What TikTok was watching in 2020
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Illustration: Aïda Amer/Axios
The same year COVID-19 shut down the world, TikTok became the most downloaded app.
Why it matters: Trends that went viral in 2020 still shape user experiences today — from dancing to recipe-sharing to storytelling.
Here's a look back on some of the biggest trends, creators, sounds and moments on TikTok during 2020:
Top viral videos
Biggest memes and challenges
🏠 #BoredInTheHouse and I'm in the house board
👫 Have you ever seen #TwoPrettyBestFriends?
🧑🏫 #YouHaveTo learn videos
🤣 #DontLeaveMe puns
Biggest rising stars
👩🏾🍳 Tabitha Brown
Celebrities who joined the app
🪩 Lizzo
Popular recipes and snacks
🫑 Cream cheese and bell peppers
☕ Whipped coffee
🍞 Banana bread
🥞 Pancake cereal
Top 10 songs
- "Savage Love" (Laxed — Siren Beat) — Jawsh 685 & Jason Derulo
- "Savage" Remix — Megan Thee Stallion
- "OUT WEST" (feat. Young Thug) — Travis Scott
- "WAP" (feat. Megan Thee Stallion) — Cardi B
- "Say So" — Doja Cat
- "Tap In" — Saweetie
- "The Box" — Roddy Ricch
- "Rags2Riches" (feat. ATR Son Son) — Rod Wave
- "Supalonely" (feat. Gus Dapperton) — BENEE
- "What You Know Bout Love" — Pop Smoke
Fashion and style moments
🦋 How to make a butterfly dress
Top niche communities
🖼️ #RugTikTok
