Tiktok was first launched in September of 2017, and since then has gained a total of 800 million users. Originally, TikTok was known as Musical.ly, but the name was changed in order to have a fresh new start and better represent the people on the app. TikTok has created a place where niche communities can spread their messages, and speak to be heard by the greater population. This has caused quite an impact on the music industry, and more importantly, the fashion industry.

Thrifting

Goodwill, upcycling, and online shops like Depop have become a more common, sustainable, and cheap way to find unique clothing. How has the rise in thrifting affected the environment? Well, almost 10% of global emissions come from the clothing industry, but with thrifting on the rise, people are being more open to buying second-hand clothing, as well as selling some of their own. Some popular TikTokers, such as Charli D’Amelio, make videos showing their thrifting trips. This has greatly helped to relieve the social stigmas that surround thrifting. 

E-boy/girl/person

Darker, more edgy clothing has come into popularity, with chokers, chains, and piercings becoming a necessary asset in many people’s wardrobes. They are often unique, with several trademarks of the style being winged liner, chain jewelry, and often a pair of Dr. Martens thrown in as well.

Kick-starting Sustainable Brands

Tiktok is also a great marketing opportunity for many companies, and stores are able to show off their wares in a new, free, and cool way. It allows small businesses to reach a whole new type of audience, and more customers than ever before. Several small businesses such as Ellecreate have had their sales increase substantially shortly after joining TikTok and taking their advertisements to the “for you” page.

Spreading Diversity

Smaller minorities are coming forward on TikTok and showing off their culture in new and inventive ways. This in conjunction with the body-positivity movement also present on TikTok is helping to make popular fashion a more accepting space for people of all shapes, sizes, and colors. Popular Tiktokers such as Lizzo, Xobrooklynne, Ambar Driscoll, and Flo Simpson have a range of followers from 59,000 to 5.6 million. TikTok has also been an incredibly important part of teaching younger generations about different parts of the world and speaking up about the issues minorities face.

Vintage Clothing

Vintage clothing and accessories are coming back in full force. Flowing between different eras, from the ’60s to the ’90s depending on the day, and bringing back some of the most striking and inventive styles. Vintage styles are also becoming more readily available with thrifting on the rise.

TikTok has only been around for four years, a very short time in comparison to other popular apps like Facebook (which has been out for 17 years), but it has already managed to make an impact in many spaces- more than just fashion. Considering the impact TikTok has had on various movements, like Black Lives Matter or Protect the Arctic, TikTok has allowed these organizations to get on their feet in terms of funding, petitions, and helping organize protests. Imagine the kind of social and economic reform that we could see achieved in the future because of TikTok.