October 2025 TikTok Trends: Viral Moments You Need to Know

What’s Trending on TikTok Now in October 2025

October’s TikTok trends are leaning into seasonal aesthetics and heightened absurdity. Where September leaned on theatrical filters and emotional twists, this month is layering in cozy fall vibes, parody skits, and meme mashups that play with timing and surprise. Think: pumpkin-spiced aesthetics clashing with chaotic edits, staged “jump scare” reveals, and ironic takes on everyday routines.

Still riding the September wave? Many of those trends are overlapping and evolving this month—catch up on September's TikTok trend recap if you missed it.

Want more like this? Get biweekly TikTok trend insights, creative strategies, and real brand use cases in our Trend Report to turn social moments into marketing results.

Week of October 1, 2025 - Ain’t Nobody Safe, Girl Whatever & Elevator Scandals

Trend #1: Ain't Nobody Safe

TikTok is turning chaos into comedy with this trending snippet from Sabrina Carpenter’s “Go Go Juice,” where she belts, “Ain’t nobody’s safe when I’m a little bit drunk.” Creators are riffing on that line to confess the moments when their self-control goes out the window—from emotional spirals to petty behavior to beauty mishaps. The tone? Self-aware, slightly unhinged, and 100% relatable. It’s resonating because it lets people dramatize everyday meltdowns without taking themselves too seriously.

Use the “Go Go Juice” audio and add on-screen text starting with “Ain’t nobody safe when…” then fill in the blank with the moment you go a little off the rails. The format is simple and flexible, often with just one clip and a single on-screen punchline. Think: “Ain’t nobody safe when I’m overstimulated and hungry” or “Ain’t nobody safe when my false eyelash won’t stick on.” No lip-syncing needed—just well-timed text and a reaction shot (or chaos B-roll) to land the joke. Keep it dramatic, relatable, and fast-paced.

Trend #2: Girl Whatever

Charli XCX’s iconic track “You (Ha Ha Ha)” is fueling a new wave of main-character energy on TikTok. Set to the defiant, synth-heavy hook, creators are showing how they’re thriving—even as chaos simmers in the background. It’s a wink at how we cope through confidence, humor, and a little delusion. Whether it's traveling solo, bossing up at work, or just vibing unbothered, this trend taps into a very Gen Z sense of resilient escapism: the world may be on fire, but I’ve got lip gloss and a latte.

Use the “You (Ha Ha Ha)” sound and overlay bold on-screen text that simply reads: “girl whatever.” The video should feature a clip of you doing something aspirational, creative, or carefree—like walking into a photoshoot, boarding a flight, sipping wine at golden hour, or dancing in your room post-breakdown. Keep it chic, ironic, and unbothered. Editing is minimal—just vibes, confidence, and the right song timing to sync with the chorus drop.

Trend #3: Elevator Scandal

Murder mystery meets slapstick in TikTok’s latest drama-core trend, “Elevator Scandal.” Set to the haunting sound “I got deported by 6” by podby668, creators are staging theatrical fake crime scenes from the perspective of an elevator security cam. One person stands facing the door, another "fires" a finger gun from behind, and the first collapses in exaggerated slow-mo before being dragged out of frame. The result? Pure cinematic chaos. What started as a tongue-in-cheek bit has spiraled into outfit reveals, behind-the-scenes fails (watch those head bumps!), and creative twists that keep viewers guessing.

Film inside an elevator using a tripod or phone mount on the ceiling—or fake the angle with a high corner setup. Cue the audio, have one person enter and face away from the door, then time a playful finger-gun “shot” just before the beat drops. The “victim” should dramatically collapse, then be dragged out. Bonus points for clever variations: stylish slow-mo deaths, surprise reversals, or blooper reels. Keep the tone absurd, the acting campy, and the edit clean and snappy.

Trend #3: Plug Walk

TikTok’s “Plug Walk” trend is taking the phrase hilariously literally. Set to Rich the Kid’s 2018 hit Plug Walk, creators are reversing the logic of walking a dog—walking household items by their plugs instead. From dragging microwaves down sidewalks to giving their phone chargers a “stroll,” users film themselves walking backward while pulling the item, then reverse the video to create the illusion that the item is trotting along behind them. Add in funny outfits, chaotic energy, or public confusion, and the result is low-effort absurdism that thrives on deadpan delivery and visual gags.

Pick any appliance, charger, or wired device with a long enough cord (think vacuum, toaster, extension cable). Dress in your best—or most ridiculous—“I’m walking my dog” outfit. Film yourself walking backward with the cord in hand and the object following behind, then reverse the video to make it look like the item is walking on its own. Most creators use the original Plug Walk audio and keep the tone casual, confident, and bizarre. Location is key—parks, sidewalks, and public spaces make it funnier.

Trend #4: Birding

TikTok is having a surrealist moment with the “Perch Pic” trend, where creators snap a single photo that makes it look like their friend is perched on their arm—like a pet bird with oddly human energy. The setup? One person sits or stands casually, holding out their arm, while the other compresses into a hoodie or jacket and balances awkwardly on top, eyes wide, limbs hidden. It’s uncanny, hilarious, and just weird enough to go viral.

