2020 TikTok

2020 TikTok encompasses multiple aesthetics that flourished on TikTok during the COVID-19 pandemic, especially from 2020 to 2022. These include E-Kid, Scenecore, Indie Kid, Cottagecore, Dark Academia, glitter anime profile pictures, and many other aesthetics. Common divisions within this era include Straight TikTok, Alt TikTok, and Deep TikTok.

The attitude that existed in TikTok during 2020-2022 was a product of its time. The COVID-19 pandemic resulted in lockdowns, which led to increased platform usage as people sought human interaction and entertainment while being isolated at home. The resurgence of the Black Lives Matter movement led to TikTok becoming a space for activism and raising awareness about racism and injustice. LGBTQ+ topics were also spoken about more openly. Cancel culture also influenced discourse, as users began to take people accountable for their actions (but sometimes led to unjust vigilantism).

The recent resurgence of 2020 TikTok aesthetics can be attributed to the rapid dissemination of trends on social media. Trends that were popular just a few years ago can feel like distant memories due to the constant influx of new information, especially on short-form content apps, which has been deemed "nowstalgia." The perceived decline of specific aesthetics can be attributed to curated algorithms and constant trend-hopping. Some users may yearn to return to a time when self-expression felt more widely accepted on the platform. The on-going threats to ban TikTok in the United States might play a role on people looking back at previous trends.

Divisions[]

In the early-2020s, users sought to categorize different types of content. Distinctions emerged between "Alt TikTok" (perceived as cooler and more alternative) and "Straight TikTok" (criticized for being mainstream and unoriginal). "Deep TikTok" was characterized by surreal content that rejected mainstream trends. These terms eventually became irrelevant as the platform's community evolved and the boundaries between them blurred.

Straight TikTok[]

E1167de5aa39d52799b514f974912417 — Charli D'Amelio, the icon of mainstream TikTok.

Straight TikTok is a term used to describe a perceived mainstream style of content on the platform.^[1] It is generally characterized by dance trends, popular songs and audios, conventionally attractive persons ("thirst traps"), and content that appeals to a broad audience. This includes content from popular influencers and collectives like Charli D'Amelio, Addison Rae, and the Hype House, who gained massive followings in 2020.

It was frequently contrasted with "Alt TikTok", which was seen as more niche and alternative. Some users criticized Straight TikTok for being unoriginal, boring, or trying too hard to conform to popular trends. The term "Straight TikTok" does not necessarily correlate with one's sexual orientation. It is primarily used to describe a specific style of content and the perceived values associated with it, such as conformity and mainstream appeal. However, the use of the term has been criticized for reinforcing stereotypes about sexuality and creating unnecessary divisions within the TikTok community.

Most popular tik tok dances from ALL of 2020 🔥🔥

Alt TikTok[]

Alt TikTok, sometimes shortened to AltTok or (inaccurately) Gay TikTok, refers to the alternative side of TikTok, encompassing niche interests and subcultures, contrasting with the mainstream content of "Straight TikTok." Alt TikTok typically includes fandom culture, cosplay, alternative fashion, subcultures, DIY projects, LGBTQ+ discussions, and many different internet aesthetics.

It is hard to categorize Alt TikTok as a single aesthetic due to the many aesthetics that were popularized within the community in 2020-2022. However, common features include the use of the color customizer filter, videos featuring music by indie and alternative artists like Clairo and Penelope Scott, partially dyed hair, and an aversion to mainstream creators like Avani Gregg. It was associated with progressive political views and social activism, with many users supporting movements like Black Lives Matter and LGBTQ+ rights. Some criticized Alt TikTok for its cancel culture.

Deep TikTok[]

Deep TikTok is a segment of the TikTok community characterized by surreal and bizarre humor.^[2] It emerged as a niche within the Alt TikTok community and peaked in popularity around 2020-2021. DeepTok videos often feature absurd content, edited YouTube Kids videos (especially those related to the ElsaGate controversy), jumpscares, unsettling face filters and masks, frog-related imagery, body horror, distorted faces, bright color filters, glitch effects, and repetitive sounds.^[3] These elements create a disorienting and "cursed" atmosphere. Its name is a play on "Deep Web", referencing its association with the strange corners of the internet.

Similar to Xpiritualism, DeepTok slang often incorporates accents and letters from foreign languages, typically those with Latin scripts. The excessive use of emojis is another characteristic of DeepTok slang.

Aesthetics[]

Indie Kid[]

Main article: Indie Kid

Indie Kid is an aesthetic that gained popularity in 2020, characterized by bright colors, 2000s-inspired fashion, and a skater lifestyle. It differs from the original Indie style, which is really broad, less colorful, and considered more alternative. Indie Kid draws influences from Kidcore, Cuddle Party, and Skater aesthetics.

Photos and videos are edited with high saturation and vibrance, lowered contrast, and sometimes added grain. These edits are commonly created using the iPhone's Camera app or filters on other popular apps. Imagery associated with Indie Kid ranges from nature scenes and cartoonish 60s-inspired graphics to urban settings like skateparks and convenience stores. Action shots of skateboarding, nature walks, and hanging out with friends are common. Certain room decor and patterns, such as the cow print, are also central to the aesthetic.

E-Girl[]

Main article: E-Girl

E-Girl, an abbreviation of "electronic girl", is an internet subculture that emerged in the late-2010s, popularized by the video-sharing application TikTok. The stereotype is associated with girls and young women who "only exist online," often partaking in activities like watching anime, gaming, and listening to K-Pop or underground alternative music circles.

