18 Times Gen-Z Ruled TikTok

Gen-Z knows how to own the spotlight, especially on TikTok. From creative trends to viral dances, they’ve taken the app by storm. Here’s a look at their standout moments.

1. The Renaissance of “OK Boomer”

In one swoop, “OK Boomer” became the ultimate mic drop for any generational clash. Gen-Z didn’t just coin the phrase; they turned it into a meme, a song, and a whole vibe. It’s the perfect way to shut down unsolicited advice from anyone who starts a sentence with, “When I was your age…” Sorry, Boomers, but TikTok’s stage belongs to the youth. The best part? It’s impossible to argue with it without sounding exactly like the target of the phrase.

2. When Cottagecore Went Viral

Gen-Z took a longing for simpler times and turned it into a full-blown aesthetic. The Cottagecore trend brought a wave of floral dresses, tea parties, and homemade bread, as if everyone was living in a whimsical English countryside, rather than a tiny apartment. TikTok became a dreamy place of vintage filters, pastel hues, and gentle tunes. Forget hustle culture—Gen-Z is busy living their best slow-paced, butter-churning lives.

3. The Chaotic Energy of “Sheesh”

“Sheesh” swept through TikTok like a wave of unnecessary ice in a Starbucks cup. Initially used to express surprise or awe, Gen-Z transformed it into a viral exclamation, often paired with the bizarre ice-in-veins gesture. It didn’t matter if you were impressed or confused, you were definitely going to hear “sheesh” every 30 seconds on your feed. It’s the kind of thing that has no meaning yet all the meaning in the world.

4. The Inescapable Berries and Cream

The 2007 Starburst commercial came back to haunt (and delight) everyone when Gen-Z resurrected the “Berries and Cream” jingle. Suddenly, TikTok was overrun with people dressed like the Little Lad, doing awkward little dances, and singing the oddly catchy tune. It’s the kind of thing no one asked for, but once it’s in your brain, it’s impossible to unhear. And the remix potential? Endless.

5. Turning Mundane Tasks Into Pointless Victories

Leave it to Gen-Z to make getting out of bed or making a sandwich seem like Olympic-level achievements. There are entire TikTok trends where doing the most basic task is followed by exaggerated applause or triumphant music. It’s like watching a millennial motivational poster come to life—only with 90% more sarcasm and way better editing. The “main character energy” is strong with this one.

6. When Everyone Became a Financial Guru for a Hot Minute

A bunch of teens explaining the stock market? Sure, why not. Thanks to the GameStop stock saga, TikTok became a hub for armchair investors using words like “stonks” and “diamond hands” as if they had been on Wall Street for years. The chaotic part? Some of them actually made money, which only fueled the fire. This might be the only time Gen-Z took financial advice from Reddit and lived to tell the tale.

7. The Whole World Doing the Renegade Dance

At some point, every person on TikTok tried—and failed—to master the Renegade dance. What started as a fun routine choreographed by 14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon turned into a global obsession. People who had never danced a day in their life suddenly felt the need to learn a complex series of moves that required actual coordination. Spoiler alert: not everyone nailed it, but the effort was appreciated.

8. Manifestation, but With Memes

For a generation raised on Wi-Fi and chronic anxiety, the idea of manifesting your dreams into reality took off like a rocket. But in classic Gen-Z fashion, they turned it into a joke at the same time. Suddenly, TikTok was filled with videos where people manifested everything from a free latte to meeting their future spouse, all while using ironic audio clips. Is it real? Who knows, but it’s entertaining.

9. The Glory Days of Alt TikTok

Alt TikTok became the weird, artsy corner of the app that made you question reality, taste, and maybe even your existence. From strange DIY projects to bizarre inside jokes, this subculture of TikTok was not for the faint-hearted. It was like stepping into a chaotic thrift store, where nothing made sense, but everything was kind of cool. It’s where the strangest memes were born and where Gen-Z proved they love to get weird.

10. Ratatouille: The TikTok Musical

When a joke about turning “Ratatouille” into a musical snowballed into a full-blown production, it was peak Gen-Z energy. What started as random songs about Remy the rat became a viral phenomenon, eventually leading to a real virtual performance with Broadway stars. Gen-Z managed to turn one of Pixar’s least-expected heroes into a theatrical sensation, all from the comfort of their bedroom studios.

