In 2021, over one billion people turned to TikTok to be entertained, find and share their joy with others, and learn new things, and Aussie’s really found their voice on the platform.
This year, the community discovered new ways to express creativity, championed teams and the causes we care about and found new favourites – from recipes to new music trends and genres.
Across the country, Australians from all walks of life continued to entertain, educate and inspire each other, spreading joy and celebrating our unique sense of humour.
The world lapped it up, with more Aussies than ever making it big on TikTok, sharing our laughs, our culture and our talents, with people from all over the globe.
It was a year that really allowed marketers to utilise the platform with incredible Aussie creators – everyone from Woolworths to Showpo is on the app!
@woolworths_au We’ve all been there 🤦 How do you handle this? #woolworths #woolies #pov
Musicians like Peaches PRC dominated, The Inspired Unemployed brought the laughs and everyone fell in love with trans activist Belle Bambi.
Australians have successfully found their place on the platform and are adding their unique sense of humour to popular TikTok trends.
https://www.tiktok.com/@bambifairy/video/7038722150454332674?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en
The Aussie TikTok videos that went big in 2021:
- @winniethecattledog – The cutest, clumsiest canine ever.
- @brittanyskyeshackleton – What’s that on your nose?
- @not_erica instructions – For keeping your console spick and span!
- @benjycartwright – Got our just desserts with this one!
- @chantyb97 – Just a parrot who’s been a real pal to us all.
The content Aussies are creating is equal parts diverse and fun.
TikTok has also become a place where Australian musicians can make a name for themselves – I dare you not to know the words of “Stay” By The Kid LAORI and Justin Bieber.
@totouchanemu I may not have @maxtaylorlifts dumpy but I do have a drone.
The top local tracks that Australians loved on TikTok this year:
- “Astronaut in the Ocean” – Masked Wolf, @zaraliang
- “STAY” – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, @luckythirteenz
- “Paparazzi” – Kim Dracula, @kimdrac
- “SEND IT” – Hooligan Hefs, @rohanbrown06
- “Fly Away” – Tones and I, @pollyannask8
Of course, like every year there were breakout Australian stars on the platform.
- @oneminmicro – An Australian-based content creator team producing products, art and content through microscopes.
- @rhyleep95 – The ‘Cursed Cosplay’ TikToker.
- @samfrickerr – Our very own Olympic diver, Sam Fricker, took the world by storm.
- @lukefalzon – Bear Grylls ain’t got nothing on this guy.
- @ulaulaula – Sydney-based singer Ūla blew our minds with her bedroom covers and busking ballads.
https://www.tiktok.com/@ulaulaula/video/7038540719803337985?is_copy_url=1&is_from_webapp=v1&lang=en
Vanessa Pappas, chief operating officer, TikTok, said: “There’s something really special about TikTok’s diverse global community that people just can’t find anywhere else.
“For us, 2021 was a year for connection and we’ve seen people on TikTok laughing together, entertaining us, starting cultural phenomenons, and teaching us new things.
“It’s been incredible to see the depths of entertainment and creativity from this community, and we’re delighted to celebrate all the ways we’ve come together this year on TikTok.
“The past year has been an incredible one for the Australian TikTok community. It’s been amazing to see people come together to support one another, spread joy, share their talents and passions, and most of all, celebrate our Australian-ness in all its forms.
“As a nation, we express our culture in a really unique way – we’re fun, cheeky and willing to take the mickey out of ourselves. And the rest of the world is fascinated by our creativity and sense of humour.
Lee Hunter (main photo), general manager of TikTok Australia and New Zealand, said: “This year, it’s been great to see Aussie culture, and talent, exported to the rest of the world through TikTok.”
