TikTok and its influence in the food world

There is a great deal of buzz when it comes to foodies who turn their appetite into a job. This looks like them reviewing food, visiting restaurants, and even travelling for food content. TikTok is the place where most of this happens. 

As a society we tend to go with where trends are most impactful. Buying, visiting and when it comes to food, trying new viral spots. Most of this is seen on TikTok, the platform where many use it as their new google search. They search for trendy outfit inspiration, places to visit on their vacations and food places to try. This a platform where any sort of video, most likely, has already been made. 

So why is TikTok important to the food world? 

It is an app that influences creators to find their niche. Some of the most popular videos are mukbangs, and trying places / food spots. Tiktok is not for trendy dances anymore, it has become one of the biggest drivers of food trends and food places to eat.

TikTok has become a powerful tool in the food world, blurring the line between influencer and food marketer. 

The rise of #FoodTok  

Unlike polished TV shows and chefs, a simple creator on the app can create a 15sec long clip of a food item and place. The hashtag "FoodTok” has billions of videos that range from different locations, countries with the best food and food influencers aiming to establish their opinions. Storytelling is now in the form of food reviews, detailing the ingredients, history, and taste. 

TikTokers as food influencers and marketers

TikTokers receive food deals, food brand collabs, and are invited to review a restaurant. Whether that is locally or worldwide. They gain an audience, locally, nationally, and internationally even. If a video review or collaboration goes viral, best believe that that place will be flooded with people hoping to try the food. It is replacing traditional food advertising, with recommendations that feel authentic. The organic opinions add a drive of audiences to certain food trends and places. 

What does this mean for the food world?

The app, Tiktok is a reflection of how people connect through food, reviewing, trying out are all components of the dining and digital dining experience. It has become a shared digital experience. Whether that be inspiring people to try a spot, places in countries people should go try out, or spotlighting a family-owned restaurant. This app has given creators the opportunity to influence people what food they should eat and places they should try out — with one viral bite!

Content creator Jack focuses on traveling for food reviews. Often starting his videos with “trying the viral…” With over 2 million followers Jack has influenced people to try delicious different foods around the world. Traveling oftentimes to create content.

This is him trying the viral “chicken cesar wrap” at Vinny’s Cafe

Eating with Todd is a fan favorite, Todd also travels and tries different cuisines. His eating makes audiences crave the food!

Nearing 1 million followers Todd has an influence that allows for a restaurant to become viral and worth trying

If you are looking to be a part of the algorithm, I definitely recommend using the hashtag with 6.4 million posts.