The E-Girl aesthetic is expressed through assuming an "alt" persona on trending social media platforms such as Tiktok with memes and video formulas. While the term E-girl initially referred to chronically online women who gained an audience on social media, it has evolved into a stereotype of young women, primarily from the first half of Gen Z, who seek "clout" (internet fame) through their online presence and often utilize suggestive content such as "thirst traps," often inspired by hentai culture. During 2019, when the aesthetic reached its peak popularity, participants were mostly in their mid-teens to early 20s.

E-Kid[]

Main article: 2020 Alt

E-Kid, also known as 2020 Alt, is an early-2020s fashion style that originated on TikTok and spread to platforms like Pinterest. Similar to E-Girl and E-Boy, it is associated with chronically online young teens who participate in trends and wear alternative fashion. Unlike the latter, E-Kids wear a more androgynous and somewhat less sexualized style.

Fashion draws inspiration from various styles, including Japanese street fashion, E-Girl/E-Boy, Mallgoth, Pastel Goth, Scene, Animecore, and Kidcore. Typical clothing includes oversized graphic t-shirts, hoodies, striped undershirts, arm warmers, shorts, pleated skirts, cargo pants, chunky sneakers, Converse, Demonia boots, Crocs, ripped tights, fishnets, knee-high socks, leg warmers, kandi bracelets, animal ears, chokers, maid bonnets, and bunny/frog hats.

E-Kids frequent online communities such as TikTok, Discord, and Amino, participating in hobbies related to gaming, anime/manga, K-Pop, and various fandoms. Minecraft and Roblox are also used as social platforms where the style was prominent in virtual avatars. E-Kid content often features songs trendy within Alt TikTok, fan creations (blogs, zines, fan art), and videos showing Monster energy drinks, Gatorade, and "Battery Acid" (a mixture of the two with sour candy), and Asian cuisine.

Key influences and motifs of E-Kid include:

Japanese and Korean pop culture (anime, manga, K-Pop)
Western cartoons
Neon lights
Energy drinks (especially Monster)
Sanrio characters
Stickers
Bunnies and frogs
Video games like Minecraft and Roblox

This aesthetic has faced criticism for mislabeling. It is sometimes confused with Scene, leading to backlash from the Scene community and the alternative label "Posercore." Further confusion with the latter Scenecore style has led to more criticism and rejection of the term by some E-Kids.

Scenecore[]

For the musical counterpart, see Scenecore (Hyperpop).

Scenecore is an aesthetic that emerged in 2020, often confused with the late-2000s Scene subculture, but distinct from it. Scenecore typically incorporates anime imagery with rainbows, hyperpop music (often originating from SoundCloud), and the 2020 Alt or E-Girl fashion style. It is sometimes referred to as "Rawring 20s," referencing the Roaring Twenties.

Despite drawing a lot of inspiration from Scene, Scenecore is treated like a different aesthetic. It is characterized by a modern take on Scene fashion and visuals, incorporating elements of Glitchcore and Animecore. Much of it revolves around the topic of "cringe culture."^[4]

Scenecore music is classified as a subgenre of hyperpop.^[4] It typically features pitched-up vocals, "nostalgic" melodies, and samples from video games and anime. Some consider Scenecore music to be edgier than typical Scene music, with lyrical themes that reference mental health, gore, drugs, and the unknown. Not all Scenecore music uses this aesthetic, especially after 2022.

Scenecore has faced criticism from some members of the original Scene subculture, who view it as appropriating and commodifying their lifestyle.^[4] This has led to some Scenecore adherents being labeled "posers" or straight up embracing the term "Posercore." However, it's worth noting that Scene started as a poser subculture within Emo, which raises questions about the hypocrisy of derivative movements.

Glitchcore[]

Main article: Glitchcore

Glitchcore is an aesthetic characterized by the maximalistic use of visual glitches and distortion, incorporating heavily saturated colors, rainbows, flashing patterns, pixelation, and eyestrain.^[5] It peaked in popularity on TikTok in 2020-2021,^[6] often associated with the Danganronpa fandom. The aesthetic frequently features characters and artwork from cartoons, anime, and video games.

Glitter Anime[]

Glitter Anime profile pictures were a popular trend on TikTok in 2020, particularly within the Alt TikTok and E-Kid communities. They typically consisted of screenshots from popular anime shows or video games like Danganronpa, Kakegurui, Demon Slayer, and My Hero Academia, edited with added sparkles, glitter effects, and pale or pastel filters. This trend has seen a resurgence on TikTok in 2025.

Over-accessorized Cosplay[]

Tiktok_Cosplayers_&_their_obsession_with_accessories — Tiktok Cosplayers & their obsession with accessories

Video by vocaaa cosplay.

Over-accessorized Cosplay, sometimes called Decora Cosplay, is a style of cosplay that gained popularity on Alt TikTok in 2020. It involves adorning a pre-existing character's look with an abundance of accessories, such as kandi bracelets, rainbow butterfly clips, bunny hats, safety pins, and striped fingerless gloves. This style is reminiscent of Japanese Decora fashion, known for its maximalist approach to accessorizing. The focus in Decora Cosplay is more about personal expression, creativity, and individuality rather than strict accuracy to the character's original appearance. Elements of bondage and E-Boy/E-Girl fashion, like chains and chokers, are also often incorporated. It was predominantly associated with the Danganronpa fandom.

This style has faced criticism, particularly regarding the use of excessive accessories. Some argue that the abundance of accessories can detract from the character's official design and make the cosplay visually overwhelming. Others defend the style, emphasizing the importance of creative expression and individual interpretation in cosplay.

