread of misinformation - @article19eaf (Kenya)
#WeAreHere International Womens Month Live - @nikita_kering (Kenya)
Kibra United Gaming Experience - @kibraunited (Kenya)
#Love Valentines Month Live - @joeboyofficial (Nigeria)
Obis House on a Monday - @obis_house (Nigeria)
#MothersDay Celebration Live - @triplets__delesafa & @twinzloves (Nigeria)
Creator of the Year award: This is your chance to vote
Last but not least, for the first time ever, TikTok will be awarding content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa through their inaugural TikTok #TopCreator2022 awards. For this momentous celebration, the platform is calling on all TikTok users throughout the region to vote for their favourite content creator who will stand a chance to be crowned TikTok #TopCreator2022 or #TopCreator2022 runner up. Furthermore, the nominated creators will battle it out to earn the crown Creator of the Year title for the whole Sub-Saharan African region.
Public voting will open on TikTok from midnight on 16 December until 23:59 on 23 December. Nominees will be announced on the TikTok Africa newsroom.
Sidwaba concludes: “as a platform, we are going into 2023 strong, with a solid head start on the hottest topics and trends that are capturing the attention of the world and the country at large. We’re excited to find out what lies ahead and remain committed to developing TikTok in a way that provides a safe and secure online environment for self-expression, fun and of course, fame. Here’s to another year of remarkable content.
Celebrate Year on TikTok 2022 with us
Get ready to celebrate Year on TikTok 2022 with us in Africa with upcoming #YearOnTikTok Retrospective LIVE. Join popular creators @Azz_iad (Kenya) , @I_am_tjan (Nigeria) and @Sphokuhle_n (South Africa) on TikTok Live on the 23rd of December 2022 (6 pm WAT /7 pm CAT / 8pm EAT). The fun-filled chat hosted on the @TikTok.Africa account will take us back in time to all the creative, entertaining, inspiring, musical, and heartfelt moments that were shared on TikTok this year - looking at inspiring creativity and bringing joy this festive season.
Want to learn more about what made 2022 a year that's truly #ForYou? Discover this year's unforgettable trends, creators and moments via our in-app #YearOnTikTok or download or download our press kit
Year on TikTok 2022 is based on internal research and trends analysis conducted from January to October 2022.
Join our global community on TikTok by simply downloading the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon.
