TQE’s FYP: Hozier, Homeschool, Halloween

This week on TQE's FYP:

• Hozier emerges as a king from the forest. Because if there’s anything TikTok’s good for, it’s the tried-and-true backlist. It seems like every video with a Work Song tag has millions upon millions of views.
• A homeschooling mom described her son’s goals and regimen, and tragically, viewers have jumped on the imitation.
• Fashion bloggers and creators are showing the difference between “wearing and styling” clothes in a straightforward yet aesthetically pleasing video format.
• Bidding adieu to summer and hello-o to fall means that homemade Halloween decor and spooky-themed reels are all the rage.
• Shop the trends with a sweet memory box for travel, a digital camera that makes every shot look like film, and a shopper-favorite ghost mug for just $5.

A new generation of fans has discovered (the best version of) Hozier’s “Work Song.”

Internet users have long joked that Hozier is an “unproblematic king.” He gives credit where credit’s due, has a reputation of kindness and artistry, and evokes a vibe like he’s a deep-forest creature gracing us with a peek of a mountain underworld. The man knows his aesthetic (intense, earthy longing and praise) and it’s recently gone viral—again—with videos racking up millions upon millions of views. Especially in regards to women proclaiming if the love ain’t like Hozier’s, they don’t want it. (Observe that sweet, sweet 8-million view count.)

His mournful, sacred tone also lends itself well to certain post structures like sad poetry slideshows in a vein similar to Birdy or Bon Iver. Within a few notes, you know the atmosphere you’re tapping into. Writers, painters, and other creatives, this could be a solid opportunity to share work or quotes inspired by intense romantic love or heartache.

Even dance improvisation to Work Song has gone viral, the sound carrying arts to an audience that might have otherwise scrolled past.

Admittedly, most of the posts we’ve seen soaring in popularity this week are parodies of other creators’ content, including this gem from a mom who homeschools.

TikTok is an immensely visible platform, meaning most creators can instantly respond to or “stitch” an original video with their own commentary. While often this power is used for good, to build upon a conversation or critique somebody’s take, it also makes TikTok a hotbed for parody content. Beware when you post that you may end up the template for a whole slew of new videos poking fun at the original concept.

Here’s the original video, a homeschooling mom’s take on back to school goals for her kindergartener, with 5.8 million views. Some commenters and creators joke about the need for an obvious application of a kindergarten lesson (“does your kid really need to know that yet?”) while others have poked fun at the script in the vein of other “my child said” quotes debunked on the Internet — the joke being that parents frequently make these up for eye roll-inducing effect. Anyhow, TikTokers are doing as TikTokers do and making it a template, leaving the audience to draw their own conclusions.

Wearing vs. styling your clothes are two entirely different concepts.

If you’re attuned to the rhythms of the fashion world, this week is New York Fashion Week, in which designers show off the spring and summer collections to look forward to next year. So what better time to spotlight fashion creators who are proving their mettle in this wearing vs. styling challenge?

In what could also be a thoughtful tie-back to the resurgence of Barbie dolls (and the rumors of a Polly Pocket movie too), this trend starts with the influencer/model/stylist adopting a blank slate, doll-like pose in the center of the screen. A quick sequence of cuts shows the creator layering and styling their chosen look.

TikTokers have used this template to show off the transformative power of accessories. The end result also shows the swagger and confidence a creator may have that attracts their audience: you can’t just put on what’s in your closet and succeed on this platform; you have to have the it factor too. Consider the usual adage: you have to wear your clothes rather than the other way around.

Spooky season started as soon as September hit, whether you’re ready for it or not.

Our entire feeds have been chock-full of autumnal content. We almost feel like we missed those LDW-ready slideshows and summer recaps, TBH. But the FYP page has us in good hands.

From a business perspective, recurring seasonal content makes a lot of sense for creators to prioritize on TikTok and Reels. You know the algorithm will push it eventually, so you want to be one of the first on the scene with an alluringly placed Gilmore Girls snippet in the background of your pumpkin spice croissants, over a wall full of stick-on bats.

We’re seeing plenty of how-to DIYs, and a good chunk of aspirational night-in content, largely from “cozy” creators like home decor accounts and bookstagrams.

‍Songs making the rounds on TikTok this week:

For more trending audios—especially songs blowing up on Instagram and Reels—check out our Spotify playlist curated just for you.