Time
Reading Time
12 min

Most popular TikTok Categories: A Deep Dive Into Trends

With a projection of reaching over 2 billion worldwide active users for 2024, TikTok has become a cultural powerhouse, setting trends across music, fashion, and even politics.

TikTok’s vibrant ecosystem thrives on diverse content, where creators with shared interests naturally fall into specific categories. These categories are shaped by the strategic use of hashtags, trending keywords and sounds, and the algorithm’s ability to group related content. Understanding TikTok categories and identifying the most popular ones can help creators like you showcase relatable content effectively.

When like-minded individuals post about their passions, they create a sense of community within their platform that fosters engagement and discovery. For instance, TikTok users interested in fitness, beauty, or tech reviews often rely on category-specific tags like #FitnessTips, #BeautyHacks, or #TechTalk to find relatable content. 

Exploring TikTok’s most popular categories reveals insights into audience behavior, emerging trends, and opportunities for creators to add value to their niche. From viral dance challenges and educational content to niche communities like BookTok or ArtTok, understanding these categories allows creators to optimize their content strategy and grow their influence on the platform.

What Are The Top-Performing Tiktok Categories?

Entertainment

An interest focused algorithm challenged creators to expand their creativity more than ever, and the ability to entertain has not been overlooked by TikTok. 

Entertainment has been one of the most popular TikTok categories since the app launched in 2016, with comedic skit creators like Delaney Rowe leading the way with her unique take on coming-of-age and indie movie girl skits.

From comedic skits and pranks to relatable memes and viral challenges, this category thrives on dynamic storytelling and exaggerated humor to captivate viewers. 

Creators who consistently post in this category see rapid growth. Delaney's blend of nostalgia, exaggerated personalities, and relatable content has helped her build a loyal following, with many of her videos going viral due to their shareability and appeal to young audiences.

Content type that works best:

  • Dynamic storytelling: Skits with a narrative arc that grab attention quickly.
  • Exaggerated humor: Relatable yet over-the-top scenarios that are highly shareable.
  • Viral challenges: Participating in or creating trends with comedic twists.

Content format that works best:

  • Vertical short-form videos: 15–60 seconds for quick engagement.
  • Split-screen duets: Collaborating or reacting to other creators’ content.
  • Text overlays: Adding captions to enhance comedic timing.

Dance

From TikTok’s early stages, dance has consistently ranked among the top five most-viewed categories on the platform. Dance challenges, choreographed routines, and freestyle performances dominate this niche, keeping audiences engaged and inspiring widespread participation.

One of TikTok’s most recognizable stars, Charli D’Amelio, skyrocketed to fame by sharing her dance routines and is now the second most-followed person on the app.

As a competitive dancer, she brought her skills to TikTok, gaining massive popularity and evolving into a social media personality with projects like The D’Amelio Show and making her broadway debut in “& Juliet”.

The dance category’s virality is fueled by trends tied to popular music, where creators like Charli set the tone for global participation, making it one of TikTok's most enduring and impactful niches.

Content type that works best:

  • Choreographed routines: Eye-catching and replicable sequences tied to trending songs.
  • Challenges: Easy-to-follow moves that encourage audience participation.
  • Freestyle performances: Unique personal styles to showcase creativity that can easily go viral.

Content format that works best:

  • Full-body shots: High-quality filming to capture movements clearly with trending sounds.
  • Transitions: Smooth edits between scenes for creative flair.

Beauty and Fashion

For a fast-paced ruling environment, aesthetics didn’t get left behind when it comes to TikTok.

The platform has become a hub for makeup tutorials, skincare routines, get ready with me (GRWM) videos, outfit challenges, thrift hauls, and seasonal styling tips.

One standout creator is Paloma, whose NYX Cold Brew liner dupe series garnered over 12 million views, captivating beauty enthusiasts with her relatable and resourceful content.

Beauty and fashion creators leverage TikTok's short-form video style to showcase product reviews, transformations, and hacks that resonate with a wide audience, making this category a staple for inspiration and trends.

