How to Bet on TikTok Trends: Spotting the Next Viral Challenge

TikTok’s short, entertaining videos often showcase users participating in viral challenges. These challenges, from dancing trends to stunts and pranks, spread like wildfire across the platform. As a TikTok enthusiast looking for fun, you can try to predict and bet on which challenges will go viral next. Here’s how to spot and gamble on the next big viral TikTok challenge just for entertainment.

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Top Viral TikTok Trends

TikTok continues to be dominated by viral dance challenges and comedic lip-syncing videos. The Renegade, M to the B, and Savage challenges have been some of the biggest dance crazes, with millions of users attempting to perform the choreographed moves. Lip-sync classics like “Rasputin” and the popular “Oh No” trend provide endless fodder for funny videos.

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Food challenges like baked feta pasta and Nature Valley cereal finger cracks also spread widely across TikTok as everyone rushed to try making their own version. Outfit and style transformations to songs like “First Class” captivated audiences. Emotional story time videos and comedy skits remain evergreen genres as well. Trends come and go rapidly on TikTok, but dance challenges, lip-syncs, recipes, and sketch comedy seem to have the most traction and re-watch value based on current viral examples. Leveraging these proven formats likely offers the highest odds of creating a hit video.

Track Niche Subcultures

The next viral trend frequently starts within a niche subculture on TikTok before entering the mainstream. Keep tabs on emerging groups like #CottageCore, #WeirdKidz and #SurfPunks. Observe the content gaining traction among these communities for clues about what might blow up more widely. Getting the jump on challenges bubbling up in subcultures gives you an advantage.

Follow Underground Sounds

TikTok’s trending sounds page showcases mainstream hits. But visit subcultural hubs to uncover lesser-known music and audio gaining momentum. Listen for unfamiliar songs and audio clips being used creatively in niche communities. Betting early on underground sounds before they become huge can help you predict the next dance craze.

Discover Rising Challenges

Check TikTok’s trend discovery section to see which basic hashtags like #Challenge and #DanceChallenge are spiking. Compare newer and smaller challenges side-by-side using analytics tools like Keyhole. Look for rapid growth and cross-platform social chatter indicating a challenge poised to erupt. Trust your instincts to find that diamond in the rough.

Consult Online Forums

Discussion sites like Reddit often reference emerging TikTok trends and challenges. Subreddits like r/TikTok and r/TikTokGossip can provide clues into fad challenges on the rise. But remember that challenges mentioned on mainstream sites are likely already blowing up. Focus on niche hobby forums to get ahead of the curve.

Time It Right

Part of the fun is trying to pinpoint the perfect moment to bet on a challenge gaining steam. Place your bets too late and the challenge is already peaking. Too early and you mistime the hype. Studying challenge growth patterns using analytics helps you identify the viral sweet spot. But ultimately, your gut instinct comes into play.

Gauge Virality Potential

Consider factors like humor, wow-factor, watchability and replicability to gauge a challenge’s virality potential. Challenges that are too complicated or dangerous tend not to spread as widely. Whimsical, funny challenges have universal appeal. Think about what would captivate audiences globally when betting.

Harness Unexpected Nostalgia

Challenges like the recent Y2K aesthetic trend prove the power of nostalgia on TikTok. Think about trends from your childhood due to make a comeback. Can you reinvent an old school fad? Leverage audience longing for “the good old days” by betting on next wave nostalgia challenges.

Capitalize on Current Events

Tie your bets into the cultural zeitgeist. Sporting events, politics, holidays, and pop culture moments all provide fodder for challenges. For example, a dance challenge themed around a hit TV show is likely to ride a wave of popularity. Align your challenge bets with major current events for a better shot.

Start Your Own Dare

Rather than just betting on existing organic challenges, you can also attempt to intentionally catalyze your own viral challenge. Dare your friends to complete a funny task and promote it using an original hashtag. While success isn’t guaranteed, a unique, well-timed idea could pay off big.

Bet for Bragging Rights

To raise the stakes, bet real money on challenges with friends. Pool your cash and wager on which challenges you think will go viral next. You can bet on multiple options and winners take the pot. But be responsible, only gamble disposable income. The real reward is earning lifelong bragging rights for your trendspotting skills.

Know When to Fold

Not every bet is a winner, and that’s part of the game. Stay objective enough to know when to pull out of a wager that isn’t gaining momentum. Don’t get emotionally invested or double down on sinking challenges. Being able to quickly cut your losses and move to the next bet is key.

Spread Your Bets

Don’t go all in on one challenge. Identify multiple potential up-and-coming trends to hedge your bets. This diversification improves your chances of landing on a winner. Pay attention both to niche trends bubbling up organically and stunts intentionally seeded by creators seeking fame. Cast a wide net.

Have an Exit Strategy

It’s easy to ride the wave of a viral challenge once it pops off. But stay ahead of the inevitable backlash once a challenge becomes oversaturated. Follow the data to know precisely when a challenge hits its peak and pull out of wagers before interest plummets. Time your exit strategy properly.

Enjoy the Show

At the end of the day, remember that viral challenge betting is just for entertainment. Simply observing challenges rising from obscurity to mainstream fame can be rewarding. Appreciate the cultural transmission of joy, creativity and community enabled by these challenges. Sit back and enjoy the show as you make your bets.

Gambling on which zany, fun TikTok challenges will go viral next allows you to put your trendspotting skills to the test. While profitable monetization isn’t the goal, you can earn priceless bragging rights. Just bet responsibly, know when to walk away, and relish the thrill of the social media rollercoaster.

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Callum McIntyre
columnist