Viral Video Trends China That Took Over TikTok This Year
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- Source：The Silk Road Echo
If you've scrolled through TikTok this year, you’ve probably noticed that Chinese creators are absolutely dominating the platform. From jaw-dropping dance moves to mind-bending challenges, China’s viral video trends aren’t just popular—they’re setting the global tone. So, what’s behind this digital wave? Let’s dive into the most explosive Chinese TikTok trends of the year, backed by data and real cultural insights.
The Rise of Guochao: When Culture Meets Content
“Guochao” (国潮), or “national trend,” is more than a buzzword—it’s a movement. Young Chinese users are blending traditional aesthetics with modern tech, creating content that’s both nostalgic and futuristic. Think Hanfu dancers grooving to electronic beats or Peking Opera filters going viral.
According to TikTok's 2024 Cultural Report, videos tagged #Guochao have racked up over 8.7 billion views globally this year alone. That’s not just engagement—that’s cultural export.
Dance Challenges: The New Language of Youth
No trend screams ‘viral’ quite like a dance challenge. This year, the "Butterfly Step" took TikTok by storm. Originating from a viral Douyin (China’s TikTok) clip in Chengdu, it features rapid footwork paired with graceful hand movements—like a fusion of K-pop and traditional fan dancing.
Within three months, the hashtag #ButterflyStep generated over 3.2 billion views across Asia and even sparked copycats in Brazil and Nigeria.
Fashion & Lifestyle: The “Poor Girl Aesthetic” Phenomenon
Surprisingly, one of the year’s biggest trends isn’t flashy—it’s frugal. The Poor Girl Aesthetic (穷女孩风) celebrates minimalism, thrifted fashion, and DIY skincare. It’s less about looking rich and more about looking real.
This anti-luxury trend resonated deeply with Gen Z, especially amid rising living costs. A survey by SenseMeta found that 68% of female users aged 18–24 in China engaged with at least one "poor girl" video this year.
Data Snapshot: Top 5 Viral Trends in China (2024)
| Trend | Primary Platform | Global Views | Engagement Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guochao Fashion | Douyin/TikTok | 8.7B | 12.4% |
| Butterfly Step Dance | Douyin | 3.2B | 15.1% |
| Poor Girl Aesthetic | Xiaohongshu/TikTok | 2.9B | 18.3% |
| Mukbang ASMR | Bilibili/TikTok | 1.8B | 9.7% |
| AI-Powered Skits | Kuaishou | 2.1B | 14.6% |
Why These Trends Go Global
It’s not just about catchy moves or cute outfits. These trends succeed because they tap into universal emotions—identity, belonging, creativity. Plus, TikTok’s algorithm loves consistency and authenticity, two things Chinese creators deliver in spades.
And let’s not forget the role of cross-platform synergy. Many trends start on Douyin or Xiaohongshu, then explode globally via TikTok. This domestic-to-global pipeline is now a proven formula for virality.
Final Thoughts: What’s Next?
As we head into the second half of 2024, expect even more innovation—from AI-generated dances to AR-powered cultural storytelling. One thing’s clear: if you want to predict the next big thing on TikTok, keep an eye on China.