2023 #YearOnTikTok - A Celebration of Community

Unforgettable Moments and Heartwarming Connections

As millions tune in daily, TikTok has become a global stage for African talent, emanating originality, energy, and passion. From comedians and dancers to musicians and makeup artists, our platform boasts a diverse spectrum of entertainment that resonates with audiences worldwide. African creators and influencers have etched their mark on this international stage, leaving an indelible impression.

The richness of African talent on TikTok spans diverse genres and niches. Comedians bring laughter with witty skits, and dancers dazzle with their moves, musicians captivate with Amapiano rhythms, and makeup artists add sparkle to beauty trends. Meanwhile, DIY enthusiasts share life-changing hacks, contributing to the vibrant creative community.

Year-On-TikTok 2023 isn't merely a celebration of trends; it invites users to revisit their favourite memories in true TikTok style. Through the power of community, our app has connected people from all walks of life, fostering a sense of inclusivity.

Bianca Sibiya, Head of Content Operations for Sub-Saharan Africa, delves into the true meaning of the campaign: "TikTok is a platform that celebrates creativity and unites people globally. Our community-driven essence means anyone can become a creator and share their stories with a global audience."

Sibiya emphasises, "#YearOnTikTok 2023 sets a benchmark for creativity, innovation, and meaningful connection. With our commitment to recognising top creators and their impactful work, this initiative aims to inspire, guide and empower the next generation of talent."

Let's dive into the year that was and explore the mind-blowing trends that came with it.

In 2023, trending content took over For You feeds - especially across cooking, dance challenges, and life-altering experiences, with wildlife adding to the thrill. Keep reading to discover what videos caught everyone’s attention.

@lastsightings - Rhino charges at a group of Safari visitors in South Africa (South Africa)

@hallebberry - Halle B Berry impersonates how male cooking creators behave in their videos (South Africa)

@dezz_lee - Dezz Lee does a dancing and sing-a-long video (South Africa)

@sach_hime - Sachi does cosplay like no other (South Africa)

@chadjones957 - Chad Jones dancing with his parents to a viral song for Mother's Day (South Africa)

@paballokgware - The Rich Mak and Mapula at it again for Easter Break (South Africa)

@anxietities2.0 - In just one year, a novice cosplayer significantly enhanced her cosplay content and amassed an impressive following of over 800,000 followers (Kenya)

@thee_alfa_house - Can you move like we do? (Kenya)

@trisha_khalid - Love is tricky (Kenya)

@vinniebaite - A favour you say? (Kenya)

@tileh_pacbro - Our culture matters and so does a good transition video (Kenya)

@crazy_kennar - Crazy Kenna takes South Africa! (Kenya)

@beautyspaceke - Demonstrating an innovative two-in-one braided hairstyle (Kenya)

@Mohalicious_ - Listen to what your father says (Kenya)

@hypemanbiggie - Just a simple guy spreading joy! (Nigeria)

@realjosh2funny - A comedic skit unfolds as a self-proclaimed "strongest man" is humorously proven wrong by a soft pillow strike (Nigeria)

@hypemanbiggie - A man playfully causes a table to collapse with his foot after setting down the food (Nigeria)

@charityekezie - A hair blogger braids her hair and reveals the realities of braiding in Africa, highlighting its affordability, discomfort involved, and the stunning end result (Nigeria)

@purplespeedy - A girl joyfully dances to the infectious rhythms of Afrobeat music, exuding vibrant energy and captivating spirit (Nigeria)

@ikorodu_bois_ - A young singer leads a spirited lip-synching performance, supported by a group of girls providing harmonious background lipsyncing (Nigeria)

@chineduikedieze - When an entertainment legend joins the coolest app and the best podcast (Nigeria)

@miss_ezeani - Did you say transition? (Nigeria)

This year, local artists leveraged the platform to give viewers a sneak peek into their latest hits, which catapulted into various dance challenges, resulting in musicians getting extra recognition for their undeniable skills. The rise of amapiano further added to the diversity and popularity of TikTok.

Check out TikTok's most popular songs of the year.

