2023 was the year we learned a new life hack (or two!), laughed out loud - and couldn't stop thinking about the Roman Empire. Our global community of over 1 billion people continues to come together to connect on TikTok, positively influencing culture and impacting lives.
From foolproof recipes to funny skits, throwback tracks and thriving small businesses, the TikTok community continued creating, connecting and celebrating authenticity on TikTok throughout 2023. In the Philippines, we watched a famous actress debut her TikTok dance, listened to Filipino pop group SB 19, and learned how to make chicharon with guacamole dip.
"Year on TikTok 2023 is a way for us to honor some of the standout moments that have happened on TikTok throughout the year. It's a window into stories that have inspired, entertained and educated over 1 billion people around the world. Thank you for another year of bringing joy to our community and sharing your creativity with us," said Adam Presser, Head of Operations, TikTok.
Join us as we stroll down memory lane and look back on an incredible year that saw us learning, laughing, inspiring, imagining, entertaining and exploring - as we scroll back to this year's most memorable trends, creators and moments with our community.
In 2023, trending content took over For You feeds around the world - especially in the entertainment, lifestyle & education and sports categories. We were mesmerized by Dollievision's makeup routine, that Capybara song and the brilliance of sheep dogs - so many good memories, you can almost hear it! In the Philippines, we watched a famous actress debut her TikTok dance, learned how to make chicharon and guacamole, and watched a baby correctly identify flags! Keep on reading to discover the most popular videos and trends that had everyone saying, 'have you seen that TikTok about...?' this year.
In the Philippines
- @marianrivera: This iconic actress debuts an iconic dance move!
- @kirbyquimado: Discover an easy DIY bread roll recipe
- @jujumaoo: Find a new way to eat chicharon with guacamole
- @nianaguerrero: Learn a new spin on a classic dance song!
- @mommymel111: Watch this toddler correctly identify flags
Around the world
- @seanthesheepman: #FarmTok lives on with Sean the Sheep man and his dogs Kate, Storm, Echo and Monty, showing the brilliance and intelligence of sheep dogs.
- @kirbyquimado: Discover a super easy and creative way to make a yummy snack using bread!
- @jazephua: Groove to the infectious beat of 2023 viral Capybara Song!
- @unknowndazza: Here's the tale of Frodrick the Frog - and his 3D printed house.
- @gabryellurlan: Being grateful for the day while listening to birds arguing at 6:00 am.
From catchy pop tunes to comeback tracks, TikTok artists gave us the soundtrack of 2023. This year, our most popular song was "Cupid – Twin Ver – Sped Up Version" by FIFTY FIFTY. Capitalizing on the TikTok audience's affinity for sped-up songs, this version of "Cupid" was a viral sensation, kicking off a number of trends from food tutorials and outfit picks to CapCut memes, which have been hugely popular this year. The trends drove millions of streams, resulting in the first Billboard 100 entry for the K-pop girl group. Turn up the volume and check out TikTok's most popular songs of the year.
Mae Stephens (maestephens_), whose hit "If We Ever Broke Up" landed #2 on this year's list of most popular songs on TikTok globally, was able to quit her supermarket job this year to make music full-time.“I have TikTok to thank for giving me the chance to achieve my childhood's wildest aspiration! The platform is incredible for growth – growing from a few followers to get high exposure was such a quick switch - I went from working in a supermarket to living my dream! Push and work for what you want - everyone has a chance to succeed on TikTok," she said.
In the Philippines:
- "Cupid – Twin Ver – Sped Up Version" - FIFTY FIFTY
- "If We Ever Broke Up" - Mae Stephens
- What It Is (Block Boy) - Doechii
- Everyday - Ariana Grande
- "มองนานๆ" - FLI:P
- "girls like me don't cry (sped up)" - thuy
- Kakaibabe - Donnalyn Bartolome
- Akala Ko Nung Una (feat. Future Thug) - O.C. Dawgs
- Pink Palaka - Andrew E
- Aking Pahinga - Sped Up Version - Dro Perez
Around the world
- "Cupid – Twin Ver – Sped Up Version" - FIFTY FIFTY: With over 20 million creations, "Cupid - Twin Ver" by K-Pop group FIFTY FIFTY is the biggest song on TikTok in 2023. Capitalizing on the TikTok audience's affinity for sped-up songs, this version of "Cupid" was popular across the board as a backing track to food tutorials to outfit fit picks.
- "If We Ever Broke Up" - Mae Stephens: Mae Stephens was working in a supermarket when she posted a 15-second clip of "If We Ever Broke Up" that went completely viral, earning her a record deal through EMI. The track, which has become a break-up anthem for TikTok's broken hearted, went on to be used in over 15 million videos, making it the second-most popular song on TikTok in 2023.