Content type that works best:

  • Tutorials: Short and snappy how-tos on makeup and styling.
  • Product reviews: Honest opinions paired with demonstrations.
  • GRWM (Get Ready With Me): Relatable, everyday routines.
  • Hauls and transformations: Before-and-after visuals of outfits or thrift finds.

Content format that works best:

  • Step-by-step visuals: Close-ups for detail-oriented tutorials.
  • Before-and-after transitions: Using creative cuts for transformations.
  • Flat lays or outfit reveals: Aesthetic layouts or transitions to showcase looks.

Fitness

Fitness content has become a major player on TikTok, offering a mix of inspiration, education, and entertainment. Creators use the platform to share workout routines, fitness challenges, quick exercise hacks, and motivational progress updates, making fitness accessible and engaging for users of all levels.

According to the Wix Fitness blog (https://www.wix.com/blog/fitness/fitness-tiktok-tips), trending content includes short workout demos, time-lapse fitness progress videos, and educational clips debunking common myths. 

Creators like Rebecca Louise have built strong followings by sharing unique perspectives, from beginner-friendly routines to strength-training tips for enthusiasts, often accompanied by popular hashtags like #FitnessTok and #WorkoutChallenge.

Content type that works best:

  • Quick workout routines: Bite-sized demos targeting all fitness levels.
  • Tips and hacks: Practical advice debunking myths or optimizing fitness goals.
  • Challenges: Interactive trends encouraging followers to join.

Content format that works best:

  • Timelapse: Showing long workouts condensed into a few seconds.
  • Voiceovers and on-screen text instructions: Adding instructional guidance over visuals.

Food / Cooking

Food content thrives on TikTok, offering quick recipes, meal-prep hacks, and aesthetic food presentations. Creators like Joanne share visually stunning recipes paired with personal storytelling, making their videos both engaging and informative.

Trends like "one-pan dinners" and "duet cooking" keep users coming back for simple yet exciting ideas. 

TikTok foodies such as Sarah have also gained popularity for their unique twists on desserts, turning viral recipes into must-tries for millions.

Content type that works best:

  • Quick recipes: Easy-to-make dishes presented in under a minute.
  • Meal prep: Organized steps to streamline cooking.
  • Aesthetic visuals: Beautifully plated dishes and colorful ingredients.
  • Storytelling recipes: Personal anecdotes paired with food preparation.

Content format that works best:

  • Overhead shots: Clean views of the cooking process.
  • Time-lapse sequences: Compressing preparation steps.
  • On-screen text instructions: For easy recipe replication.

DIY / Home Renovation

DIY and home renovation content has exploded, offering budget-friendly solutions and creative inspiration. Creators like Shannon showcase room makeovers with step-by-step guides that are easy to follow.

Popular themes include IKEA hacks, small-space transformations, and upcycling old furniture. For instance, Kara shares vibrant, color-filled projects that have earned her a loyal audience looking for fun and practical ideas.

Content type that works best:

  • Step-by-step tutorials: Clear, visual guides to replicable projects.
  • Makeover transformations: Satisfying before-and-after room changes.
  • Budget hacks: Affordable solutions for home upgrades.
  • Upcycling ideas: Creative reuse of old or discarded items.

Content format that works best:

  • Split-screen transformations: Showing before and after simultaneously.
  • Fast-forwarded tutorials: Highlighting key moments.
  • Minimalistic designs: Clean, uncluttered visuals for clarity.

Life Advice (AdviceTok)

Life advice content thrives on TikTok, offering relatable and actionable tips for personal growth and well-being. Creators like Jeff provide approachable insights into topics like emotional health, relationships, and setting boundaries.

Popular formats include quick tips, storytelling, and response videos to audience questions. Jeff’s engaging delivery and professional expertise have helped him build a loyal following, making complex ideas about mental health easy to understand and apply.

Content type that works best:

  • Quick tips: Short clips offering actionable insights.
  • Personal stories: Relatable experiences to build connection.
  • Q&A responses: Addressing audience queries with practical advice.
  • Educational content: Simplifying complex topics in approachable ways.