A more serious controversy arose when some participants incorporated used period products, such as tampons, into their cosplays. This practice, which appears to have originated around 2020-2021, sparked widespread condemnation for its unsanitary nature and social inappropiateness. While the exact origins and extent of the trend remain somewhat unclear, anecdotal evidence from various TikTok and Reddit users suggests it may have involved cosplayers portraying characters like Ibuki Mioda and Mikan Tsumiki from the Danganronpa series, as well as a Monokuma plush.^[7]

Feralcore[]

Feralcore is a meme aesthetic based around becoming "feral" and embracing the chaotic side of everything, popularized on TikTok and Tumblr in the early-2020s. Feralcore is usually centered around being chaotic and loving yourself for all your 'odd' traits. Much of it revolves around possums, frogs, and LGBTQ+ rights.

Miscellanous[]

The following are other aesthetics were popular on social media in the early 2020s and have their own dedicated entries:

Slang[]

For further information, see Glossary of Generation Z slang on Wikipedia.

These are general forms of writing and emoji combinations:

👁👄👁: An emoji combination used to express bewilderment or confusion.
✨: Used to add emphasis or a touch of humor to a phrase. (EX: This is an ✨example✨)
👏: Used between words to add emphasis to a phrase. (EX: This👏is👏an👏example)
Fairy Roast: A type of comment demeaning another user, accompained by certain emojis (✨🧚🏽🌈💖😍💫🌸😘) and special fonts (𝓮𝔁𝓪𝓶𝓹𝓵𝓮).
Mixed Highercase + Lowercase/Crazy Caps: Used sarcastically or to mock someone else's statement. It is derived from the "Mocking SpongeBob" internet meme.^[8] (EX: thIs iS aN eXamPLe)
Emojipasta: Involves adding random or word-related emojis to a copypasta. (EX: This 😭 is an 👏 example)
Hyphen (-): Placed at the end of a word or phrase. It indicates an abrupt pause or interruption, conveying hesitation, embarrassment, a change in thought, or an unspoken implication. (EX: I-, oop-) (VSCO Girl)

These are specific words:

Amogus: A slang term used to refer to the video game Among Us.
Basic: A pejorative term used to describe someone or something considered unoriginal, mainstream, or conforming to stereotypical trends. (Derived from Basic Girl)
Based: Something that is agreeable, the opposite of "cringe." Became associated with right-wing political discourse over time (4chan attribution).
Bestie: A close friend, used playfully or ironically online.
Breeder: A mostly ironic derogatory term for heterosexual men, particularly those who emphasize natalism. Sometimes also used to describe women who bear too many children.
Cancelled: Used to describe someone who has faced public backlash due to controversial actions or statements.
Cheugy: A term used to describe something that is outdated or trying too hard to be trendy.
Clownery: Used to describe absurd or foolish behavior.
Cringe: Pejorative term used to describe perceived embarrasing content.
Cringe Culture: The act of mocking perceived embarrasing content, especially harmless expressions of individuality.
Cursed: Describing content that is strange, eerie, or unsettling.
Dead: Used as an exaggerated reaction to something funny or surprising, implying that the person is "dead" from laughter or shock.
Doe: "Though" with a different spelling.
Elite: Used to describe someone or something that is superior or exceptional.
Fakeclaiming: Accusing someone of faking a mental disorder.
Femboy: A man or non-binary person who adopts traditionally feminine roles.
Fire (🔥, 🗣🔥): Used to describe something that is excellent or amazing.
FYP: An abbreviation for "For You Page."
GOAT: An acronym for "Greatest Of All Time."
Go Little Rockstar: A phrase used to encourage or support someone.
Go off: Used to dismiss someone's claim in a vague way.
Hits different: Used to describe something that is unique compared to other things.
Homie: A close friend or companion.
Homiesexual: A humorous term used to describe strong platonic feelings for a friend, implying a close relationship.
I'm going to commit arson: A threatening ironic phrase, associated with memes such as the "arson frog."
It really do be like that sometimes: A phrase used to express agreement or relate to a relatable situation.
It's the _ for me: Used to point out a specific aspect of something that the speaker finds noteworthy. Can be positive or pejorative.
Kinnie: A person who identifies with (or pretends to be) a fictional character.
Lit: Used to describe something that is exciting, enjoyable, or excellent.
Little extra: Used to describe someone or something that is over-the-top or dramatic.
Me AF: An abbreviation for "Me As Fuck," used to express strong identification with something.
Mood: Used to express that something is relatable or reflects one's current emotional state.
Mommy: A term used to express attraction to someone in a playful or ironic way.
OOMF: An abbreviation for "One Of My Followers" or "One Of My Friends," used to refer to someone anonymously on social media.
Periodt: Used to add emphasis or intensity to a statement, indicating strong agreement or finality.
Pick-me girl: A term used to describe a woman who seeks attention and validation from men by putting down other women or presenting herself as different or superior.
Pog, Pogchamp, Poggers: These three terms are all variations of an online expression used to convey excitement, enthusiasm, or surprise.
POV: Short for "point of view," used to describe videos where the user imagines themselves (including the viewer) in a specific scenario. In 2020, all sorts of POV videos existed, although the term was often used incorrectly
Problematic: A person or even a piece of media that holds discriminatory views (including but not limited to homophobia, transphobia, racism, etc.)
Queen: Used to express admiration or approval for a woman.
Ratio: A term used to indicate that a reply to a post has received more likes than the original post.
Say sike rn: A phrase used to express disbelief or request that someone retract a statement, implying that it is a joke.
Shadowban: A term used to describe a situation where a user's content is hidden or restricted on a social media platform indirectly.
Shook: Used to describe a state of being surprised, shocked, or overwhelmed.
Simp: A pejorative term used to describe someone (typically male) who excessively fawns over or caters to another person, often in hopes of romantic attention.
Slay: Used to praise someone for doing something exceptionally well.
Stan: A devoted fan of a particular celebrity, artist, or franchise. (Coming from Dido's song ft. Eminem of the same name.)
Surreal: Describing something dreamlike or bizarre.
Sus: Short for "suspicious," often used in the context of the game Among Us or to express doubt or distrust about someone or something.
Tea: Drama or gossip.
Um, chile anyways so....: A phrase used to abruptly change the subject after acknowledging something awkward, strange, or undesirable. It expresses dismissiveness and a desire to move on, often with a tone of humor or exasperation. Originates from Nicki Minaj. "Chile" means "child" in African-American Vernacular English (AAVE).
Vibe check: A playful or ironic assessment of someone's mood or energy.
Vibes: The overall atmosphere or feeling of a person, place, or situation.
Vibing: Relaxing or enjoying oneself, often in a carefree or laid-back manner.
Vamp: A fan of Playboi Carti or the Opium aesthetic.
We stan a _ queen/king: A phrase used to express strong support and admiration for someone.
Wholesome: Referring to something heartwarming or pure.