South Africa:

1. Tyler ICU & Tumelo_za - Mnike (feat. DJ Maphorisa, Nandipha808, Ceeka RSA & Tyron Dee)
2. Inkabi Zezwe & Sjava & Big Zulu - Umbayimbayi
3. Uncle Waffles & Tony Duardo & Justin99 - Yahyuppiyah (feat. Pcee, EeQue & Chley)
4. Guchi & Loud Behaviour - Notice Me
5. Pcee & S'gija Disciples & Zan'Ten - Kilimanjaro (feat. Justin99, Mema_Percent & Mr JazziQ)
6. Ice Beats Slide & Sbuda Maleather & 2woBunnies - JAGERMEISTER
7. 2Point1 & Ntate Stunna - Stimela
8. Officixl Rsa - Yah Yah Yah
9. Kaylow - 24 Hours
10. De Mthuda & Da Muziqal Chef & Eemoh - Sgudi Snyc

Kenya:

1. Jux and Diamond Platnumz - Enjoy
2. Jay Melody - Sawa
3. Platform TZ - Wivu
4. Alikiba - Mahaba
5. Bruce Africa - You
6. Guchi & Loud Behaviour - Notice Me
7. GeniusJinix66 - Juu
8. Diamond Platnumz - My Bay (feat. Chike)
9. Lony Bway & Marioo - Wewe Hapo
10. Tommy Flavour - Nakuja ( Feat. Marioo)

Nigeria:

1. Khaid and Boy Spice - Carry Me Go
2. Khaid - Anabella
3. Asake - Lonely at the Top
4. Spyro - Who is your guy?
5. Adekunle Gold & Zinoleeksy - Party No Dey Stop
6. Guchi & Loud Behaviour - Notice Me
7. Davido - Unavailable feat. Musa Keys
8. Kcee - Ojapiano
9. Lil Emm - Nwanyi
10. Kizz Daniel - Rich Till I Die

TikTok is a playground where artists propel trends to the forefront of culture and inspire us with their boundless creativity. Local superstars and lyrical geniuses made their songs become viral sensations, with African artists topping the charts and influencing trends in other countries, proving the creativity and talent of the country's musicians and producers.

Here are the most popular artists whose songs took over our ears and For You feeds in 2023.

South Africa

1. Tyla
   
2. Pabi Cooper
   
3. Mr JazziQ
   
4. Uncle Waffles
   
5. Kamo Mphela
   
6. Nadia Nakai
   
7. Lloyiso
   
8. DJ Karri
   
9. Casper Nyovest
   
10. Focalistic
    

Kenya:

1. Diamond Platnumz
   
2. Zuchu
   
3. Rayvanny
   
4. Bruno K
   
5. Billnass
   
6. Nandy
   
7. Willy Paul
   
8. Guardian Angel
   
9. Alikiba
   
10. Mboso
    

Nigeria:

1. Ayra Star
   
2. Burna Boy
   
3. Davido
   
4. Rema
   
5. Victor Thompson
   
6. Guchi
   
7. Neeja
   
8. Shoday
   
9. Cany Bleakz
   
10. Khaid
    

Our TikTok community continued to bring their creativity to life and push the boundaries of self-expression through a diverse array of community effects, sounds, filters and more, with over 25 billion videos created using community effects to date.

Here are the most popular trends made possible by unique features - and the community's creativity - in 2023.

@boitsheposmom - Boitshe uses the age filter (South Africa)

@costatitch - In loving memory of Costa Titch - Body Zoom filter (South Africa)

@mrsbigbite - Use of the Springbok supporters filter (South Africa)

@gmutombo - Use of the AI style filter (South Africa)

@winpride_ - Happiness Thabile uses a 3+ minute video (South Africa)

@bella_monsoon - Bella uses the green screen for her true crime story (South Africa)

@timivibes04 - Clearness Filter (Nigeria)

@slimy78 - Shake Filter (Nigeria)

@irepoobi - Slow Flow Filter (Nigeria)

@frenchbae_ - AI Portrait Filter (Nigeria)

@timzfunds20 - AI Style Filter (Nigeria)

With so much educational content, we learn while we scroll on TikTok! Users are no longer limited to traditional textbooks or long lectures; they can watch and learn on the go while enjoying entertaining videos.

