In celebration of a one-of-a-kind year, TikTok unveils year-end compilation Year on TikTok, which looks back on the trends, rising creators and moments that made this year one to remember in the Middle East and around the world.

From viral cooking trends to upbeat soundtracks, TikTok recognized 2021 as the year that has been brought to life in a full screen and sound-on mode. Local content curators along with enthusiasts from across industries have been identified as a part of the TikTok community in the ‘Year on TikTok’ compilation.

@tiktokarab

انضم إلينا ونحن نحتفل بالصيحات واللحظات التي جعلت عام 2021 فريدًا من نوعه. شكرًا لكونك جزءًا من العام_على_تيك_توك! ?.Join us as we celebrate the trends, moments and movements that made 2021-of-a-kind. Thank you for being part of the YearOnTikTok! ? @issamalnajjarr @Tooma Ghosn @Mina Alsheikhly

♬ original sound – TikTok Arab

"There is something really special about the global community on TikTok that people just can't find anywhere else,” commented Vanessa Pappas, Chief Operating Officer, TikTok. “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."

To celebrate the year, the platform is also launching Ask on TikTok, a new Q&A feature inviting them to look back on their most memorable moments in 2021. With this feature, users choose which questions they want to answer about their year in the app. Questions like "What was your 2021 highlight?" or "Describe your happiest moment of the year?" can be chosen from and then answered in the form of a new creation or by sharing a previous TikTok video. 

“Across the Middle East, we've seen trends start and spread across For You feeds, showcasing the unique identity we hold in the region and uniting people from all walks of life through great content. We're humbled to see how much joy our community have brought us this year, and we're excited to experience more incredible moments as we continue this journey together," said Hani Kamel, Content Operations Director at TikTok MENA

In 2021, over 1 billion people turned to TikTok to be entertained, find and share their joy with others, and learn new things. TikTok shared the report first on its newsroom platform, crediting all curators whose trends went viral on the platform.

Year on TikTok 2021

FYFaves: Popular videos

  1. @eliefeghaly7 – Sweeping views of a cloud-kissed Dubai skyline
  2. @waelontour – Exploring the sites, sounds, thrills and tastes of Dubai
  3. @saadradio – Taking on the top five things to do in Amman

Around the World

  1. @totouchanemu – Dancing with a drone made us stay for this one.
  2. @nathanevanss – There once was a man… The Sea Shanty heard around the world.
  3. @youneszarou – A tasty take on photography.
  4. @cunhalucass – A casual trip to the aquarium.
  5. @a.z.yx – BRB, changing my PFP.

Powered by Joy: Videos that brought so much joy

  1. @noorstars – Taking things a step too far
  2. @9.um – The adrenaline will have you head over heels
  3. @iimeeto – Practise makes perfect, or does it?
  4. @majedjehani – A coming of age story

Around the World

  1. @k_passionate – Wonder what a sea otter and you smiling sounds like? Watch this.
  2. @jongraz – Was it a bones or no bones day? Only a pug can tell.
  3. @edsheeran – Rehearse for the EUROs or make a TikTok?
  4. @randyfeltface – Only on TikTok will you find a puppet feeding a giraffe carrots.
  5. @noorstars – Visiting a family with too many house rules.

The Playlist: Popular songs

  1. Hadal Ahbek – @issamalnajjarr
  2. Talking to the moon & Fi Hagat – @elyanna
  3. I Love You Mama – @alideryan

Around the World

  1. "Astronaut in the Ocean" – Masked Wolf, @jayprehistoricpets
  2. "Beggin'" – Måneskin, @therealmaneskin
  3. "Adderall (Corvette Corvette)" – Popp Hunna, @justmaiko
  4. "SugarCrash!" – ElyOtto, @zuro_xuro
  5. "STAY" – The Kid LAROI & Justin Bieber, @luckythirteenz

Breakthrough Stars: Creators, celebrities and public figures on the rise

  1. @xzit_thamer
  2. @minaalsheikhly
  3. @abas.iiii

Around the World

  1. @khaby.lame
  2. @abbyroberts
  3. @BTS_official_bighit
  4. @thedutchgoalkeeper
  5. @angryreactions

Only on TikTok: Trends powered by TikTok features

  1. Transitions – @remiesalloum
  2. Slow zoom – @leesaseeal
  3. Duet – @alideryan

Around the World

  1. Inverted Filter – @livbedumb
  2. Versailles Run – @hilaryhyra
  3. Retro – Vintage DV – @alexmapeli
  4. Duet – @andrewlarranaga
  5. Buffering – @robothighway

Voices of Change: Creators, celebrities and public figures at the forefront of social movements and moments

  1. @monkyseemonkydo
  2. @lio.coach
  3. @mani.rostom
  4. @ghadighali

Around the World

  1. @shinanova
  2. @benjy_lookbook
  3. @paballokgware
  4. @francetvslash
  5. @hunterprosper

Eats on Repeat: #FoodTok trends and other favorites

  1. Tarte à la poire by @toomacooks
  2. Lunch box by @afnanrecipes
  3. Pizza by @muhammed.alba

Around the World

  1. Feta Pasta by @d_shaba
  2. Ratatoutille by @samseats
  3. Fried Cheese by @rafael.nistor
  4. Egg Mastery by @omuraisupuro
  5. Supersized cheeseburger by @cznburak