Apr 16, 2025
The TikTok-ification of Commercials
The TikTok-ification of Commercials
Okay, let’s be honest: TikTok isn’t just for dance challenges anymore. It’s totally revolutionized the way we think about video content. What was once a platform for lip-syncing teens is now the place for brands to connect with their audience in a fresh, fun, and undeniably engaging way. So, what’s happening? Commercials are starting to look more and more like TikToks and Instagram Reels, and that’s not a bad thing. In fact, it might be exactly what your brand needs.
So, what’s all this talk about “TikTok-ification” of commercials, and why should you care? Well, it’s simple: social media has taught us that people don’t want perfect anymore. They want authentic, quick, real-time vibes that feel personal and, well, human. And that’s exactly what the latest wave of commercials are going for. Here’s why this shift is worth paying attention to — and how you can use it to your brand’s advantage.
1. It’s About More Than Just Mimicking Trends — It’s About Feeling Real
The first thing to know is that “TikTok-ifying” your commercial isn’t about just jumping on a viral trend for the sake of it. It’s about capturing the energy of social media — that raw and super-relatable vibe that’s got everyone hooked. It’s about showing your brand as human, approachable, and, well, fun.
You don’t need to create the next viral meme or lip-sync battle. Instead, think about how you can bring that “realness” into your commercials. It’s not about doing it like everyone else. It’s about doing it your way and staying true to your brand while adding in that spontaneous, unscripted vibe.
2. Why You Should Consider Jumping In (Yes, Even if You’re a Big Brand)
Let’s be clear — TikTok and Reels aren’t just for the young, scrappy upstart brands trying to find their voice. Big brands are getting in on this action, too. In Aris collaborations with brands like Delta Airlines, Pfizer, and Shark/Ninja, we’ve nailed the TikTok-inspired commercial style with by embracing the platform’s personality and energy in their campaigns.
When you integrate that style energy into your commercial, you can connect with your audience in a way that feels natural and in sync with today’s culture. It’s not about fighting the trends, it’s about joining them. And trust us, when done right, it doesn’t matter how established your brand is — people will respect you for keeping up with the times and showing up with something fresh.
3. Keep It Short, Keep It Sweet (But Make It Stick)
Here’s the beauty of TikTok and Instagram Reels: They’re short-form, fast-paced, and gets straight to the point. If there’s one thing they’ve mastered, it’s the art of a short video that actually holds your attention. Now, we’re not saying you have to start cutting your commercials down to 15-second TikTok-style blurbs (unless you want to). But you should start thinking about how to deliver your message quickly, creatively, and with punch.
This isn’t about rushing the production process — it’s about embracing the speed and impact that TikTok’s fast-paced nature brings to the table. People don’t have time to sit through a 3-minute commercial, so why not embrace the trendy style by making your message hit hard and hit fast?
4. Be Yourself, But With a Twist
Here’s the trick: TikTok-ifying your commercial doesn’t mean completely abandoning your brand identity. The magic happens when you combine your brand’s unique voice with that social authenticity. The brands that succeed are the ones who take TikTok trends and add their own twist to it, keeping it true to who they are but still making it feel fresh.
Think about how brands like Fenty Beauty or Duolingo tap into the TikTok vibe while still staying true to their original identity. They take the energy of the platform and mold it into something that reflects their brand values, humor, and style. It’s not about mimicking TikTok exactly — it’s about using that energy to communicate who you are in a way that resonates.
5. The Magic Happens in Post-Production
Let’s not forget the real magic of TikTok-ification happens in post-production. The editing style is key here — we’re talking quick cuts, fast pacing, and a mix of fun effects that bring the vibe to life. Whether it’s adding in some cheeky text overlays or using unexpected transitions, the post-production process is where you can really amp up the TikTok energy without sacrificing quality.
A strong post-production team knows how to work with this fast, on-the-fly style without losing the overall message. From dynamic color grading to sound design that hits just right, getting that social media feel requires attention to detail at every stage.
6. Let’s Talk About Audience Impact
One of the coolest things about TikTok-style commercials is the potential to reach a much wider audience. TikTok and Instagram are cultural powerhouses, and when your commercial taps into that energy, you’re speaking the same language as millions of people scrolling through their feeds. These videos are shareable, relatable, and memorable — all things that make your commercial more likely to go viral.
If you’re trying to hit a younger demographic or stay relevant in today’s fast-moving media landscape, TikTok-inspired content can help get your brand in front of more eyes, in a way that feels organic and less “salesy.” It’s about creating content people want to share because it speaks to them, not at them.
7. Is TikTok-ification the Future? You Bet It Is
The TikTok-ification of commercials is more than a passing trend. It’s a new way of thinking about brand storytelling — and it’s here to stay. The key is to embrace the fun, authentic, and fast-paced nature of TikTok while staying true to your brand. When done right, it’s a powerful tool that can help you connect with your audience on a deeper level, all while keeping your content fresh and engaging.
So, is it time to start TikTok-ifying your next commercial? If you want to stay ahead of the curve, it’s definitely worth considering. The future of advertising is social, it’s fast, and it’s fun — and social media is leading the charge. Are you ready to join the movement?