All you need is a friend, a hoodie, and one strong arm. Have one person pose normally while the other climbs up, folds their arms inside a zipped hoodie, and crouches or balances on the “handler’s” arm to resemble a bird. Snap a single photo—no video needed.The more serious the “bird’s” expression, the better. Bonus points for awkward living room settings, matching outfits, or creative perches (e.g., shoulder instead of arm).

Week of October 6, 2025 — Shake Frame Samba, Ophelia’s Freestyle Reveal & We’re Not Gonna Be

Trend #5: DWTS Whitney Leavitt Samba

The “Shake Ya Ass” dance is having a comeback moment — thanks to Whitney Leavitt and Mark Ballas’s samba performance on Dancing with the Stars’ TikTok Night. Their routine, which cleverly used a vertical phone-frame overlay, turned ballroom choreography into a TikTok-native format. Now it’s going viral again as creators remix the clip, react to the visuals, and recreate the dance across FYPs. The blend of polished choreography, cheeky nostalgia, and social-native framing makes it feel instantly memeable.

Cue up the “Shake Ya Ass” (Radio Edit) audio and recreate the TikTok Night routine — solo or with a partner. This is a full-body, face-first kind of trend: exaggerate your expressions and don’t be afraid to get theatrical. 

Trend #6: Life of Ophelia Dance

There’s a trending dance taking over TikTok set to Taylor Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” — choreographed by none other than Mandy Moore. It’s dreamy, flowy, and full of soft theatrical energy. The movement feels like a Shakespearean daydream meets modern dance party: arms wide, feet loose, faces full of feeling. What’s making it stick? It’s built for vibe-first participation. You don’t need perfect precision — just motion, emotion, and a willingness to let go a little.

The dance is tailor-made for fit reveals and aesthetic edits. Creators are using it to show off “showgirl-core” looks, silky robes, or romantic streetwear. It works best when it's fun and carefree: think barefoot twirls, swishy fabrics, or twinkly lighting. If you’ve been waiting for a dance trend that’s more expressive than technical, this one’s yours. Just press record and let Ophelia move through you.

Trend #7: We’re Not Gonna Be Halloween Edition

There’s a trending Halloween format where creators sit with a bowl of costume ideas and dramatically eliminate them one by one, saying “We’re not gonna be ___” with each pick. The last slip standing becomes the “chosen” costume — no takebacks. It’s part elimination game, part comedy sketch, and totally built for chaotic indecision. Most popular with duos (best friends, couples, siblings), but also hilarious solo, especially when you argue with yourself. The simplicity, tension, and payoff make it ripe for repeatable content.

To join in, write down 6–10 options on slips of paper — Halloween costumes, dinner spots, weekend plans, travel destinations, baby names, outfit choices, even movies to watch — and take turns pulling them from a bowl. Each draw is met with “We’re not gonna be ___,” or “We’re not gonna go to ___,” until only one remains. The final slip seals your fate.

Add a follow-up clip where you commit to the “winner” — in full costume, at the restaurant, booking the trip, wearing the outfit, or hitting play on the movie. The trend’s pacing is deadpan and snappy, with quick cuts between picks and a final reaction that sells the story. It’s a fun, low-lift way to turn indecision into content — and it's endlessly adaptable beyond Halloween.

Trend #8: Knock on Wood Swift Switch

There’s a moody, theatrical transformation trend rising on TikTok set to Taylor Swift’s The Life of a Showgirl album — specifically tied to the track “Wood.” Creators begin the video pressed against a wall or door, “listening” for something unseen, then give a single knock. That moment becomes the pivot: they fall or lean through the wall, and the transition reveals them fully transformed — dressed in velvet, showgirl-core, or emotionally unrecognizable from before. The vibe is dreamy, dramatic, and soaked in Swiftian aesthetic: soft lighting, vintage filters, and a little bit of emotional unraveling.

The wall acts as a portal — a metaphorical threshold between eras, moods, or selves. It’s the perfect match for an album that leans heavy into identity, performance, and reinvention.

Week of October 13th, 2025 - Lioness Energy, Betrayal Lists & Top Song Throwbacks

Trend #9: Lioness Doesn’t Concern Herself With…

This trend roars with unbothered confidence. Backed by Livin’ Joy’s house anthem Dreamer, creators deliver the line “The lioness doesn’t concern herself with…” as a rallying cry for self-trust and zero shame. The onscreen text finishes the sentence with whatever rules, standards, or expectations they’re proudly ignoring—like “how much salt she consumes,” “the fact that bras weren’t made for women’s bodies,” or “measuring seasoning.” Some creators twist the line for irony (“The lion does concern herself with…”), but most use it to embody carefree, main character energy with a wink of rebellion.

