TikTokTikTok creators share their bit roles with #NotTheMainCharacter. Take a deeper look at this content in addition to top videos, creators, songs, and effects.
Trending on TikTok: #NotTheMainCharacter
This week the TikTok community took a vintage trend and turned it on its head. We always talk about the main characters, but what about the creators who are #NotTheMainCharacter?
The TikTok community is at the forefront of developing new terminology, idioms, and slang. This time last year, the phrase "main character" was used in a variety of contexts to speak to a specific energy related to personal agency in someone's life. You might say that a role model or idol of yours has "main character energy," as if they're the main character of a novel. Alternatively, you might say that you're acting as a main character in moments where you rightly or wrongly idealize your life, such as dramatically walking into a new school. From mid to late 2020, "main character" was an ever present phrase across the TikTok ecosystem that led to a variety of #MainCharacter trends.
This week, the community made a callback to that popular terminology with #NotTheMainCharacter, where users showcased exactly which supporting role they would play in a novel, television series or film. Creators would transition from TikTok Text setting up the video to a series of character images, all set to a cover of "Dancing Queen" from the film Mamma Mia. Whether they were "older siblings," "judgmental duos," or even a "hot mess," the trend was a simple, inclusive, and let creators poke fun at themselves.
#NotTheMainCharacter shows how TikTok looks to past content formats for inspiration, and shows how maintaining awareness of former videos, trends, and creators will help you better understand new trends as they emerge.
Notable Video
Hot Track: Astronaut In The Ocean
MaskedWolf's "Astronaut In The Ocean" has become the track of choice for creators looking to show of an impressive skill or physical move in slow motion. The tracks a cappella opening leads into a timely beat drop that is perfect for any highlight reel.
Hot Effect: Mirror Beats
Mirror Beats is the latest immersive music creative effect that changes with the beat of the sound. So pick your favorite track or use the default Coldpay song "Higher Power" and watch mirrors dance.
Creator Spotlight: @ElenaShinohara
Elena Shinohara is a Japanese rhythmic gymnast on the USA National Team and one of the inaugural API TikTok Trailblazers. Elena's unique content showcases her performing rhythmic gymnastics and showing off her impressive flexibility. With her videos, she aims to inspire and motivate people to do what they love.
