Retro TikTok Trends: A Look Back At 2022

Hey guys! Remember 2022? It feels like a lifetime ago in TikTok years, right? The platform moves at lightning speed, and what's viral today is ancient history by next week. But some trends stick with us, becoming little nostalgic snapshots of a time gone by. So, grab your comfy sweats and a snack, because we're diving deep into the old TikTok trends of 2022 that defined the year. We'll be reminiscing about the dances, the sounds, the challenges, and those quirky little moments that had us all hooked.

The Dances That Had Us Twisting and Turning

Let's be real, 2022 was a massive year for dances on TikTok. The app is practically built on people busting a move, and this year was no exception. One of the biggest ones that comes to mind is the "Jiggle Jiggle" dance. Remember that? It was everywhere! It started with a viral interview clip of Louis Theroux rapping, and somehow, someone turned it into a super catchy, slightly silly dance that took over everyone's For You Page. It wasn't about perfect technique; it was about the vibe, the humor, and how easily anyone could join in. The accessibility of the "Jiggle Jiggle" dance made it a global phenomenon, transcending language barriers and just making people smile. We saw everyone from celebrities to your next-door neighbor giving it a go. It was the perfect example of how a random, fun audio clip can explode into a full-blown trend. Another dance that was pretty huge was "About Damn Time" by Lizzo. This song was an absolute earworm, and the accompanying dance was equally infectious. It had this groovy, confident energy that just made you want to get up and move. The choreography was relatively simple but super effective, with plenty of personality. It was a trend that celebrated self-love and feeling good, which is always a win in my book. Lizzo's "About Damn Time" dance became a staple at parties, school events, and, of course, countless TikToks. It reminded us all to embrace our inner diva and have some fun. And who could forget the simple but effective "It's Corn" dance? While the song itself was a wholesome interview clip of a kid enthusiastically talking about his love for corn, it quickly spawned a dance that was all about simple, joyful movements. It captured that pure, unadulterated childlike enthusiasm that TikTok often celebrates. These dances weren't just about following steps; they were about participation, creativity, and sharing a moment of joy. They represent the essence of 2022 TikTok trends: easy to learn, fun to perform, and endlessly remixable. The beauty of these trends is their ability to bring people together, creating a shared experience even when we're all scrolling in our own separate spaces. It's a testament to the power of music and movement to connect us, and 2022 gave us plenty of those moments to remember.

The Sounds That Defined Our Feeds

Beyond the dances, 2022 was also a goldmine for iconic sounds that looped endlessly on our FYPs. These weren't just background music; they were often the entire premise of a video. A major player was definitely "Running Up That Hill" by Kate Bush. Thanks to its prominent feature in Stranger Things, this 80s classic had a massive resurgence. TikTok creators used the song to evoke a sense of drama, nostalgia, and epic storytelling. Videos ranged from emotional montages to creative cosplay and artistic interpretations. It showed how TikTok can breathe new life into older music, connecting generations through shared cultural moments. The "Running Up That Hill" trend wasn't just about the song; it was about the feeling it evoked – a sense of longing, power, and mystery. We also saw a lot of "Oh No" by Capone. This sound became the go-to for any situation where something went hilariously wrong. Whether it was a cooking disaster, a wardrobe malfunction, or just a clumsy moment, the "Oh No" sound was there to punctuate the failure with comedic timing. It's a perfect example of how a short, impactful soundbite can become a universal shorthand for a specific emotion or situation. The "Oh No" sound's versatility made it a meme in itself, adaptable to countless scenarios. Then there were the more niche, but equally viral, sounds like "The সুখী" (The Happy) sound – a cheerful, upbeat tune that was often used for wholesome or satisfying content. It had this infectious optimism that was perfect for those feel-good videos. This particular sound trend highlighted TikTok's knack for finding joy in the everyday. Even simple dialogue clips could become massive trends. Remember that viral soundbite about "He's a 10 but..."? This trend encouraged people to list a minor, often humorous, flaw that would disqualify someone from being a perfect 10. It led to hilarious and relatable scenarios, sparking conversations about dealbreakers and quirks in relationships. The "He's a 10 but..." trend was brilliant because it was so personal and shareable. These sounds, whether musical or spoken, are the backbone of TikTok trends. They provide the audio canvas for creativity, allowing users to express themselves in countless ways. The lasting impact of 2022 TikTok sounds is evident in how they've become ingrained in our digital lexicon, instantly recognizable and capable of conjuring specific memories and emotions. They were the glue that held many of the year's viral moments together, proving that sometimes, all you need is a catchy beat or a funny line to create a global sensation.