Use the audio “Dreamer” by Livin’ Joy, and lip-sync or voiceover the phrase “The lioness doesn’t concern herself with…” then pair it with your punchline in bold onscreen text. Footage should visually match the sentiment—show yourself cooking freely, lounging without a bra, or walking like you own the place. Keep the vibe cool and unbothered, but the tone can lean dramatic, ironic, or quietly powerful. Bonus points for walk-and-talks, slow-mo glam, or POV-style edits.

Trend #10: Personal Curriculum

Forget standardized syllabi—TikTok is embracing the ✨Main Character Mindset✨ in academia with the rise of the Personal Curriculum. As students head back to school, creators are sharing custom learning plans built around what they actually want to explore. It’s part bucket list, part self-directed study, with monthly or semester-long themes like “Heroes and Villains” or “The Art of Reinvention.” These aren’t just cute lists—they come complete with learning objectives, reading materials (both fiction and non-fiction), and vibes. Think: Pinterest board meets grad seminar meets emotional arc.

Start with a theme that intrigues you—“Self Image” “Time Travel,” or “Messy Girl History”—then build your curriculum around it. Create a TikTok introducing your topic, your “learning objectives,” and the books, shows, essays, or even podcasts that will help you study it. Use text overlays or green screen to walk through your picks. Aesthetic is key: mood boards, cozy back-to-school edits, and labeled “unit plans” are common. Some creators post monthly updates or study vlogs to track their intellectual journeys.

Trend #11: Top Song When…

This trend is a time capsule with a dance beat. Set to the top Billboard song from a meaningful moment—like when someone was hired, born, or graduated—creators spotlight a single person while a group dances around them to their song. It’s nostalgic, celebratory, and wildly versatile. Companies are using it to shout out employee anniversaries (“Top song when Jenna joined: September 2019”), while others riff with more personal takes (“Top song when I was born”). It’s going viral for its simple, joyful format and how it turns music into a mini-biography.

Start by picking the moment you want to highlight (hired, born, graduated, moved cities). Find the Billboard #1 hit from that month/year (lots of creators use resources like Billboard’s archives or time-capsule sites). Then, gather a group—friends, coworkers, family—around the person being featured. Film them dancing while the song plays, and use onscreen text to share the name, date, and context: “Top song when Alyssa joined — July 2021.” The energy should feel upbeat, community-driven, and a little bit throwback.

Trend #12: List of Betrayals

Set to the haunting piano intro of Kanye West’s Runaway, this trend is a slow burn of specific, emotional grievances. Creators are listing out their personal betrayals—the things that let them down in niche parts of life like gym culture, postpartum recovery, dating apps, or startup life. There are two main formats: a B-roll reel with onscreen text layered over relevant footage (like crowded gyms or crying babies), or a static carousel that opens with “My [X] Betrayals” and swipes into a notes app list. It hits because it’s relatable, cathartic, and just poetic enough to feel like a soft-launch therapy session.

Use Runaway by Kanye West as your audio. Choose your betrayal theme—“Gym Betrayals,” “Corporate Betrayals,” “Millennial Betrayals,” etc.—and pick your format. For video, use niche-specific B-roll clips (e.g., broken machines, waiting for a squat rack) and overlay each betrayal as text. For carousel, design a clean cover slide (e.g., “My Gym Betrayals”), then swipe to a list written in notes app or minimalist style (white text, black background). Keep the tone dry, sincere, or darkly funny.

Week of October 20th, 2025 - Lioness Energy, Betrayal Lists & Top Song Throwbacks

Trend #13: Group 7

It started as a mysterious message from @sophiajamesmusic—“If you’re seeing this, you’re in Group 7.” One of seven near-identical TikToks, the Group 7 version went viral, capturing a collective curiosity that quickly snowballed into a trend of its own. What began as a clever music promo became a social Rorschach test: creators are now defining what “Group 7” means to them—chaotic, elite, soft, haunted, wholesome—and welcoming others into the fold. It taps into TikTok’s love of inside jokes, alternate realities, and the thrill of belonging to something undefined but special.

All you have to do is act like Group 7 is a real thing—and then make up whatever you want from there. Creators are doing chaotic “morning announcements” for the group (“Attendance is optional, crying is mandatory”), making house rules (“Group 7 doesn't run—we saunter”), or inventing lore (“Group 7 was banned from group 6's holiday party for ‘the incident’”). Think PA announcements, fake club meetings, roleplay, or affirmations. No specific audio or format—just deadpan delivery and an absurd sense of unity. The only real rule? You’re in Group 7 now. Forever.

Trend #14: Halloween Transition

This Halloween, TikTok’s going punk with a high-drama transition trend set to “Wam Bam” by Monaleo. The setup is deceptively simple: a close-up hand swipe followed by a hard cut to a spooky, stunning, or unhinged transformation—usually timed with the track’s gritty beat drop and a perfectly campy scream. 

Film a setup shot with your hand covering the camera, then sync your transformation to the drop in “Wam Bam” (Monaleo)—bonus points for makeup, masks, or a whole persona switch. The scream at the end is part of the charm, so lean into it. Most creators use moody lighting, bold makeup, and a little chaos.

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