Content format that works best:

  • Talking head videos: Directly addressing the audience.
  • Text overlays: Summarizing key points.
  • Response videos: Replying to specific audience comments or questions.

Bonus Rising Categories

Prank

For a quick laugh or creative April fools’ ideas, TikTok pranks excel on quality and creativity. These videos often rely on relatable humor and unexpected twists to keep audiences entertained and eager to share. 

Creators like Nick use quirky, over-the-top setups to pull off pranks that are both hilarious and unpredictable, while Shammi is known for his bold, high-energy stunts that leave viewers laughing and shocked.

Trending formats include “prank reveals,” where the punchline is held until the very end, and “collaborative pranks,” where creators rope in friends or family for hilarious reactions. Hashtags like #PrankTok and #FunnyPranks boost discoverability, allowing even casual pranksters to reach wide audiences.

Successful prank content often plays with universal themes, ensuring its humor resonates globally while keeping the tone lighthearted and fun.

Content type that works best:

  • Prank reveals: Building suspense for a punchline.
  • Collaborative pranks: Including friends or family for unexpected reactions.
  • High-energy stunts: Creative setups that surprise and entertain.

Content format that works best:

  • Hidden camera setups: Capturing genuine reactions.
  • Reaction cuts: Highlighting pranked individuals' responses.
  • Fast edits: Keeping the pace quick and engaging.

ASMR

ASMR (Autonomous Sensory Meridian Response) is a phenomenon where certain sounds or visuals trigger a relaxing, tingling sensation, often felt on the scalp or spine. This content is designed to calm and soothe, with creators using soft-spoken voices, tapping, crinkling, and other satisfying sounds to provide sensory relaxation.

ASMR surfaced on TikTok and quickly gained massive popularity, especially with the rise of live-stream formats where creators can interact with their audience in real-time. Creators like Daja, who reviews products in an ASMR style, and Sandria, known for cinematic ASMR, have captivated audiences by combining soothing sounds with immersive visuals.

Under the #ASMR hashtag, creators connect with viewers seeking a relaxing experience, making it a standout niche for relaxation and sensory engagement.

Content type that works best:

  • Interactive livestreams: Engaging viewers in real-time relaxation.
  • Product reviews: Featuring satisfying sounds like tapping or brushing.
  • Visual storytelling: Pairing ASMR sounds with immersive aesthetics.
  • Experimental formats: Unique sensory triggers or themed ASMR (e.g., cinematic).

Content format that works best:

  • Close-ups: Highlighting textures and movements.
  • High-quality audio: Capturing subtle sounds for maximum effect.

Which TikTok Categories Have the Highest Viral Potential?

  1. Entertainment: This category tops the list with a massive 535 billion hashtag views. It's no surprise, as TikTok is predominantly a platform for a fast, creative, entertaining escape. Content like comedy skits, memes, and challenges tends to perform well and has the potential to go viral​.
  1. Beauty: Beauty-related content has a huge following, and 1 in 4 users claim to have purchased something after seeing beauty-related videos. This makes the beauty niche especially powerful for creators looking to make an impact​.
  1. Fashion and Style: TikTok is an ideal platform for creators in the fashion industry, with never- ending stylish trends. Fashion hauls, styling tips, and transformations are trending heavily​.
  1. Health & Wellness: Mental health, fitness routines, and wellness tips resonate deeply with users. With the increase in people using TikTok for educational content, wellness videos have been trending, especially those providing quick tips and motivating workouts.
  1. Food: Cooking tutorials, recipes, and food reviews regularly go viral. With the rise of ASMR content, creators in this niche are combining food-related content with sensory experiences to captivate audiences​.
  1. DIY and Life Hacks: Content offering life hacks or creative DIY projects continues to captivate users, especially as people look for new ways to decorate during the holiday season or solve everyday problems.

(Sources: Social Pilot and The Social Shepherd)

In terms of engagement, the average rate on TikTok is 5.95%, and 90% of TikTok users say they open the app multiple times a day.