Drinks[]

WHIPPED_COFFEE_CHALLENGE_TIK_TOK_COMPILATION — WHIPPED COFFEE CHALLENGE TIK TOK COMPILATION

Compilation of dalgona coffee videos.

Dalgona coffee became a viral trend in March 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic.^[3] The drink consists of milk (or a dairy alternative) topped with a frothy mixture of instant coffee, sugar, and hot water.^[9] The trend's origins can be traced to a South Korean TV show clip featuring actor Jung Il Woo trying whipped coffee in Macau. The drink's resemblance to dalgona candy, a Korean honeycomb toffee, led to its name. While its recent popularity is attributed to South Korea, variations of the beverage have existed in countries like India, Pakistan, Greece ("frappé"), and Libya.

Battery_Acid_Drink_Tiktoks_(2020-2021_Core) — Battery Acid Drink Tiktoks (2020-2021 Core)

Compilation of battery acid drink videos.

In 2020, a concoction known as "Battery Acid" gained popularity among E-Kids on TikTok. This drink typically consisted of a mixture of Monster energy drink, Gatorade, and sour candy.^[10] Variations sometimes included other ingredients like orange juice or cough syrup. The name "battery acid" likely derived from the drink's intensely sour and sugary taste, as well as its potential to cause an energetic yet uncomfortable feeling. The trend drew backlash. It was frequently featured on Reddit's r/stupidfood, where users ridiculed its ingredients and potential health risks. Many users were concerned that actually ingesting the drink, with its high sugar and citric content, could contribute to tooth decay or even other conditions like diabetes. Moreover, the trend's normalization of excessive sugar and caffeine consumption among young people was controversial.

5ca82ee7c208f6ca932c33504f6fc8f1 — Energy drink can gun.

Another notable trend within the E-Boy, E-Girl, and E-Kid aesthetics was the incorporation of Monster Energy drink cans. Users often displayed DIY decorations or collections of empty cans. This trend also manifested in creative expressions, such as recreating pride flags using the various colors found on different Monster Energy drink flavors. Some users even crafted "guns" out of the cans.

Additionally, WaterTok became a community that became viral but also a source of mockery. On WaterTok, people describe the ways they combine their water with various syrups, powdered drink mixes, and additional add-ons such as edible glitter. These were often drunk from the incredibly viral Stanley Cup tumblers. WaterTok largely fell into aesthetics in line with the mainstream, as this community was largely composed of middle-class American women in their thirties to middle age.

Socio-Politics[]

Disclaimer: This section primarily deals with left-wing socio-political views during the pandemic, especially among young people, rather than the entire political landscape of the year.

TikTok facilitated a change in power dynamics and amplified the voices of underrepresented groups. The platform gave an opportunity for those who felt ignored by mainstream media. Online activism gained popularity as TikTok users mobilized around various social and political causes, including Black Lives Matter, climate change, LGBTQ+ rights, and mental health awareness.^[11] They initiated online campaigns, petitions, and fundraiser to promote awareness and call for action.

Cancel culture was part of online discourse in 2020, especially on TikTok. Although the term has become polarizing, its essence lies in holding individuals accountable for harmful actions or statements, which can range from withdrawing support for someone to social ostracization or even the loss of employment or endorsement. The concept of "cancelling" someone evolved from the Black Twitter community in 2014, initially used in a more lighthearted and humorous manner. However, its meaning became more serious over time, particularly with the #MeToo movement and increased awareness of social justice issues.

Cancel culture became a subject of intense debate, with many on the political right (and many other viewpoint from all sides of the political spectrum) criticizing it as excessive or unfair. However, proponents argue that it is a necessary part of accountability, and that harmful actions need consequences. The case of Amy Cooper, a white woman who called the police on a black man in Central Park after he asked her to leash her dog, is a clear example of cancel culture. While some defended her actions, others argued that her attempt to weaponize racial bias against a black man warranted consequences, including her job loss.