- "Collide (more sped up)" - Justine Skye: TikTok continues to demonstrate its power to breathe new life into older music releases with Justin Skye's "Collide." Originally recorded in 2014, when a sped-up version of the track became an earworm popular among every type of TikTok creator imaginable, it soared to over 13 million creations on TikTok and made Skye an RIAA Gold-Certified artist, and earned her a late night appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
- "What It Is - Solo Version" - Doechii: With an insatiable hook derived from an interpolation of Trillville's "Some Cut" (a TikTok hit in its own right), in 2023 Doechii builds on her previous TikTok successes and breaks out into the mainstream with "What It Is," earning her first Billboard Hot 100 chart appearance, as well as a spot opening for Beyonce's Renassiance Tour.
- "มองนานๆ" - FLI:P: A T-Pop phenomenon breaks through and achieves one of the most popular songs globally on TikTok in 2023 with "มองนานๆ," which translates roughly to "Look For A Long Time," by FLI:P. The group, consisting of three members Winnie the Pooh, Belle, and Meiji, are known for their dance moves, the very element that made the song so popular on TikTok across the globe.
- "La Bebe (Remix)" - Yng Lvcas & Peso Pluma: TikTok was instrumental in helping Mexico's Peso Pluma become one of the biggest worldwide breakout stars of 2023, where "La Bebe (Remix)" feat Yng Lvcas earned millions of creations worldwide, becoming the most popular of the many tracks by Pluma to trend across the globe this year.
- "LALA" - Myke Towers: Becoming one of the biggest tracks ever from Puerto Rico's Myke Towers, "LALA" cracked the top 50 on the Billboard Hot 100 thanks to its popularity on the platform. The trend was heavily promoted by Towers himself, who frequently shared clips on the road throughout his big year.
- "girls like me don't cry (sped up)" - thuy: Vietnamese-American thuy's break up anthem "girls like me don't cry" hit TikTok and became an instant success, but it was the sped up version of the track that became synonymous with everything from DIY and makeup tutorials.
- "TQG" - KAROL G & Shakira: Featuring two of the top 10 biggest global artists on TikTok, it's no wonder that "TQG," which became an instant hit among TikTok users due to its culturally-relevant lyrics, and in turn, one of the top 10 most popular songs worldwide on TikTok in 2023.
- "Makeba" - Jain: Breathing life into songs from the past is TikTok's special, but thanks primarily to a CapCut filter featuring comedian actor Bill Hader, "Makeba" by French singer-songwriter Jain rose to new heights in 2023, becoming a global top 10.
Every day, a star is born on TikTok. This year, we were entertained and inspired by an entire galaxy of creators, who remain the beating heart of our platform. From the iconic #TubeGirl aka Sabrina Bahsoon to a cute border collie named Pluto, to funny and relatable videos about sipsip officemates, quirky titas, maarte classmates, and everyday Filipino life, here are the breakthrough creators, celebrities and artists who made it on and beyond TikTok in 2023.
In the Philippines
- @marianrivera: Actress Marian Rivera is TikTok's top breakout star in 2023 with her iconic dance challenges, heartwarming family moments, and GRWM videos!
- @danlaudit: Dan's funny and relatable videos about sipsip officemates, quirky titas, maarte classmates, and everyday Filipino life are making him a household name
- @ericuptiontai: Eric makes his mark with his workouts, training videos and lighthearted dancing
- @ivanaalawai: Ivana's family dances and lighthearted videos have made her a TikTok star. She even has her own local brand on TikTok called @ivanaskin.
- @unkabogableviceganda: Vice Ganda continues to entertain and inspire Filipinos with high fashion runway walks to dancing in the rain to editorial photoshoots.
Around the world
- @sabrinabahsoon: The iconic Tube Girl, aka Sabrina Bahsoon, has transcended the globe with her London Underground-inspired aesthetic.
- @chefmaxmariola: Chef Max transforms each culinary creation into an entertaining show, such as his recipe for a Gricia—give it a try to witness the magic!
- Iimeeto: Known as one of the best comedy creators in the Middle East, Mohammed Shami is famous for his hilarious and relatable family-inspired skits.
- @mygoldenpartner: Pluto, a cute 5-year old border collie, makes everyone smile with their quick ability to pick up new tricks, overseas adventures, and exciting experiences with other furry friends.
- @boakeadamsson: Bo Åke is a 82-year-old Swedish painter, sculptor and graphic artist, who was convinced by his son Carl to join TikTok and now inspires almost a million followers as he showcases his art everyday.