(Source: https://bind.media/insights/tiktok-ads-statistics-you-need-to-know-in-2024)

Tiktok Niches That Get The Most Engagement

According to platforms like Vidico and The Influencer Marketing Hub, these are the TikTok niches with the most engagement in 2024. In this case, each niche was identified based on trends and audience behaviours, and are areas in which creators can focus their content for better visibility and interaction

Dance Challenges

Transcending language, dance routines the ultimate universal content for TikTok challenges. These create a sense of community and foster high shareability. 

For creators, pairing their dance content with trending music, dueting other dancers, or creating unique moves can drive virality. 

Day-in-the-Life / Vlog Videos

This niche thrives on relatability and authenticity, showcasing daily routines of students, entrepreneurs, or even brands. 

These videos blur the line between creator and audience, offering a personal, emotional connection. 

Creators can use this format to build trust and foster deeper relationships with their audience​.

ASMR Content

Sensory-focused videos, specifically ASMR, provide a calming and satisfying experience. 

The popularity of this content lies in its ability to evoke a strong emotional connection, making it highly engaging. 

The strong emotional resonance of ASMR videos is reflected in the overwhelming number of heartfelt comments from followers expressing their appreciation and love for the content. 

Many share how these videos help them relax, sleep better, or feel less stressed, creating a loyal and interactive community around the creator's work.

Sustainable Living Tips

The rising interest in eco-friendly lifestyles has made sustainability a popular niche. 

Tips on DIY projects, upcycling, and sustainable swaps resonate strongly with TikTok’s socially conscious Gen Z audience. 

Creators partnering with eco-friendly brands can boost both engagement and social impact​.

Education + Entertainment Combo

Combining educational content like how-tos and tutorials with entertaining skits, make learning fun and accessible. 

Creators can simplify complex topics while showcasing their expertise in a light-hearted way, targeting TikTok’s authentic tone, and their casual humor and creativity involved ensure higher watch times and shares. 

4 Content Formats That Drive Engagement in Different TikTok Niches

1. ASMR in Live Streams

ASMR creators excel in TikTok’s live stream format by offering real-time, sensory-focused content tailored to audience requests that can last for hours. This personalized interaction creates a deep connection as audiences can interact with creators giving live feedback and sending virtual gifts. 

Creators like Cherwarut (@white_spa_cher) thrive on live streams by incorporating unique soundscapes and engaging directly with fans, creating an immersive and highly engaging experience.

2. Entertainment Through Audience Input

Entertainment thrives when creators involve their audience, often sourcing ideas directly from comments. 

For example, Jake Shane (@octopusslover8) uses skits inspired by followers’ suggestions, crafting relatable and hilarious content. This collaborative approach builds a sense of community and keeps viewers invested in the creator’s next move.

3. Storytelling for True Crime Enthusiasts

True crime storytelling has a dedicated TikTok audience that craves suspenseful, bite-sized narratives. Creators break down criminal cases, mysteries, or historical events into compelling, easily digestible parts. 

Using suspenseful tone and well-paced delivery, creators like Charley (@charleybournetruecrime) immerse viewers with dramatic storytelling, providing a mix of mystery, history, and intrigue that sparks curiosity and discussion.

4. Behind-the-Scenes Content for Fashion

Behind-the-scenes content offers a sneak peek into the exclusive world of fashion, from runway rehearsals to pre-show preparations. 

Creators like Lara (@lara_cosima) earn followers by sharing moments from fashion weeks, including backstage interactions with designers and models, and candid styling sessions. 

This type of content resonates with TikTok users because it provides a raw and personal glimpse into an otherwise elite industry, fostering relatability and curiosity while building stronger audience connections.

3 Trending Tiktok Content Formats  

1. User-Generated Content (UGC)

Format: Videos created by followers or fans, featuring collaborations or participatory challenges.

Viral Potential: Very high.

Why It Works: Research by TikTok's Creator Marketplace found that videos involving collaborations or participatory challenges saw up to 50% higher engagement than solo content. Creators who encourage followers to participate in challenges, share their own content, or use branded hashtags benefit from increased visibility and a more loyal following.