TikTok became a major hub for the resurgence of the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement following the death of George Floyd. Many users used their platform for raising awareness, sharing information, and organizing protests. The #blacklivesmatter hashtag garnered billions of views. People posted content ranging from protest footage and personal stories to educational resources, safety tips, and the impact of systemic racism. Some also challenged the narratives of mainstream media and news outlets with videos about the unseen moments of protests. The #ImBlackMovement hashtag was used to put black creators and their contributions on the spotlight, pushing back against alleged algorithmic bias. Music also played a role, as protest imagery was often set to songs like Childish Gambino's "This is America" and John Mayer's "Waiting On The World To Change." Celebrities and influencers also used their platforms to support the movement. Lizzo shared donation links and encouraged allyship. John Legend performed his song "Glory" from the "Selma" soundtrack. Charli D'Amelio used her platform to share educational resources and encourage her followers to take action.^[12]

The COVID-19 pandemic and lockdowns led to a period of self-discovery for many, especially within the LGBTQ+ community. With less social pressure and more time alone, people experimented their gender identity, gender expression, and sexuality in new ways. Many experienced gender or sexual awakenings.^[13] They used their free time to experiment with gender presentation and pronouns without fear of judgment. Some who previously identified as cisgender realized they were non-binary or transgender. Others who were already queer found greater self-acceptance on the internet.

The sense of mortality that existed during the COVID-19 pandemic led people to prioritize their true selves over pleasing others. Thus, challenging traditional gender roles was common. In 2020, TikTok saw a rise in "femboys": young men and non-binary people who dress and act in feminine ways.^[14] They used hashtags like #femboy and #femboyfriday to share their videos. This trend also made people think differently about what it means to be a man. Some femboys said they were straight, demonstrating that the adoption of feminine roles as a man is not always synonymous with homosexuality. Others said their femboy identity was about expressing themselves, not about labels.

The COVID-19 pandemic also made mental health more visible in society, and TikTok became a space for discussing mental health struggles, sharing coping mechanisms, and raising awareness. The lockdown intensified existing mental health conditions,^[11] with increased reports of anxiety, depression, and insomnia. Remote schooling and work contributed to feelings of social isolation. In response, many initiatives focused on mental health awareness. Organizations like the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control promoted self-care and destigmatized mental health conditions.^[15]

The fat acceptance movement gained visibility on TikTok and Instagram in the early-2020s, promoting the idea that fat people should be treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their body type or size.^[16] However, this movement faced (and still faces) many misunderstandings. Some misinterpret it as promoting obesity as healthy, rather than focusing on acceptance and combating discrimination against fat people. The resurgence of Y2K aesthetics, which emphasized thinness and Euro-centric beauty standards, further diluted the movement's message on TikTok.

"Cultural appropriation" refers to the adoption of elements from a marginalized culture by members of a dominant culture, without understanding or respecting their original context. On TikTok, "copycat culture," where users imitate and recreate popular trends, has raised awareness about this concept and the erasure of black content creators.^[17] A prominent example is the "Renegade" dance, originally created by 14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon. While Charli D'Amelio's version went viral, Harmon received little recognition initially. Other instances of cultural appropriation include the use of black hairstyles, music, and African-American Vernacular English (AAVE) by non-black creators without acknowledging their origins.

"Cringe culture is dead" became a popular catchphrase in the early 2020s, particularly within the alt community on TikTok, rejecting the practice of mocking or shaming others for their hobbies and self-expression. The term "cringe culture" originated on DeviantArt in 2017 and described the act of ridiculing content deemed embarrassing.^[4] This targeted many harmless expressions of individuality, including interests in fandoms, alternative subcultures, and LGBTQ+ identities. Cringe culture manifested in various forms, including cyberbullying and "cringe compilations" on YouTube or Reddit's r/Cringetopia, which mocked young people for their perceived awkwardness or non-conformity. Many Gen Z individuals, who experienced cringe culture during their formative years, felt it limited their self-expression.^[4]

The 2020 US presidential election intensified political polarization on TikTok. The algorithm of the platform aims to display content that best suits the users' beliefs. This established echo chambers where such content was rarely confronted with differing perspectives.^[18] This polarization was clear in the kinds of content that became viral. Videos endorsing particular political candidates or ideologies frequently garnered millions of views and likes, as it confirms people's existing beliefs. This was also reflected in the "Straight TikTok" and "Alt TikTok" split. Straight TikTok typically aligned with more traditional or mainstream perspectives, whereas Alt TikTok favored progressive and left-wing ideals.

Discourse Community[]

See also: Aestheticization of Politics ("Hello Kitty Says ACAB" trend section)

In 2020, a "discourse community"^[11] emerged on Instagram and TikTok, where users participated in discussions on morally and politically charged topics. Due to both platforms' visual-centric nature, they were often presented alongside images, ranging from plain backgrounds to aesthetic pictures and even anime characters, juxtaposing the serious nature of the topic with the image used.^[19]

This practice aligns with the concept of the "aestheticization of politics," as described by Walter Benjamin, a practice historically used by fascist regimes and movements where political messages are framed as visually appealing content.^[19]

As a 2020 article on the topic notes, "aestheticizing politics is the process of framing violence as cute, beautiful, aesthetic, or glamorous in the forms of memes, images, or infographics for the sake of presentation on the internet."^[19] This is not to say that juxtaposing cartoons and left-leaning politics is inherently fascist, but it shares worrying implications, as it demonstrates how easily political discourse can be reduced to aesthetic appeal, potentially prioritizing emotional manipulation over substantive argument, a tactic historically employed by fascist movements.

