TikTok is ‘not the vibes’

2021 has already been declared “the year in vibes,” so it feels right that as the year comes to a close, “not the vibes” would take over TikTok.

Of course, it’s not the only trend going viral on the platform this week.

It’s not the vibes

The audio “it’s not the vibes” is trending on the app. The popular sound begins with YouTuber HRH Collective saying “it’s not the vibes,” followed by a guttural “STOP.” The “stop” taps into a feral frustration, and if you listen to this audio one too many times that it might work it’s way into your subconscious. The sound is being used to describe feelings of overstimulation or aggravation, and so far, it has over 72,000 videos under it.

But what you need to know is “not the vibes” originated on Tumblr, where @grisaster combined the YouTube audio with a snippet from the video game Skyrim. The TikTok account @sloppyyy_toppy then posted @gristaster’s edit to the app where it got over 167,000 likes.

The trend taps into users’ irritations and pet peeves. One example is @santosthelibra’s video captioned “when im actually trying to do my work for once and my friends keep distracting me.” Another from @kyahnextdoor reads, “when I say I want new friends & a random person walks up and says hi to me.” In both situations, you wish it was socially acceptable to scream “stop” to let out your frustration.

POV you need Face ID on Apple Pay

Imagine a celebrity with very distinct facial expressions using Face ID. That’s the latest TikTok trend.

It’s simple: TikTokkers are imitating celebrity facial expressions with a sound that combines notable TikTok comedian Brittany Broski’s laugh and the Apple Pay ding.

Broski went viral in November when she posted a video on her spam account of her laughing, making eye contact with the camera, and abruptly stopping. The video was captioned, “POV we’re having a sleepover and you’re laying in bed next to me.” The original TikTok got over 4 million likes. Now, the sound has spurred another 57,000 videos, each describing a situation where one would quickly stop laughing. For example, @osloboslo posted a video to the sound captioned, “me vibing with my therapist but then remembering he only talks to me cuz it’s his job.”

Recently, TikTok user @kyralamont99 added the Apple Pay ding to Broski’s audio to start a new trend. @kyralamont99’s original video is captioned, “when you’re online shopping at 4am & gotta make eye contact for apple pay.” Their audio now has over 132,000 videos made to it, more than Broski’s original sound.

Inspired by the Apple Pay ding, users have been making videos imitating celebrities using their Face ID. TikTokkers with killer celebrity impressions are thriving on the app. Some notable examples include @raedanvanduyne’s spot on Love Quinn impression and @noahozzy doing the signature American Girl Doll two-tooth smile.

The trend reflects people’s love of both making fun of celebrities and imagining them doing mundane things.

Jerk or die

Spoiler alert: A lot of you are dying.

TikTok users are testing their memory of the late 2000s dance, jerkin’, and raising the stakes to “jerk or die.” Each video features a handful of people trying their best to jerk, while the person behind the camera decides if their jerkin’ was sufficient — or if they die.

The trend is a throwback to 2009 when jerkin’ became a mainstream dance craze with the release of “You’re a Jerk” by New Boyz.

However, the new trend is not set to “You’re a Jerk.” Instead, it’s an audio created by @cbgty that has over 125,000 TikToks made to it so far. The “jerk or die” videos are a classic TikTok trend that involves a group of people making content as they draw you into their silly group dynamics. The best clips feature commentary about each person’s jerkin’ abilities.

What dance trend of years past will make its way to TikTok next? I think “Gangnam Style” is ready for a comeback.