User-generated content is one of the most powerful tools for increasing engagement and building a loyal audience. When followers create and share their own content in response to a challenge or branded hashtag, it not only boosts engagement but also increases the potential for viral growth. 

2. Trending Sounds and Music Integration

Format: Videos that integrate viral music or sound clips. 

Viral Potential: Very high. 

Why It Works: When focusing on an audiovisual platform, research by Hootsuite highlights that music and sound integration is one of the most significant drivers of virality on TikTok. 

The TikTok algorithm is designed to promote videos that incorporate popular sounds, often leading to greater visibility. Creators can leverage viral sounds to create unique takes on popular trends, making their content more relatable and shareable.

3. Duets and Reaction Videos

Format: Duets, where creators interact with or react to existing content. 

Viral Potential: High. 

Why It Works: Statista found that reaction videos and duets represent over 15% of all TikTok videos, and their viral potential has only increased. Duets allow creators to collaborate in real time, whether it's adding commentary to another user's post or participating in a multi-creator conversation.

Duets and reaction videos give creators an easy way to engage with trending content while showcasing their personality.

It's a great way to tap into existing viral trends or offer a fresh perspective on something that's already popular.

Popular Tiktok Hashtags By Category

According to Metricool, these are some of the trending TikTok hashtags by Category of this week.

Adding hashtags into TikTok captions can increase content visibility to those users who aren't yet engaged followers. By using hashtags that relate to the video's theme, creators can attract individuals who are already interested in that topic.

Category Hashtags
Beauty #hairtransformation, #perfumetiktok, #fragrancetiktok, #skintok, #wig, #cologne
Food and Beverage #novelshort, #goodnovel, #starbucks, #foodies, #novel, #coffeetok
Apparel and Accessories #tiktokshop, #giftideas, #fall, #tiktokmademebuyit, #tiktokshopfinds, #gifts
Pets #animal, #wildlife, #puppytiktok, #puppiesoftiktok, #buffalo, #cutie
Travel #holiday, #holidays, #holidaytiktok, #thingstodo, #nyclife, #holidayvibes
Finance #elonmusk, #crypto, #moneytok, #bitcoin, #contentcreatortips, #xrp

How To Pick The Best Tiktok Category For Your Objective

The content type and category creators choose can either help build a strong, engaged community or allow them to quickly gain followers and visibility, depending on what their specific goals are. 

It directly impacts how their content is received and how effectively they can achieve these goals. Whether your goal is to increase engagement, grow your followers, or build a personal brand, selecting the right category and content type can make a big difference. 

If you're aiming to turn your TikTok success into financial growth, check out these 10 ways influencers can make money on tiktok and learn to take actionable steps to monetize your presence, aligning your goals with potential income opportunities.

1. If Your Goal is to Increase Engagement

  • Best Content Types: Challenges, Hashtag Campaigns, Duets
  • Why It Works: : According to TikTok's Creator Marketplace, videos involving challenges or collaborations see up to 50% higher engagement than solo content. 

These content types encourage interaction. When you participate in trending challenges or use popular hashtags, your content becomes more discoverable to others, even those who don't follow you yet. Plus, duets and collaborations make your content more interactive, which drives engagement.

2. If Your Goal is to Grow :

  • Best Content Types: Tutorials, Educational Content, Informational Series
  • Why It Works: Conviva reported that educational content has grown by 35% in popularity, showing that audiences are actively seeking helpful and informative content. 

Educational videos or "how-to" content attract people who are looking to learn something new. If your content offers value, viewers are more likely to follow you for more. Tutorials also encourage people to come back for new tips and advice.

3. If Your Goal is to Build Your Personal :

  • Best Content Types: Behind-the-Scenes, Vlogs, Day-in-the-Life
  • Why It Works: Creators who share personal insights or behind-the-scenes content tend to build stronger, more personal connections with their followers.

Personal brand content lets your followers understand what you have to offer and connect with you on a deeper level. Sharing glimpses of your life, creative process, or behind-the-scenes moments helps humanize your profile and build trust with your audience.