934c474522600d85d57f4cc2c1de8659 — This edit of Hello Kitty, an intellectual property valued $84.5 billion, features the "Eat The Rich" slogan. Such memes, while seemingly offering social commentary, misapply socio-political messages to commercial characters. This exemplifies the trend of commodifying and commercializing radical aesthetics, where even anti-capitalist sentiments are appropriated by the very system they seek to critique.^[19]

This community was largely composed of teenagers, leading to passionate but often uncivil discussions. The primary goal of many users seemed to be less about productive conversation and more about expressing opinions, gaining popularity, or seeking validation. This sometimes resulted in an "us vs. them" mentality and the use of "discourse" as a synonym for "drama."

Common topics of discussion included LGBTQ+ community issues (such as the inclusion of asexuals, the validity of "he/him lesbians," and the necessity of dysphoria for transgender identity), as well as broader topics like abortion, "ship" disputes within fandoms, and even the "impact of clown emojis" on the clown industry. Instead of fostering nuanced understanding, these discussions often became battlegrounds for competing opinions, with users employing imagery and memes of their favorite fictional characters to reinforce their positions rather than engaging in reasoned debate. These discussions often took place on accounts with "discourse" in their names or using the "-course" suffix, but also appeared on "flop" and character advice accounts.

The use of anime characters or Zepeto sprites to convey these messages also contributed to the perception of the community as lacking seriousness on the presented topics. Performative activism^[11] was another concern, where the focus is more on appearing socially conscious rather than on genuine action or change. As a 2020 article argues, "instead of grappling with the truth of crises across the globe, people can reconcile their desire to do something about human suffering by posting these memes without having to actually do anything." This demonstrates the potential for such online activism to become a substitute for meaningful participation in complex social and political problems.^[19]

Controversies[]

Disclaimer: This section discusses multiple controversial topics, including chronically online discourse, doxxing, graphic content, harassment, and self-harm.

Opinions on 2020 TikTok are often divisive. Some remember it fondly because of the online friends they made and their experiences during lockdown, but others feel embarrassed about their past participation in its trends, or simply the content that was being posted at the time. Some also believe that looking back on 2020 is morally incorrect because many people were facing hardships at the time. Nevertheless, nostalgia frequently makes people forget about the downsides of the past.

An element that set the "2020 Alt" style apart from other alternative fashion styles and subcultures was the lack of DIY (Do-It-Yourself) clothing and the use of ultra-fast fashion.^[20] Although some content creators did participate in DIY activities, such as creating paper wigs for cosplays, the vast majority purchased their clothes in sites like Shein or AliExpress, which capitalize on stealing designs from alternative brands and exploitative labor. There are also concerns about the enviroment as rapidly changing trends lead to waste. Many Alt TikTok accessories, such as the bunny hat, began to be sold on thrift stores as soon as it went out of trend. This is preferrable among new E-Kids over imitating the past mistake of purchasing fast fashion.^[20]

Doxxing was a recurring problem on 2020 TikTok and other platforms like Discord.^[21] "IP grabbing", which is a soft form of doxxing, gained popularity during this year as users sought revenge on others. This frequently led to harassment over trivial matters. Toxic fandom culture was rampant, as seen with a December 2020 incident where a Danganronpa fan was doxxed on Discord for disliking a specific "ship".^[22] The Dream SMP and Western K-pop fandoms, with their "stan culture" (combination of stalker + fan), were characterized by constant drama on social media, including parasocial relationships that led to privacy invasions and obsessive behavior.^[21]

Cancel culture sometimes resulted in excessive punishments for both celebrities and ordinary users. Some users made deep background checks to find reasons to "cancel" public figures, especially by digging up old/forgotten social media posts,^[23] despite the fact that these persons could have already changed their opinions over the years. This led to fear and self-censorship among content creators.

The growing popularity of hyperspecific labels, such as neopronouns, xenogenders, and neosexualities (e.g., Dreamsexual,^[24] Dracosexual, animesexual) among Generation Z in the early-2020s caused major debates about what it means to be part of the LGBTQ+ community.^[25] Neopronouns and xenogenders, which were already popular in niche corners of Tumblr, remained controversial within the LGBTQ+ movement. For instance, xenogenders were seen as reminiscent of transphobic jokes like "I sexually identify as an attack helicopter". This led to the creation of a separate community known as "MOGAI" (Marginalized Orientations, Gender Alignments, and Intersex). The new sexualities, on the other hand, drew criticism and mockery from various communities accross TikTok. This stemmed from the common consensus that sexual orientation is defined by attraction to a sex or gender, not to a specific individual, regardless of whether they are real or fictional. Terms like "Dreamsexual" were seen as fundamentally misinterpreting the concept of sexual orientation. Some argued that these identities trivialized the experiences of gay, bisexual, and transgender people.

Faking mental disorders and self-diagnosis,^[11] most notably but not limited to Dissociative Identity Disorder (DID), was prevalent on 2020 TikTok and contributed to misinformation about mental health. This resulted in a lot of backlash, including the creation of specific communities to mock mental illness fakers (such as Reddit's r/fakedisordercringe) or cringe compilation videos. The "Wonderland System" controversy is possibly the most notorious example.^[26] This creator, who claimed to have 271 alters, faced intense skepticism and accusations of faking DID after revealing some of their alters' political affiliations, personal details, and species, some of which were mythical creatures such as fairies. This caused widespread mockery of their content, "fakeclaiming" (the act of accusing someone of faking their alleged condition), and the creation of online communities dedicated to criticizing their content. This drove them to make their account private.