Discover the most popular hacks, tricks, and how-tos that improved our lives in 2023.

@life_with_lerato - Cooking mopani worms with Lerato (South Africa)

@portia_mthethwa - Skincare routines mean self-care (South Africa)

@mbalinhlapho - Cleaning the shower with Mbali Nhlapho (South Africa)

@exquisitedeluxecakes - Tutorial on how to make a heart-shaped cake (South Africa)

@databudd - 3 WhatsApp tricks to start using (South Africa)

@LaChief - Lachief shows how to protect WhatsApp from hackers (South Africa)

@geektech_ke - An informative tech tutorial video offering valuable guidance on connecting your phone to your laptop (Kenya)

@rinaaywa - Home-made pizza hack using a gas cooker, designed to help anyone easily prepare delicious pizza at home (Kenya)

@graceodawo - Learning how to braid hair on a head sock (Kenya)

@simpleyemi - Simplyemi making his version of Pilipili Ya Kukaanga (Kenya)

@papiiitino - Safety tips you didn't think of (Nigeria)

@alansarfoundationzaria - Learn a lot from the coolest Dr in Nigeria (Nigeria)

2023 saw the rise of TikTok breakthrough stars on the platform. These talented creators have honed their skills and embraced the limelight, making their mark on the platform. From viral dance challenges to life-changing cleaning hacks, they know how to keep their audience coming back for more.

@popi_sibiya - Popi takes her followers on a trip from South Africa to Ghana (South Africa)

@barbiejackson_- Showing love and support to Cancer survivors (South Africa)

@mbalinhlapho7 - The cleaning queen (South Africa)

@namweziiii_ - Namzwezi shows how she pulls a plane (South Africa)

@i.amndile -Let's have fun! (South Africa)

@fatboykenya - Kenyan animation is on the rise - God is fighting for me (Kenya)

@anxietities2.0 - A Cosplay Queen (Kenya)

@crazie_mwangi - Are you a morning person? Animation doing the things (Kenya)

@zfitnessw - Fitness is a lifestyle (Kenya)

@lifestory328 - Let's try be understanding - A short film highlighting common marital conflict and resolution (Kenya)

@sabinus1_ - Pay for de bread (Nigeria)

@hildabaci - Making great dishes and breaking records too (Nigeria)

@AbikeShugaa - Where is my denim outfit sister? (Nigeria)

@enioluwa - Food is life'o! (Nigeria)

@MrMacaroni - Who is your father? (Nigeria)

@layiwasabi - Only God has the right to judge your circumstances (Nigeria)

@elozonam1 - A love story (Nigeria)

#FanTok celebrates creators who have managed to get tongues wagging on social media

@malumfoodie - Malumfood shows how to cook a spinach and chicken liver recipe (South Africa)

@moghelingz - Moghelingz does a scripted comedy skit of black parents when the weather is unusual (South Africa)

@tadeusofficial - Tadeus official scripted comedy skit with a famous TikTok sound (South Africa)

@nokomashax - Nokomashabax does an animated comedy video (South Africa)

@nezcatt - Nezcatt creates a list of the greatest athletes to wear every number (South Africa)

@manvsjohn - Man vs John looks at a highlight from a Chelsea vs Man City match (South Africa)

@arapuria - Home-made var check (Kenya)

@chikanwaogu - Watching a Bollywood movie (Kenya)

@kibraunited - Referee has the final word! (Kenya)

In 2023, creators continued to push boundaries, inspiring others to learn something new and advocate for causes they care about. These creators are making a huge difference in their country. Here are the changemakers who are using TikTok to spark good this year.

Bonga by @CapitalFMKenya - Tackling mental health (Kenya)

@lifestory328 - Tackling tough conversations around relationships (Kenya)

@moneygossip - Let's talk about finances (Kenya)

@nanciemumbo - When passion for fashion meets mental health awareness (Kenya)

@israelonadare - Relationship advice from a TikTok friend - Be positive ( Nigeria)

@sharp.shooter001 - Who said you need a gym membership to get healthy? (Nigeria)

Year on TikTok 2023 is based on internal research and trends analysis conducted from January to October 2023.

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