Most Viral TikToks of 2022: The Content That Took the Internet by Storm

TikTok continued to dominate social media in 2022, with countless videos going viral and reaching millions of viewers worldwide. This article takes a closer look at some of the most viral TikToks of the year, exploring what made them so popular and why they resonated with such a wide audience. From hilarious comedy skits to heartwarming moments, TikTok was home to some of the most memorable content of the year.

1. The Corn Kid

One of the most heartwarming viral videos of 2022 featured a young boy passionately describing his love for corn. His infectious enthusiasm and adorable way of expressing his fondness for corn ("It’s corn! A big lump with knobs!") quickly captured the hearts of viewers around the world. The video inspired countless remixes, memes, and even songs, turning "The Corn Kid" into a cultural phenomenon.

2. Bella Poarch’s Lip Sync

Bella Poarch became a household name on TikTok with her lip sync video to the song "Sophie Aspin Send" by Millie B. In the video, Bella perfectly synced her facial expressions to the beat of the song, creating a mesmerizing effect that led to the video receiving millions of likes in a very short period. Bella's unique style and charisma made the video stand out, and it quickly became one of the most-liked TikToks of all time.

3. Khaby Lame's Reaction Videos

Khaby Lame continued his reign as one of TikTok's most-followed creators in 2022 with his signature reaction videos. Khaby's content is simple yet effective—he reacts to overly complicated life hacks with a deadpan expression and a gesture that says, "This is how it's really done." His relatable content and universal humor have made him a global sensation, with millions of followers eagerly awaiting his next video.

4. Dance Challenges: The "Stay" Challenge

Dance challenges remained a staple of TikTok in 2022, and one of the most popular was the "Stay" challenge set to The Kid LAROI and Justin Bieber's hit song "Stay." The challenge involved a specific dance routine that became wildly popular, with users from all over the world posting their versions of the dance. The simplicity and catchiness of the dance, combined with the popularity of the song, made this challenge one of the most viral trends of the year.

5. Nathan Apodaca's Cranberry Juice Skateboarding Video

Nathan Apodaca, also known as Doggface208, captured the internet's attention with his video of skateboarding while drinking cranberry juice and lip-syncing to Fleetwood Mac's "Dreams." The video exuded a chill, carefree vibe that resonated with viewers during the stressful times of 2022. It even led to a resurgence in popularity for both Fleetwood Mac and cranberry juice, showing the power of a simple yet impactful TikTok video.

6. Emily Mariko’s Salmon Rice Bowl Recipe

Emily Mariko’s recipe for a salmon rice bowl went viral on TikTok, inspiring millions to recreate the dish at home. The video showed Emily preparing the meal with simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, making it accessible to a wide audience. The popularity of the video led to an increase in sales for some of the ingredients featured, and the "Emily Mariko Effect" became a trend on its own.

7. The "Squid Game" Craze

The global hit show "Squid Game" sparked numerous TikTok trends in 2022. From reenacting scenes to trying out the show's games in real life, users couldn't get enough of the content inspired by this dystopian drama. The show’s distinctive visuals, combined with its intense plot, made it a perfect source for viral TikTok content. The trend was so widespread that even people who hadn’t watched the show were familiar with the iconic green tracksuits and red light, green light game.

8. "Berries and Cream"

A TikTok audio featuring a character singing "Berries and Cream" from a Starburst commercial became a massive trend in 2022. Users started creating videos where they performed the quirky "Berries and Cream" dance, leading to an explosion of creativity on the platform. The trend was a nostalgic throwback that resonated with many, and its sheer randomness made it a perfect fit for TikTok’s often chaotic energy.

9. Duolingo’s Sassy Owl

Duolingo’s mascot, the green owl, became an unlikely TikTok star in 2022 thanks to the brand's hilarious and often sassy content. The owl, known for its reminders to users to practice their language lessons, was featured in a series of funny videos that played on its reputation as a persistent, almost nagging, presence. The clever use of humor and relatability turned the Duolingo owl into a viral sensation and helped the brand connect with a younger audience.

10. The "Bones Day"

One of the quirkiest viral trends of 2022 was the "Bones Day" phenomenon, inspired by a TikTok user who would check each morning to see if their pug, Noodle, had "bones" (was able to stand up) or "no bones" (would flop back down). This daily ritual became a way for TikTok users to determine how their day would go, with a "bones day" indicating good fortune. The trend brought joy and light-heartedness to millions of people’s mornings.

These TikToks, among others, not only entertained millions but also influenced culture in unique and unexpected ways. As TikTok continues to grow, it's clear that it will remain a platform where creativity and spontaneity thrive, giving rise to viral moments that can bring the world together.