11. Emo Culture’s TikTok Revival

My Chemical Romance might have been the anthem of Millennials, but Gen-Z took that torch and set the TikTok stage on fire. From recreating emo hairstyles to remixing classic songs like “Welcome to the Black Parade,” Gen-Z gave emo culture a fresh new life. Suddenly, everyone was wearing eyeliner again, talking about their “emo phase,” and making Gerard Way proud. It was like 2005, but with better lighting.

12. The Enigma of Harry Styles Fans

Harry Styles didn’t just win the hearts of Gen-Z; he became their entire personality. TikTok saw countless tributes to his fashion sense, charisma, and endless aura of mystery. Whether it was analyzing his every move or recreating his iconic fashion choices, Harry Styles fans took over the app. The “Watermelon Sugar” craze was real, and it came with a lot of pearl necklaces.

13. The Never-Ending POV Trend

Gen-Z is the generation of acting, apparently. The POV (point of view) trend took over TikTok, where users would act out scenarios like they were straight out of a Netflix drama. Whether you were pretending to be a vampire’s love interest or playing the most awkward first date, there was a POV for every situation. The acting chops might have been questionable, but the creativity? A+.

14. “No One Asked” but Here We Are

A favorite phrase among Gen-Z? “No one asked.” And yet, they will continue to offer opinions no one asked for. This trend became a viral way of humorously calling out people for sharing unnecessary information. It’s a level of dry sarcasm that only Gen-Z could turn into a daily mood, making sure everyone knows that, yes, you did share your thoughts—but no, absolutely no one asked.

15. The Great Zoom University Saga

When the world shifted to online learning, Gen-Z didn’t take it lying down. Instead, they made memes, TikToks, and jokes about “Zoom University,” complete with pajama uniforms and blackout screens. The “Did I really just pay thousands for this?” vibe was strong, and the relatable rants from students struggling through virtual classes became some of the best content. If they couldn’t change it, they were at least going to make it funny.

16. The Short-Lived “What I Eat in a Day” Obsession

Gen-Z took the age-old question “What’s for dinner?” and made it content. The “What I Eat in a Day” trend became a bizarre mix of healthy choices, fast food binges, and an occasional sprinkle of sarcastic commentary. It was a brief look into the chaotic dietary habits of a generation that treats avocados and Hot Cheetos with equal reverence. Also, who knew so many people were obsessed with oat milk?

17. Astrology? More Like TikTok-ology

If you’re wondering what star sign will ruin your life, just head to TikTok. Gen-Z made astrology cool again, but with a twist. They turned it into a meme-filled trend where they roasted zodiac signs with pinpoint accuracy. Whether it was calling out Geminis for their chaos or praising Libras for their indecision, it was part-horoscope, part-therapy session, and 100% hilarious.

18. Normalizing Mental Health, but With Jokes

Image Credit: The Last House Sober Living

Gen-Z took a topic that was once taboo and brought it into the spotlight, but with a sense of humor. Instead of hiding their struggles, they joked about their therapist appointments and constant anxiety like it was the weather forecast. The result? A more open conversation about mental health, but with TikTok-worthy punchlines. It’s a coping mechanism wrapped in comedy gold, and we’re all better for it.

18 Things Millennials Have Made Cool Again

Millennials are notorious for taking old trends and putting a fresh spin on them, breathing life into things previously deemed outdated. From the throwback polaroid camera to the humble houseplant, millennials have an eye for nostalgia with a modern twist, and they’ve popularized some surprising classics along the way. Here’s a look at 18 things millennials have pulled from the past and made undeniably cool again.

18 Things Millennials Have Made Cool Again

18 Things Boomers Taught Us About Hard Work

Boomers grew up in a world that defined hard work a little differently, and their lessons on dedication, resilience, and career success have shaped generations that followed. While some things may feel outdated, there’s a lot of wisdom in their approach to grinding it out and pushing through. Here’s a look at 18 classic Boomer insights on hard work that have stuck around for good reason.

18 Things Boomers Taught Us About Hard Work

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