"I'm going to commit arson" was a popular catchphrase at the time, derived from the "Arson Frog," a meme that became popular on TikTok in 2019.^[27] A notable controversy surrounding the E-Kid aesthetic emerged when some participants, especially non-binary people seeking new gender-neutral names, adopted names phonetically similar to "arson", the criminal act of setting fire to property. These would include simply "Arson", "Arsyn" (Greek), "Arsène" (French), "Asher" (Jewish), "Arsyen" (Malaysian), etc. Appropriating cultural names out of context to evoke a crime was seen as distasteful by many. Critics often compared it with hypothetically naming oneself "homicide", "jaywalking", or even "fraud."

BLMMakeup — Various women with BLM-inspired makeup.

Although TikTok helped amplify the Black Lives Matter movement, it also saw many instances of performative activism, where users were accused of using the movement for personal gain or attention. A controversial trend involved creators, predominantly white women, incorporating BLM-related imagery and slogans into their makeup, when a simple raised fist or actually helping people in need could get the point across. This attracted criticism for trivializing^[11] the movement and using the struggles of black people for aesthetic purposes. Many creators involved in the trend faced backlash, leading them to delete their videos or make their accounts private. However, some, including model and influencer Amelie Zilber, kept their videos up despite the controversy.^[28]

Several dangerous challenges circulated on the platform, including the "Coronavirus Challenge" (which encouraged licking and touching surfaces in public restrooms), a resurgence of the "Blue Whale Challenge" (which promoted self-harm and suicide), and the "Benadryl Challenge" (which involved taking excessive amounts of medication to induce hallucinations). The spread of a suicide video in September 2020, disguised with bait-and-switch content featuring cats and dogs, exposed thousands of users to graphic content.^[29] TikTok handled these endangering situations poorly.

Music[]

Music in 2020 was shaped by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.^[30] With lockdowns and social distancing measures in place, TikTok became a central hub for music discovery and consumption, especially for Generation Z and Generation Alpha. The cancellation of live events led artists and fans to create and participate in virtual concerts, like Dua Lipa's "Studio 2054" and Taylor Swift's "Folklore: The Long Pond Studio Sessions."^[30]

The pandemic also gave rise to genreless music and fragmentation, as artists and listeners alike turned to the internet and streaming platforms for connection and solace. TikTok's aility to propel relatively obscure songs and artists to viral fame, like Arizona Zervas's "Roxanne," which gained popularity solely through TikTok, made it a major platform for music discovery, rivaling traditional channels like radio and television.^[30]

This democratization of music discovery allowed niche communities and subgenres to flourish. Hyperpop, with its high-energy, experimental sound and DIY ethos, found a natural home on the "alt" side of TikTok, popularized by artists like 100 gecs, whose song "Money Machine" became an anthem of the genre, Charli XCX, and Dorian Electra.^[30] This scene provided a sense of belonging and creative expression for many young users, contrasting with the more mainstream, dance trends that also dominated the platform. For example, Megan Thee Stallion's "Savage" sparked countless dance challenges.^[30]

Collaborations between artists and TikTok creators, sponsored hashtag challenges, and the use of licensed music in viral videos became essential marketing tools.^[30] The creation of the TikTok Billboard chart in 2023 set the platform's influence on the music industry. While mainstream pop stars like Taylor Swift, Justin Bieber, and Olivia Rodrigo continued to dominate the music charts, TikTok also facilitated the popularity of artists like Sabrina Carpenter, Chappell Roan, and Charli XCX.

The pandemic also saw the emergence of specific trends within established genres. Drift phonk, a bass-heavy, distorted style of phonk music originating in Russia, quickly gained popularity through TikTok, used in videos featuring weightlifting, drifting, and anime edits.^[30] Breakcore and Drum and Bass experienced a revival, inspired by artists like Machine Girl and Goreshit, who brought a new aesthetic focus on anime, 2010s nostalgia, and internet culture.^[30] "Bedroom pop" artists like Mitski, Clairo, and TV Girl, who recorded music with a "dreamy, introspective, and intimate" sound, also gained popularity, blurring the lines between indie, pop, R&B, and emo.^[30]

Furthermore, K-pop and Hallyu experienced a surge in popularity, with groups like BTS achieving mainstream recognition and breaking records. BTS's "Dynamite" received a Grammy nomination in 2020, a major milestone for K-pop.^[30] Groups like 2NE1, Aespa, BigBang, Girls' Generation, and Kara made successful comebacks, while Blackpink's "Born Pink" topped album charts in the United States and United Kingdom.

Musical Artists[]

100 gecs
Ashnikko
Ayesha Erotica
Beach Bunny
Black Dresses
BLACKPINK
Bo Burnham
BTS
Calum Bowen/bo en
Cavetown
Clairo
Crystal Castles
Current Joys
Freddie Dredd
girl in red
Glass Animals
Gorillaz
GRLwood
Insane Clown Posse
Jack Stauber/Jack Stauber's Micropop
Jazmin Bean
KevinKempt
Kikuo
Laura Les
Lemon Demon
Le Tigre
Lil Darkie
lil peep
Maretu
MARINA
Melanie Martinez
Mindless Self Indulgence
Mother Mother
Penelope Scott
PinkPantheress
Poppy
Quinn (also known as osquinn/p4rkr)
Rebzyyx
Ricky Montgomery
Rojuu
Sir Chloe
Sodikken
Tally Hall
The Front Bottoms
The Living Tombstone
The Neighbourhood
The Oozes
The Orion Experience
TV Girl
WHOKILLEDXIX
Will Wood/Will Wood and The Tapeworms

Songs[]

