Welcome back Tok’ers! What a wild couple of weeks it has been, we watched our second impeachment trial for the Trump administration, celebrated Boyfriend IG Reveal Day, and it is snowing in Texas!? Yes, that’s right, Elsa had some beef she was not ready to let go and decided to mess with Texas. While Twitter has long been the social media app people flock to for breaking news and up-to-date hot takes, TikTok is quickly taking over as the internet’s hottest source for capturing the zeitgeist of any current event (aka why you should be on the platform). As Texans navigate the rolling blackouts and nearly subzero temperatures they have been keeping the laughs coming with reportage style videos documenting dire situations, tips for staying warm with no heat, and most importantly, hilarious content capitalizing on this once in a lifetime situation. Enter my new favorite side of TikTok: TexasTok. The specificity of the TikTok algorithm allows it to be many-faceted creating countless, niche “sides” catering to wide breadth of interests (BeanTok hive rise up!). One can’t know how they end up on a special side of TikTok (was it because I liked that boat video? It’s because I liked that boat video isn’t it) you just thank your FYP for bringing you there – and, boy am I glad to be on TexasTok.
@kyleistook Weather in Texas be like… #texasweather #snowintexas #snow #snowday
First up from the dark and frigid world of Texas are the reports from the front lines. Videos like these provide a great opportunity to use TikTok’s stitch function, which allows you to “stitch” a TikTok with your own to create collaborative chain of content – in Texas we saw many users utilizing the function to capture news reports from around the state simulating a real broadcast.
@shiningnathan this lighting at least#texassnowstorm2021 #fyp #texassnow #Texas #snowpocalypse #tiktokgay #foryoupage #texasgay #texassnowday
Portland fam will recognize what this one is a parody of! (IYKYK)
@nandowootwoot ❄️TEXAS BLIZZARD 2021❄️ #lmao #snow #weatherchannel @lyssabae @ellendelrio
Next we have some videos highlighting Texan ingenuity! Salsa is a must even when you don’t have power.
@thaliaahr when u dont have electricity lol #fyp #funny #mexicansbelike #texasweather #texassnow #texashumor #mexican #poweroutage
@mikesworld0 Why!!! #fyp #burrito #Texaspower #oncor #whyus
@nalbee Plz send help #fyp #foryoupage #foryou #4u #helpingtexans #cold #winter #poweroutage #nopower #ice #snow #heat #noheat
I guess if you live in Texas, snow equals Titanic? Not sure I fully get it but there are a lot of Titanic videos.
@sam_pucketttt Actual portrayal of Texas at this time #texas #texasweather #dfw #texasstorm #texasfreeze #titanic #texan #fyp #foryoupage
Like a lot of Titanic videos…
@perlarocha38
@gizmo_m_7 Rose & #texas Jack… What do you wanna see next? #titanic #Textanic #tiktokcouple #texasfreeze #fyp #part2 #snowstorm2021 #perfectmatch #colddays
So many…
@boobeedagoat #dallastexas #texasweather #titanic #flood #highriseapartment #closecall #viral #followme #comedy #texas #dallas #downtowndallas
Lastly, as all good things do, we take a turn into the absurd. Snow cowboys? Sure!
@skylar_ann9 When it snows in Houston, Tx…… ❄️ #fyp #foryoupage #snowday #coorslightcowboy #sledding #redneck
While it may not be feasible for your brand to participate in trending conversations, it is a good reminder to keep your eye out and join the conversation if there is something big happening in your neck of the woods. These videos also capture the essence of what makes a viral TikTok: lo-fi, relatable content. If you’re ever feeling like your brand doesn’t have the equipment or budget to get on TIkTok, just remember the Alamo what Texans did without power.
**What is happening in Texas isn’t all Titanic remakes and drill salsa, the state is still dealing with the lasting impacts of this historical winter storm. Find out ways that you can help here. **