TikTok is a musical playground where artists and songwriters come together to propel tracks and trends at the speed of culture. In 2023, we had Selena Gomez (@selenagomez), BTS (bts_official_bighit), and Kim Loaiza (@kimberly.loaiza) on repeat and repeat. These artists topped the charts, including some from our very own community like SB 19 and Yeng Constantino. Here are the most popular artists whose songs took over our ears and For You feeds in 2023.
In the Philippines:
Around the world
- Kim Loaiza (@kimberly.loaiza): Mexican singer Kim Loaiza holds onto the crown for the most-viewed artist globally on TikTok for 2023, now boasting over 80 million followers on the platform.
- Selena Gomez (@selenagomez): Pop princess and songwriter Selena Gomez is a TikTok favourite with 59.3 million followers. The artist regularly shares day in the life and makeup content with the community.
- BLACKPINK (bp_tiktok): Leading the way as #KPop reaches 477 billion views on TikTok is BLACKPINK. With 47.1 million followers and a catalogue of viral sounds, BLACKPINK has built a community of die-hard fans on platform.
- BTS (bts_official_bighit): An incredible year for K-Pop superstars BTS who became the first artists to use TikTok's 'New Release' feature as their BTS anniversary challenge reached 400 million views in a week.
- Feid (ferxxo444): The community has been in their 'Feid era' in 2023. From scoring his first entry on Billboard Hot 100 Chart earlier this year, Feid has climbed to #5 artist globally on TikTok with 13.1 million followers.
- ENHYPEN (@enhypen): Fast-rising K-Pop group ENHYPEN debut on the Global Hitmakers list at #6 having wowed audiences on and off platform, including an iconic recent performance on Good Morning America.
- KAROL G (@karolg): Latin Grammy award winning Columbian star Karol G is loved by the TikTok community with 'Qlona', her collaboration with Peso Pluma featuring in 1 million TikTok videos.
- LE SSERAFIM (@le_sserafim): Another debut entry for a K-Pop group, LE SSERAFIM has been making waves on platform, with 8.3 million followers and trending songs 'Perfect Night' and 'ANTIFRAGILE' proving popular with the community.
- NewJeans (@newjeans_official): Known for their captivating dance skills, NewJeans have caught fire on TikTok this year, with over 10 million followers leading them to become the fastest K-pop act ever to reach 1 billion streams on Spotify.
- Shakira (shakira): Queen of Latin music, Shakira took over playlists this year with her hit single ‘BZRP Music Sessions, Vol 53’ which racked up over 4.4 million video creations in app, with appearances from her and her dance team.
This year, the 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. This year, we all loved sharing our versions of Girl Dinner, acting like we were in a Wes Anderson film and raising our red, green and beige flags. Here are the most popular trends made possible by unique features - and our creativity - in 2023.
In the Philippines
- @curlybie: Made a lifehack on how to make better popcorn using stick point video
- @justfxz: Created educational pieces on grammar using photo mode
- @_dhenzieelyrics: Sent inspirational messages using photo mode
- @babiiikooo_22: Created comics using photo mode
- @m1lkte40: Created compelling short stories using photo mode
Around the world
- Red, green and beige flags (8.5b views): This trio of filters created by Laura Gouillon helped creators identify the best, worst, and slightly annoying aspects of their and their loved ones' personalities - the signals one can't ignore.
- #WesAnderson (2.7b views): From the composition, to the colour grading, music and editing, Wes Anderson's iconic movies inspired creators' inner Hollywood auteur.
- Aged filter (800m views): This filter allowed creators to turn the clock forward, giving them a hilarious and heartwarming glimpse at what they could look like in a few decades' time.
- AI Style (615m views): The AI style filter inspired creators to cartoonify themselves, adding a creative twist to their videos.
- The Sim Simma Challenge (25m views): Inspired by a decades-old dancehall hit, this global phenomenon was embraced by creators around the world, including The Kardashians, Ciara, and in this case, The Toronto Argos, a Canadian football team.
Celebrate Year on TikTok 2023 with us
As we wrap up yet another memorable year on TikTok, get ready to celebrate with us in the Philippines with #Hello2024, LIVE Fest, and many other exciting events!
Let's scroll it back on TikTok! Learn more about this year's most unforgettable trends, creators and moments or search #YearOnTikTok on the app.
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Year on TikTok 2023 is based on internal research and trends analysis conducted from January to October 2023.
Join our TikTok global community by simply downloading the app for free via the Apple App Store, Google Play or Amazon.