"#BrooklynBloodPop!" by Syko
"2 Phut Hon (KAIZ Remix)" by Phao
"8 now" by food house
"abcdefu" by Gaylee
"All Eyez on Me" by luci4
"All I want is you" by Rebzyyx
"and most importantly, have fun" by osquinn
"Arms Tonite" by Mother Mother
"Baby Hotline" by Jack Stauber
"Backstabber" by Kesha
"bad guy" by Billie Eilish
"Banana" (feat. Shaggy) by Conkarah
"Bang Bang Bang Bang" by Sohodolls
"Be Nice 2 Me" by Bladee
"Bezos" by Bo Burnham
"Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd
"Blow My Brains Out" by Tickle Me
"Boss Bitch" by Doja Cat
"Bubble Pop Electric" by Gwen Stefani
"Cannibal" by Kesha
"Cigarette Ahegao" by Penelope Scott
"Crimewave" by Crystal Castles
"Daisy" by Ashnikko
"Dancing in My Room" by 347AIDAN
"Death Bed" by Powfu
"Deceptacon" by Le Tigre
"Devil Town" by cavetown
"Discord" by The Living Tombstone
"drivers license" by Olivia Rodrigo
"Dreamcore" by Pathetic
"dumb dumb" by Mazie
"E-Girls are Ruining My Life" by CORPSE
"Emo Boy" by Ayesha Erotica
"Fahrradsatel" by Pisse
"Ferrari" by Alice Gas
"Freak" by Doja Cat
"Freaks" by Surf Curse
"Freak Show" by Punkinloveee and H3artcrush
"FVN!" by LVL1
"Gangsta's Paradise" by Coolio
"Hayloft" by Mother Mother
"Hello Kitty" by Jazmin Bean
"Hello Kitty" by Slayyyter
"help_urself" by Ezekiel
"I Can't Handle Change" by Roar
"i don't want that many friends in the first place" by osquinn
"i hate it here" by osquinn
"I'd Rather Sleep" by Kero Kero Bonito
"I'm so crazy for you" by Rebzyyx
"I Wanna Be Yours" by The Arctic Monkeys
"KAWAII" by TATARKA
"kitty phonk" by soviss
"Kurxxed Emeraldz" by luci4
"Let Go" by Ark Patrol
"Levitating" by Dua Lipa
"Line Without a Hook" by Ricky Montgomery
"Literal Legend" by Ayesha Erotica
"Little Dark Age" by MGMT
"Lotta True Crime" by Penelope Scott
"Lottery" by K Camp
"Love me, love me, love me" by Kikuo
"Love Taste" by Moe Shop
"Mask" by Dream
"masquerade" by siouxxie sixxsta
"Mia Khalifa" by iLOVEFRiDAY
"Mind Brand" by MARETU
"Miss the Rage" by Playboi Carti
"moment" by Vierre Cloud
"money machine" by 100 gecs
"My Ordinary Life" by The Living Tombstone
"my time" by bo en
"NARCISSISTIC PERSONALITY DISORDER" by Odetari
"NEVER MET!" by CMTEN feat. Glitch Gum
"Not Allowed" by TV Girl
"Oh Ana" by Mother Mother
"Old Town Road" by Doja Cat
"people eater" by Sodikken
"Positions" by Ariana Grande
"pretty cvnt" by Sewerslvt
"Rät" by Penelope Scott
"Rhinestone Eyes" by Gorillaz
"Ringtone (Remix) [feat. Charli XCX, Rico Nasty & Kero Kero Bonito]" by 100 gecs
"Rocking a Cardigan in Atlanta" by lil Shordie Scott
"Roxanne" by Arizona Zervas
"Running Away" by BADBADNOTGOOD, Samuel T. Herring, and VANO 3000
"Savage" by Megan Thee Stallion
"Savage Love (Laxed – Siren Beat)" by Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo
"Say So" by Doja Cat
"scawy monstews and nice spwites :3" by Fraxiom
"serialkilled" by Osquinn
"spy?" by WHOKILLEDXIX
"Stupid Horse" by 100 gecs
"SugarCrash!" by ElyOtto
"Supalonely" (feat. Gus Dapperton) by BENEE
"The Perfect Girl" by Mareux
"Therefore I Am" by Billie Eilish
"Tokyo" by Leat'eq
"Tongue Twister" by Cash Cash
"WAP (feat. Megan Thee Stallion)" by Cardi B
"Washing Machine Heart" by Mitski
"we fell in love in october" by girl in red
"Who Is She?" by I Monster
"Won't Bite" by Doja Cat
"Yandere" by Jazmin Bean
"Симпл димпл поп ит сквиш" by M&A, Бэтси

Media[]

Film & Television[]

Battle for Dream Island (2010)
Demon Slayer (2019)
Encanto (2021)
Hazbin Hotel (2019)
Helluva Boss (2019)
Inanimate Insanity (2011)
Kakegurui (2017)
My Hero Academia (2016)
Onegai My Melody (2005)
Squid Game (2021)
Stranger Things (2016)
The Lorax (2012)
The Owl House (2020)
Toilet-Bound Hanako-kun (2020)
Turning Red (2022)
WataMote (2013)
Wednesday (2022)

Video Games[]

Among Us (2018)
Danganronpa series (2010-2021)
Doki Doki Literature Club (2017)
Five Nights At Freddy's (2014)
Gacha Club (2020)
Gacha Life (2018)
Genshin Impact (2020)
Minecraft (2011)
OMORI (2020)
ROBLOX (2006-Present)
Sally Face (2016)
Splatoon series (2015-Present)

Gallery (miscellanous)[]

2020 TikTok is not a single, unified aesthetic. This gallery is meant to showcase the immense variety of styles prevalent on social media from 2019 to 2022.