#YearOnTikTok Released With Top Moments By Kenyan Community

As we approach the end of the year, many only social networks are helping their users look back on what a year it has been. TikTok has also released a retrospective look at the hottest moments and trends on the platform with #YearOnTikTok.

The platform entered 2022 on a high note, having reached the 1-billion-user benchmark during the latter part of 2021.

TikTok’s Head of Content Programming for Sub-Saharan Africa, Boniswa Sidwaba, shared the lessons they have learned about the social media platform in 2022.

“what happens on TikTok doesn’t stay on TikTok – whether you’re building a brand, showcasing talent or using the platform as a vehicle for self-expression, we’ve seen creators realising tangible, real-world benefits of creating content on the platform,” Sidibwa said

Sidwaba added that this was true in instances where creators addressing pivotal, global issues such as climate change and interacting with communities in a way that is authentic, raw and creative. But, we also saw this play out on the lighter side of things, with TikTok being used as an entertainment destination for heart-warming humour.

Celebrating the #YearOnTikTok, TikTok puts the spotlight on the hottest, most happening TikTok trends of the past year. In no particular order, they are:

Breakthrough Stars: 2022’s groundbreaking creators, celebrities and artists

The year had its fair share of emerging content creators who were destined for superstardom. Amongst these were talented vocalists, dancers and other creators who used the platform to showcase their unique talents. We were both humbled and honoured to see such a rich and diverse mix of talent coming through on the platform this year and really making it big. These were some of Kenya’s favourites:

1. realmichaelbundi – Father and Son Perform, I Believe #fayezandbundi
2. tukukantu – Sasa Hivi Video Out Now Performed by Tuku Kantu
3. mooyadavid1 – Surprising my niece!
4. mummie_francie – Love is in the air. A welcome home dance for comic relief.
5. dabon_shedrack – Kalekadance

FYFaves: The most popular videos of 2022

TikTok’s ‘For You’ feed provides users with a curated offering of content that is tailored to their unique browsing preferences. Every ‘For You’ feed is different, ensuring that TikTok users are served the content they want to see, when they want to see it. Check out the videos that made this year’s leading list on ‘For You’ feeds across Kenya:

1. mulamwah – Nyumba imeleta shida
2. jackie_matubia – Oops!
3. profatecomedy – kids be like…
4. mohalicious_ – My Goodness! Just use your hand at this point!
5. omoshkizangila – Maisha ni yangu we shughulika na
6. azz_iad – #greenscreenvideo lets protect our mental health
7. iam_bojoo – Catch me if you can!

The Hitmakers in Kenya: Most viewed artists on TikTok

From homemade beats to golden oldies and musical classics, TikTok is the platform to be on if you want to keep abreast of the biggest movements on the music scene. The following were the artists that made it big on TikTok this year:

1. Michael Bundi
2. Zuchu
3. Diamond Platnumz
4. Bruno K
5. Willy Paul
6. Nandy
7. Mbosso
8. Wahu Kagwi
9. Guardian Angel
10. Timmy Tdat

The Playlist: The songs that soundtracked 2022

Music remained the mainstay of TikTok in 2022, with breakthrough artists using the platform to find their voice and the world’s most renowned singers, producers and musical artists using the platform to showcase their latest and greatest. The following is a list of the music that trended on TikTok among Kenyan audiences:

1. Nakupenda by Jay Melody
2. Mtasubiri (feat. Zuchu) by Diamond Platnumz
3. Fire by Zuchu
4. Mi Amor (feat. Jovial) By Marioo
5. Girlfriend by Ruger
6. Sugar by Jay Melody
7. Buga (Lo Lo Lo) by Kizz Daniel & Tekno
8. Kwikwi by Zuchu
9. Rush by Ayra Starr
10. Bingo Bango by Madini Classic

Only on TikTok: Trends powered by creative effects, sounds and other product features

TikTok knows no limits when it comes to creativity, and its communities took theirs to new heights this year, powered by the tools and features that are unique to the platform. These were the videos that featured elements that are unique to TikTok:

1. Let me pose for you now! – @georginanjenga
2. SoftieCam By huseyincanxs Effect – @muniir_aqaa.10
3. Waves Effect – @ro.salita
4. Let’s get some colour in there – @kilipaul
5. How did that get here? –  @rashkaboy.2

Creator of the Year award: This is your chance to vote

Last but not least, for the first time ever, TikTok will be awarding content creators across Sub-Saharan Africa through their inaugural TikTok #TopCreator2022 awards. For this momentous celebration, the platform is calling on all TikTok users throughout the region to vote for their favourite content creator who will stand a chance to be crowned TikTok #TopCreator2022 or #TopCreator2022 runner up. Furthermore, the nominated creators will battle it out to earn the crown Creator of the Year title for the whole Sub-Saharan African region.

Public voting will open on TikTok from midnight on 16 December until 23:59 on 23 December. Nominees will be announced on the TikTok Africa newsroom.