Is Tiktok the Killer of Subcultures ?

The rise of micro-trends on TikTok really has changed the way subcultures emerge and evolve. Traditionally, alternative scenes like the Punk, Goth, Grunge or Emo were built over years, shaped by shared ideologies, music scenes, and underground communities bound with the same values. Today, these identities are rapidly absorbed, "trendified" and marketed, raising the question: can subcultures still exist in the age of algorithm-driven platforms ?

TikTok’s influence on trend cycles is well known. The platform’s algorithm pushes visually striking content to millions, turning niche aesthetics into viral sensations overnight. Styles like Cottage core, Kid core and Dark Academia (among others) have gained massive attention, only to be quickly commercialised by fast fashion brands. Once mainstream adoption peaks, engagement drops and the trend is declared “over”, often within months.

This cycle has contributed to stripping subcultures of their depth. What was once rooted in ideology and community is now reduced to a visual identity detached from its original meaning. A subculture no longer requires engagement with its history, music or values. It only needs a curated aesthetic that fits within TikTok’s format. As a result, we observe a rise of users adopting and discarding identities as quickly as the algorithm dictates.

Take goth, a clear example of how TikTok has partly reshaped alternative scenes. Traditionally, goth was never just about wearing black; it's a movement built on music, politics and DIY values. Goths would spend years curating their wardrobes through thrifting, customising pieces or even making their own clothes. An approach deeply opposed to mass consumption.

Yet on TikTok, the pressure to constantly produce content and fit into a recognisable aesthetic has led many (especially younger goths, often called baby bats, who are new to the movement) to turn to ultra-fast fashion brands like Shein or Temu, valuing instant gratification over the core values of the scene. This shift highlights how the pursuit of aesthetic often overrides the beliefs behind a subculture, reducing goth to nothing more than a disposable fashion statement.

While subcultures have always faced mainstream absorption, the speed and scale of TikTok’s influence mark a significant shift. Punk, for example, took decades to be fully commercialised. While today, an alternative style can be co-opted and commodified in a matter of weeks. A prime example of this is Dollskill, a fast-fashion brand known for selling alternative clothes, who recently created a pre-made “rebellious” bag adorned with spikes, pins, patches and anarchy symbols (an item that, traditionally, would have been handmade as part of the DIY ethos of punk).

Despite this phenomenon, alternative subcultures have not disappeared. While TikTok accelerates the cycle of trend adoption and abandonment, there remain dedicated communities that continue to thrive outside the algorithm’s influence. Across the world, committed members of alternative movements support underground artists, independent designers and local scenes, keeping the true spirit of the culture alive.

Even on social media, not everyone engages with subcultures superficially. Some creators actively educate others on the history and values of their communities, using their platforms to push back against the fast-fashion approach to identity. These individuals provide a counter-narrative to TikTok’s trend-driven culture, showing that subcultures are more than just aesthetics. They are living, breathing communities with deep roots and real meaning.

Ultimately, while TikTok has reshaped the way subcultures are perceived and consumed, it has not erased them. For those who seek authenticity, the essence of subculture still exists, it just requires looking beyond the algorithm.

by. CYB3R GREEN