Today TikTok unveils #YearOnTikTok 2021 in celebration of 2021-of-a-kind, which has been made possible by entertainment driven by its community. This year-end celebration recognises talent and looks back on creativity, trends, creators, movements, and moments that made 2021 one to remember in Mzansi.
Placed under different categories, Year on TikTok 2021 ranges from popular songs that kept South Africans on their feet dancing to creators who became voices of change and celeb/creator breakthrough stars of 2021 – and everyone has played a part in bringing creativity and joy to a platform and a world that needed it.
As seen this year alone, there is no doubt that TikTok is a unique place where culture starts and where creativity knows no bounds – where anyone can discover, create, and share content they love. In 2021, over 1 billion people turned to TikTok to be entertained, find and share their joy with others, and learn new things.
“It’s been incredible to see how Mzansi has continued to grow and support one another this year on the platform. We’ve seen trends such as the recent Love Nwantiti and #Amapiano started and spread across ‘For You’ feeds on the app. We’re humbled to see how much joy our community has brought us this year, and we’re excited to experience more incredible moments as we continue this journey together,”
added Boniswa Sidwaba, TikTok Content Operations Manager, Africa.
“There is something really special about the global community on TikTok 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 has been incredible to see the depths of entertainment and creativity from this community, and we’re delighted to celebrate all the ways we have come together this year on TikTok,”
said Vanessa Pappas, Chief Operating Officer, TikTok.
#MusicOnTikTok Report: Amapiano, most popular music hashtag in South Africa
Amapiano has taken the world by storm and not only kept the country dancing but has transcended the world giving South Africa its well-deserved supreme musical recognition with over 1.6 billion views on TikTok.
In 2021, these were the top locally produced songs that were loved most on the platform, with TikTok commissioned ampiano track, Sisonke making it to number 6 on the chart.
- Siyathandana – Cassper Nyovest
- Banyana – DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU
- Iyamemeza – DJ Sumbody
- It Ain’t Me – Dj Abux
- Yaba Baluku – DJ Tarico
- Sisonke – Thozi, Khanyisa, Sphokuhle & PD Jokes
- Izolo – DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU & Visca
- Summeryomuthi – Blaq Diamond
- The Whistling Man – Blaqnick & MasterBlaq
- Dangerous – Jah Prayzah
TikTok will be releasing a global music report on the 13th of December.
The Playlist: Popular songs
From homemade beats to classics making a comeback, the songs on your For You feed made you hit repeat. In 2021, trending songs on TikTok came from established, emerging, and breakthrough artists, spanning a range of genres as diverse as our community itself. These are some of the favourite videos from the community.
- Siyathandana – Cassper Nyovest
- Banyana – DJ Maphorisa & Tyler ICU
- Iyamemeza – DJ Sumbody (feat. Drip Gogo & The Lowkeys)
- Cognac Queen – Megan Thee Stallion
FYFaves: Popular videos
TikTok videos transcend cultures and borders to reach For You feeds everywhere. 2021 saw For You feeds filled with trending videos across beloved categories including comedy, nostalgia, animals, and family videos. Check out the videos that make up some of this year’s memorable moments.
- @sachi_hime96 – local Anime at play
- @shandorlarenty – one of a kind animal love.
- @wian – magic at its finest.
- @_lxndi – when comedy meets school life.
- @zayaan4 – local is always lekker.
Powered by Joy: Videos that brought so much joy
Whether TikTok videos make you smile or laugh in unexpected ways, one thing’s for sure: the community sparks joy. This year, family, celebs, and entertainment culture are some of the popular content categories that delighted their global community. Take in the good vibes from the videos that brought us so much joy this year.
- @chadjones957 – a family jamming to Amapiano.
- @clementmaosa – Mzansi celebs showing their goofy sides.
- @brwnskn – Nurse Thandi at her best.
- @zayaan4 – back to school days we can relate to.
- @khanyisa_jaceni – it’s a form of self-love.
Culture: Videos showing our rainbow nation
- Proud South African Heritage – @sophy.zeeigh
- Cartoon Parody – @nokomashabax
- A mix of local tunes – @thozimusic
- #StreetFood – @larnelle
Sports: Some of local sports highlights
- New Season means new warm up drills – @sundownsfc
- #Bhopa vibes on the field – @supersportunited
- #LadyPogba – @lady_pogba
- #MyRugbyMoment – @springboks.rugby
Breakthrough Stars: Creators, celebrities and public figures on the rise
Only on TikTok: Trends powered by TikTok features
- Photo crop – @pd_jokes
- Freeze frame – @karl_kugelmann
- Body zoom – @zayaan4
- Glowing bling – @witney8
Voices of Change: Creators, celebrities and public figures at the forefront of social movements and moments
- Woman pilot of color – @pilot_onthegram
- Local Dr. recognized by WHO – @doctor.siya
- A wake-up call to love yourself – @paballokgware
- #RisingVoices, TikTok project to upskill South African creators of color – @tiktok.southafrica
Eats on Repeat: #FoodTok trends and other favorites
- Oreo in a cup – @whisksandladle
- They are never going to know – @zaynabparuk
- Cookie baked oatmeal – @thebakeaholic
- Chicken liver pasta – @mealsbysiya
The Throwbacks: Trends inspired by #NostalgiaTok
- #OurParents – @shorttempered_goat
- #OurParents – @witney8
- Back to school days – @zayaan4
- Safarina – @moghelingz
Check out the South African #YearOnTikTok Microsite here.
