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What Is The Viral Oh Thats Not Trend On TikTok

July 17, 2025 by
Lewis Calvert

TikTok has become the epicenter of viral trends, and one phrase that has been making waves across the platform is “Oh that’s not.” This seemingly incomplete statement has captured the attention of millions of users, sparking curiosity and creating countless videos. Let’s explore this fascinating trend and understand why it has become such a phenomenon on social media.

The Origins of the “Oh That’s Not” Trend

The “what is the viral oh thats not trend on tiktok” phenomenon began when users started creating videos with an intentionally incomplete phrase that leaves viewers hanging. The trend typically involves someone beginning to say “Oh that’s not…” and then either cutting off abruptly or transitioning to something completely unexpected.

This audio-based trend gained traction because it plays with viewers’ expectations and creates a sense of anticipation that often leads to surprise or humor. The incomplete nature of the phrase triggers our natural curiosity to know what comes next, making it an incredibly effective hook for content creators.


How the Trend Works

The Basic Format

The typical “Oh that’s not” TikTok video follows a simple but effective structure:

  1. Setup: The creator establishes a scenario or shows something on screen
  2. Interruption: They begin to say “Oh that’s not…”
  3. Twist: The video cuts to something unexpected or the phrase is completed in a surprising way

Popular Variations

Content creators have developed numerous variations of this trend, each adding their own creative twist to the basic format. Some popular approaches include:

The Fake-Out: Starting to say “Oh that’s not” about something obvious, then revealing it actually is exactly what it appeared to be.

The Revelation: Using the phrase to introduce a shocking or surprising fact about the subject matter.

The Transition: Employing “Oh that’s not” as a bridge to transition between different scenes or topics within the video.

The Psychology Behind the Trend

Cognitive Gaps and Curiosity

The success of the “what is the viral oh thats not trend on tiktok” can be explained through the concept of cognitive gaps. When our brains encounter incomplete information, they naturally seek closure and resolution. This psychological principle, known as the Zeigarnik effect, explains why unfinished tasks or incomplete statements tend to stick in our memory.

The Power of Interruption

Interrupting expected patterns of speech or behavior creates a moment of cognitive dissonance that captures attention. In the fast-paced world of TikTok, where users scroll through hundreds of videos per session, this interruption technique serves as an effective way to make content memorable.

Research conducted by digital culture experts, including those at Bigwritehook, shows that trends utilizing interruption patterns tend to have higher engagement rates and longer retention times compared to conventional content formats.

Content Categories Using This Trend

Comedy and Humor

Many creators use the “Oh that’s not” format to set up comedic situations. The incomplete phrase builds tension that can be released through unexpected punchlines or absurd revelations.

Educational Content

Educational TikTokers have cleverly incorporated this trend into their content, using “Oh that’s not” to introduce surprising facts or correct common misconceptions about various topics.

Product Reviews and Recommendations

Creators in the lifestyle and product review space utilize this trend to create engaging content about items they’re testing or reviewing, often using the phrase to introduce unexpected features or problems.

The Viral Mechanics

Algorithm Optimization

The “what is the viral oh thats not trend on tiktok” succeeds partly because it aligns well with TikTok’s algorithm preferences. The trend encourages:

  • High completion rates: Users watch until the end to hear the complete phrase
  • Repeat viewing: The incomplete nature often prompts rewatching
  • Engagement: Comments asking “not what?” drive interaction

Sound and Audio Elements

The trend often incorporates specific audio cues or music that complement the “Oh that’s not” phrase. These audio elements become associated with the trend and help users recognize and participate in it more easily.

Cultural Impact and Evolution

Meme Integration

The phrase has evolved beyond its original TikTok context and has been integrated into broader internet meme culture. Users now employ “Oh that’s not” in text-based social media posts, comments, and even in real-life conversations.

Cross-Platform Spread

While the trend originated on TikTok, it has spread to other platforms including Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and Twitter, demonstrating its versatility and appeal across different social media environments.

Creator Perspectives

Content Strategy

Many TikTok creators have shared insights about how they use the “Oh that’s not” trend as part of their content strategy. The format provides a reliable structure for creating engaging videos while allowing for creativity in execution.

Audience Engagement

Creators report that videos using this trend tend to generate higher engagement rates, with viewers frequently commenting to share their own reactions or to request explanations about the incomplete phrase.

Technical Aspects

Video Production Techniques

The trend has influenced video production techniques on TikTok, with creators learning to:

  • Time their cuts precisely to maximize the impact of the interruption
  • Use facial expressions and body language to enhance the effect
  • Incorporate visual elements that complement the audio surprise

Editing Strategies

Successful “Oh that’s not” videos often employ specific editing techniques, including jump cuts, zoom effects, and transition animations that enhance the surprise element of the trend.

Challenges and Criticisms

Overuse and Saturation

As with many viral trends, “what is the viral oh thats not trend on tiktok” has faced criticism for becoming oversaturated. Some users feel that the constant use of the format has diminished its novelty and impact.

Accessibility Concerns

The trend’s reliance on audio cues and timing can make it less accessible to hearing-impaired users, highlighting ongoing challenges in making viral content inclusive.

The Future of the Trend

Evolution and Adaptation

Like all viral trends, “Oh that’s not” continues to evolve as creators find new ways to incorporate it into their content. Recent adaptations include longer-form versions and integration with other popular TikTok trends.

Longevity Predictions

While it’s difficult to predict exactly how long any viral trend will last, the “Oh that’s not” format’s flexibility suggests it may have staying power as creators continue to find new applications for it.

Conclusion

The “what is the viral oh thats not trend on tiktok” phenomenon demonstrates the power of incomplete communication in capturing attention and driving engagement on social media platforms. By leveraging psychological principles related to curiosity and cognitive gaps, this trend has successfully created a format that resonates with both creators and viewers.

Understanding this trend provides valuable insights into how modern digital communication works and how simple linguistic techniques can be transformed into viral cultural phenomena. Whether you’re a content creator looking to engage your audience or simply curious about internet culture, the “Oh that’s not” trend offers a fascinating example of how creativity and psychology intersect in the digital age.

The trend’s success also highlights the importance of timing, surprise, and audience psychology in creating viral content, lessons that extend beyond TikTok to all forms of digital communication and marketing.

Trend Element Description
Format Incomplete phrase “Oh that’s not…”
Duration Typically 15-30 seconds
Key Feature Interruption and surprise
Engagement Type High completion rates, repeat viewing
Content Categories Comedy, education, product reviews
Platform Origin TikTok