Challenges and Memes That Broke the Internet

2022 wasn't just about dancing and sounds; it was also a playground for hilarious challenges and memes that had everyone participating. One of the most memorable was the "Savage" challenge, which wasn't actually new but saw a massive resurgence. This energetic dance challenge, set to Megan Thee Stallion's iconic track, was all about attitude and sharp, confident moves. It was perfect for showcasing individual flair and the "Savage" challenge's enduring popularity proved its timeless appeal. Another significant trend was the "Gentleminions" trend. This involved groups of mostly young guys dressing up in formal suits to go see the movie Minions: The Rise of Gru. It was a quirky, slightly absurd, and ultimately harmless trend that celebrated fandom and a shared sense of humor. The visuals of these suited-up crowds heading to see a children's animated movie were inherently funny and the "Gentleminions" meme spread like wildfire, sparking discussions about internet culture and collective behavior. We also saw a lot of "This is Fine" memes. Inspired by the popular comic strip, these memes featured people in chaotic or overwhelming situations calmly stating "This is fine," often with a literal fire in the background or metaphorical chaos surrounding them. It became a relatable coping mechanism for the general anxieties of the world, the "This is fine" meme's cultural relevance making it a ubiquitous symbol of modern stress. The "One Thing About Me" storytelling trend was also huge. This involved users sharing a short, often dramatic or unbelievable, personal story where they were the antagonist or protagonist of their own narrative, usually starting with the phrase "One thing about me..." It was a fantastic way for people to share personal anecdotes, foster empathy, and create compelling micro-narratives. The "One Thing About Me" trend highlighted the power of personal storytelling on the platform. And we can't forget the countless "POV" (Point of View) videos. While POV is a perennial trend, 2022 saw a surge in creative and often dramatic scenarios. Users acted out specific situations from a first-person perspective, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in a narrative. The evolution of POV trends shows how TikTok users are constantly experimenting with immersive storytelling techniques. These challenges and memes weren't just fleeting moments; they were reflections of the collective consciousness, humor, and anxieties of the time. They demonstrate the incredible creativity and collaborative spirit that thrives on TikTok, turning everyday observations and pop culture moments into shared internet phenomena. The legacy of 2022 TikTok challenges and memes is a vibrant tapestry of viral moments that continue to be referenced and celebrated, proving that a good meme or challenge can have a surprisingly long shelf life in the digital age.

Nostalgia and the Future of TikTok Trends

Looking back at the old TikTok trends of 2022, it's clear that the platform is a dynamic and ever-evolving space. What was once groundbreaking becomes the foundation for the next wave of viral content. The dances that were once challenging are now second nature, and the sounds that defined a month are now part of the app's rich audio library. The nostalgia associated with 2022 TikTok trends is powerful because it connects us to a specific period in our lives, often filled with simpler joys and shared digital experiences. These trends serve as digital time capsules, allowing us to revisit moments of collective joy, humor, and creativity. It's fascinating to see how quickly trends emerge, peak, and fade, only to sometimes resurface in new and unexpected ways. This rapid cycle is what makes TikTok so exciting, but it also means that staying on top of it can feel like a full-time job! The beauty, though, lies in this constant reinvention. The trends of 2022 paved the way for what we see today. The storytelling formats pioneered then are now more sophisticated. The audio memes have evolved into intricate sound design. The dance challenges have incorporated more complex choreography and storytelling. The evolution of TikTok trends is a testament to the platform's ability to foster innovation and creativity among its users. As we move forward, it's interesting to ponder what the next big thing will be. Will it be AI-generated content? More interactive experiences? Perhaps a resurgence of analog aesthetics? Whatever it is, the spirit of 2022's trends – their accessibility, their humor, and their ability to connect people – will likely remain a core component. The future of TikTok trends is unwritten, but the lessons learned from the viral moments of 2022 give us a hint of the creativity and community that will continue to define the platform. So, keep scrolling, keep creating, and maybe one day, your 2023 or 2024 trend will be the one we're looking back on with fond nostalgia! It's a wild ride, guys, and we're all just along for the scroll.