10 Trending TikTok Formats to Recreate This Week
What makes a TikTok video go viral overnight while another one barely gets seen? Why do some users gain thousands of followers with simple, relatable content? The answer often lies in one powerful factor: trending TikTok formats. These pre-established, popular styles of videos are favored by the algorithm and instantly familiar to viewers—giving you an edge even before the first second rolls.
If you’re an adult content creator in the US or UK looking to grow fast without feeling like you’re chasing every trend blindly, this article is your guide. Whether it’s lip-syncing to a hit audio, narrating a personal story, or filming a “get ready with me” (GRWM) video, these formats are proven to engage your audience and keep them watching.
Want to double your impact? Posting these trending formats at the right time of day matters more than you think. Here’s a guide to best times to post on TikTok that will give your content a serious boost.

How to Spot a TikTok Trend Before It Peaks
1.Use the Discovery Tab & Sounds Feature
To create content that feels fresh but already has traction, monitor the “For You” feed, trending sounds, and Discovery tab daily. Tap the audio icons on trending videos and bookmark those rising in use. A tool like the TikTok Creative Center can also help you spot real-time surges.
2.Follow Niche Creators & Community Pages
Some trends break in small communities before going viral. Follow creators in your niche and look out for emerging styles, hashtags, or challenges. Combine this with trend-spotting tools like this trending sound strategy guide to always stay ahead.
Format 1: “Get Ready With Me” (GRWM) Videos
These videos showcase the creator preparing for a date, event, or just a regular day. The appeal lies in routine, voiceovers, and personality. GRWM videos are perfect for lifestyle, fashion, or beauty influencers.
Pro Tip: Pair GRWM with storytelling or subtle product placements to increase depth and engagement.
Format 2: POV Videos With a Twist
Point-of-view (POV) content puts the viewer into a situation. Add a twist—unexpected ending, humor, or emotion—and you instantly stand out. These formats work especially well in relationships, storytelling, or fictional skits.
Format 3: Day in the Life Series
Authenticity is the core of these videos. Showcasing real-life routines (as mundane as breakfast or walking the dog) invites connection and trust. Try batching several “day in the life” clips and experiment with pacing and music.
Format 4: Relatable Storytime Clips
This format thrives on a strong hook, casual delivery, and personal insight. A story about a mistake, a lesson learned, or an embarrassing moment humanizes you and keeps viewers listening. Here’s a resource on crafting engaging TikTok hooks to help you get started.
Format 5: Lip-Syncing to Trending Sounds
Lip-sync videos are still powerful when done with style. Combine them with expressions, costumes, or acting out a scenario. Use sounds that are on the rise (not already overused) for maximum exposure.
Format 6: Stitch or Duet Reactions
These formats encourage interaction and are favored by TikTok’s algorithm. You can stitch a viral video to add a funny response or duet a challenge to show your spin. Get started with this guide on TikTok Stitch & Duet.
Format 7: Educational or How-To Shorts
Even complex ideas can go viral when explained in 30 seconds. Teach a tip, solve a problem, or bust a myth. These formats build authority and encourage saves—key engagement signals.
Format 8: Trending Challenges and Dares
If a dance, sound, or effect is sweeping TikTok, ride the wave with your own twist. The key is speed: publish early, and use original captions or effects to stand out.
Format 9: Before and After Transformations
Everyone loves a good reveal. Whether it’s a home makeover, makeup look, or even decluttering, this format satisfies curiosity and encourages replays.
Format 10: “Things I Wish I Knew” Content
This format appeals to curiosity and offers value. Whether it’s life hacks, career tips, or parenting tricks, presenting content from a hindsight perspective builds credibility.
The Best Time to Post These Formats
Timing matters. If you’re posting at the wrong hour, even the best content can go unseen. Analyze when your followers are most active or check insights from your TikTok Pro account. For more precise tactics, use this proven time strategy to boost your views.
Tools to Make Trending Content Easier
Creating content doesn’t have to be hard. With tools like CapCut, InShot, and Canva, you can edit, caption, and enhance videos right on your phone. Check out this TikTok creator tools guide to streamline your process.
Case Study: From Zero to Viral Using Trends
One creator started with 0 followers, using only “pov” and “grwm” formats consistently. Within two months, they hit over 20K followers. By timing their uploads right, using relevant hashtags, and tweaking their audio sync and captions, their videos steadily went viral. This proves that trending TikTok formats aren’t just passing fads—they’re strategic growth tools.
To understand the deeper behavioral psychology behind captions and accessibility, check out this resource on closed captions and how they enhance viewer retention.
How TikTok Formats Influence Viewer Behavior
Not all formats affect viewers the same way. The structure of your content—how it’s delivered, paced, and styled—can shape how people engage with your profile.
Here’s how specific trending TikTok formats influence viewer psychology:
GRWM and Storytime videos foster intimacy and relatability
POV and Duets stimulate curiosity and emotional reflection
Challenges and Transformations trigger anticipation and surprise
Educational clips boost credibility and save rates
By matching your message to the right format, you meet your audience where they are emotionally, which is vital in building long-term engagement.
Mixing Formats for a Fresh Strategy
You don’t have to stick to one type of format. In fact, mixing formats often leads to broader appeal. For example:
Start a GRWM video but include a voiceover Storytime
Combine a transformation reveal with a popular sound
Turn an educational tip into a humorous POV
This hybrid approach not only keeps your content dynamic but also helps you test what resonates most with your audience.
how Trends by Demographic: What Works Best for 35+ Creators
For creators aged 35 and older, certain formats tend to perform better, especially among peers or professional audiences:
“Things I Wish I Knew Earlier” resonates with adult life experience
How-To tutorials in career, wellness, or parenting are highly shareable
Day in the life of a working professional gives a real-world perspective younger users admire
Unlike Gen Z-focused trends, formats targeting older audiences rely more on trust and value than flash and humor.
how Optimize Captions and On-Screen Text for Retention
Many users watch TikTok with the sound off. To combat that, use:
Bold captions with key points
On-screen annotations to guide viewer focus
Consistent font, size, and placement for brand consistency
This accessibility practice not only boosts engagement but also shows attention to detail and care for inclusivity.
how Use Analytics to Refine Format Choices
Once you’ve published a few formats, head to your TikTok analytics:
Check retention rate: See where people drop off
Review saves and shares: What format drives the most actions?
Compare performance by sound and structure
This helps you double down on what’s working—rather than guessing next time.

Final Thoughts
The world of TikTok moves fast—but staying current doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. With these 10 trending TikTok formats, you now have a practical, proven roadmap to keep your content fresh, relevant, and discoverable. From GRWM and POV videos to Storytime and Duets, each format offers a unique way to connect with your audience while embracing trends that work.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow your presence as a creator over 35, tapping into these formats can help you build trust, expand your reach, and boost performance—all from your smartphone. The secret lies not in copying but in adapting each trend to fit your voice and style.
FAQs
Q1: How do I know which TikTok format is trending?
Use TikTok’s Discover page, explore trending sounds, and follow niche influencers for early signals.
Q2: Can adults over 35 succeed using trending TikTok formats?
Absolutely. Many trending formats like “storytime” or “day in the life” are relatable across age groups.
Q3: Are Duet and Stitch still effective in 2025?
Yes, especially when you add your own personality or perspective to the original content.
Q4: How often should I post these formats?
Consistency is key. Try 3–5 times a week using varied formats to maintain audience interest.
Q5: Should I always follow the trend exactly?
No, it’s better to add your unique twist to make the format feel personal and fresh.