4. If Your Goal is to Quick :

  • Best Content Types: Trending Sounds, Viral Challenges
  • Why It Works: Hootsuite found that creators who use trending music or participate in viral trends have a higher chance of appearing on the For You page, leading to quick exposure and new followers.

Using popular sounds and hopping on viral trends is one of the fastest ways to get your content seen by a larger audience. TikTok’s algorithm often prioritizes trending content, so if you join in on a hot trend, your video could quickly become viral.

How Top Influencers Succeed in TikTok Niches

Demi Bagby (Fitness & Inspirational Content)

Demi is a fitness influencer known for her incredible strength and inspiring journey. After overcoming a severe injury, she embraced CrossFit and calisthenics, sharing jaw-dropping feats of strength. 

Her content includes creative workouts and inspirational messages, showing her audience how to push physical limits and stay motivated. Demi's success in the fitness niche highlights her ability to blend inspiring empowerment with actionable content​.

Wisdom Kaye (Fashion)

Wisdom is renowned as one of the best-dressed influencers on TikTok. His unique blend of high fashion and streetwear has earned him collaborations with luxury brands like Dior and Fendi.

His content resonates with audiences interested in accessible yet stylish fashion, where he showcases trendy looks and personal style advice. His ability to merge diverse fashion elements helps him cater to both everyday fashion lovers and high-end brand enthusiasts​.

Khaby Lame (Comedy & Life Hacks)

Apart from being the most followed user on TikTok, Khaby Lame is a Gen Z sensation known for his hilarious, no-nonsense approach to life hacks and over-complicated tutorials. His signature silent reactions, where he simplifies absurd or overly complicated solutions, have resonated with millions worldwide. 

Khaby’s ability to create universally understood humor makes his content incredibly shareable and easily accessible across countries. 

Final Thoughts On Most Popular TikTok Categories

Reaching 2 billion active users globally and an average engagement rate of 5.95%, TikTok has proven to be a hub of creativity and connection. Its diverse categories, from dance and comedy to fitness and education, offer endless opportunities for creators to grow their influence and connect with like-minded audiences. By understanding the platform’s niches and leveraging trending formats, you can optimize your TikTok strategy, maximize engagement, and turn your passion into a thriving presence in this dynamic digital space. 

For those looking to take their TikTok journey a step further, explore Creator Hero’s guide on how to get brand partnerships on TikTok and start monetizing your influence with lasting collaborations today!

FAQs
What Is BookTok?
How Does CookTok Influence Food Trends?
What Is the Significance of DanceTok?
How Does FashionTok Impact Style Trends?
What Is the Role of DIYTok in Home Projects?

Related Posts

The incredible power of team collaboration is evident in the remarkable outcomes it can achieve

Top 10 Best US Teacher Influencer Affiliate Programs: Companies Actively Seeking Influencer Partners

December 6, 2024
Discover the 10 best US teacher affiliate programs to boost your earnings while promoting top brands in education. Learn about high-paying commissions, long cookie durations, and how to join these programs tailored for educators. Perfect for teachers, content creators, and education enthusiasts looking to monetize their online presence.
Read More
10 min

Top 10 Best US Mattress Influencer Affiliate Programs: Discover Brands Looking for Influencer Partners

December 6, 2024
Discover the 10 best mattress affiliate programs designed for content creators. Compare features, commission rates, cookie durations, and benefits of leading brands like Purple, Nectar, Essentia, and more. Learn how to monetize your content with sleep-related partnerships while promoting premium mattresses.
Read More
10 min

Top 10 Best Rental Influencer Affiliate Programs: Exciting Influencer Collaborations with Top Brands

December 6, 2024
Discover the top 10 best rental influencer affiliate programs, including Booking.com, RentRedi, and Unlimited Biking. Learn about commission rates, cookie durations, and earning potential. Perfect for content creators in travel, real estate, and lifestyle niches. Boost your income with these leading programs today!
Read More
10 min

Maximise Your Earnings

Build your own business without having to manage all the operational aspects of an e-commerce. Focus on creating content, driving sales and maximise your earnings!