As TikTok evolves, so does the kind of content that we get to see on this incredibly popular Social Media platform. In its initial days, the platform was saturated with dance challenges, food videos and cute animals. Of course, there are TikTok’s of a very serious nature that took a hold of the platform, and for good reason.
Whether it’s #BlackLivesMatter or #FreeBritney, TikTok users used the platform’s content format to spread the word and bring as much attention to these crucial issues as possible. But much of what we consume on TikTok is irreverent and silly, probably something that we look forward to during our breaks or in-between catch-ups; and a lot of it is actually super creative.
As an avid TikToker, you may have noticed that not all of the trends are dance challenges, you will find memes, lip-syncs, and personal sketches that, in their simple execution, are brilliant just by virtue of the concept that they have adopted. So whether it’s the Disgustang TikTok or the I’m inevitable TikTok, with a simple creator’s tweak, the concept is executed in the coolest ways.
One TikTok trend that has been steadily gaining traction since last month and continues to trend well even now is the [as] trend. At 1.3 billion views and counting, the #adultswim trend is one that is easy to create and worth getting on board. Here’s everything you need to know about this particular trend.
What is the AS Tiktok trend?
AS is the abbreviation for Adult Swim and as such represents the Adult Swim trend that was started on TikTok by Vano 3000 (@supvano) on May 23. The trend includes TikToks in which the creator performs some kind of action which is followed by a subtle or obvious inclusion of the Adult Swim branding. The TikTok ends only once the Adult Swim logo has been displayed after the action part of the video. This entire execution of the video is reminiscent of the bumps (explained later in this article) that we see when Adult Swim shows are broadcast.
All content that is part of the AS Tiktok trend can be found under the #adultswim hashtag. The first video in the trend, created by Vano 3000 and aptly named Spider Man acting boujee, plays the iconic beat that was remastered by Vano as the camera follows a costumed Spider-Man in the subway trying his best to avoid being captured by the camera. Vano 3000 made a bunch of videos using the music and logo-at-the-end concept until it was finally picked up by his 217.8k followers who began to create their own rendition of Adult Swim videos.
@supvano Spider man acting boujee ??? ?♂️? #adultswim #commercial #spiderman #fyp #4u #vano3000 #nyc
Who is Vano 3000?
Vano 3000 is the creator of the Adult Swim TikTok trend. He is a music producer with a listener base of 93,174 users on Spotify and 218.1k followers on TikTok. He started posting music content on TikTok from his truck in Florida and this music was received well by his followers. Eventually, he moved to New York where he focused on his music and started creating massive followership that has culminated in the creation of the viral Adult Swim trend.
What is Adult Swim?
Adult Swim is a nighttime program that has been airing on Cartoon Network since 2001 and a by-product of a forgotten era. Before one could stream whatever they wanted, millennials used to depend on cable television for all their adult cartoon entertainment. The premise behind this channel was that the cartoon format of viewing was not meant for children alone. So Cartoon Network launched Adult Swim in the T.V slot between 8.00 pm and 6.00 am, the time when its younger and impressionable audience would be asleep or off the TV. Under the Adult Swim banner, Cartoon Network launched mockumentaries, sketch comedies and anime content that an adult audience would come to enjoy even in this day and age. Most of the content contained sexual themes, nudity, strong language, violence and shocking satire that would make for brilliant entertainment. Adult Swim broadcast shows like The Family Guy, Bob’s Burgers, Samurai Jack and Rick and Morty. It also has an impressive roster of anime shows which include Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, Blood+, Cowboy Bebop and Yu Yu Hakusho.
What are the Adult Swim bumps?
It’s not surprising that TikToks under the #AdultSwim banner are being called Adult Swim bumps. The very trend itself has been inspired by the bumps that are characteristic of the Adult Swim broadcast of Cartoon Network. The bumps are actually ‘bumpers’ that that are shown right before a show resumes. There is a small timeslot between a commercial and right before an episode resumes when Adult Swim broadcasts ‘bumps’. During the initial days, these bumps issue a warning in the form of a small skit, like when an old person appears with a megaphone near a swimming pool and announces that all kids should get out of the pool. The bumps act as a buffer that allows the adults to ensure a kid-free environment, while also announcing the TV show that will be aired next.
The bumps evolved tremendously over time, featuring cool skits in the form of safety manuals demonstrating techniques that would use characters from the show that would follow the bump. Eventually, in 2003, adult swim went through a rebranding that is in alignment with the modern-day version of the logo that we see. The format of the bumps that we became used to seeing also changed, with a simple text on a black screen that usually had commentary on current affairs, office talk, show announcements and even obituaries of employees who worked for the channel. A unique characteristic of the bumps was that each one ended with the Adult Swim logo, inspiring Vanno to develop the format for his TikToks that would eventually become a viral trend.
Why is the Adult Swim TikTok trend so popular?
There are two aspects to consider with the Adult Swim trend, the emotion behind the trend and the execution of the trend itself. In terms of emotion, the Adult Swim bumps are extremely popular and have an almost nostalgic sentiment attached to them. Of course, Cartoon Network was also tremendously creative in not just conceptualizing the bump but coming up with interesting ways to execute those few seconds that make a bump.
When Vano 3000 came up with his own rendition of the Adult Swim bumps, it made almost perfect sense as a TikTok video because the duration could not be very long, the user had to apply a creative concept and ending the TikTok with the Adult Swim logo would distinguish the TikTok trend while staying true to the original AS bumps. Vano also applied his own remastered music to the mix to make the trend more distinguishable. He made a bunch of these Adult Swim bumps, ultimately creating one bump that acted as a call to action that called creators to make the trend go viral. Most importantly, there was already a massive reference bank if one needs inspiration.
How to do the Adult Swim TikTok trend
For the creation of an Adult Swim TikTok trend, you will require the remastered song by Vano 3oo0, a cool visual concept to go with the music and finally, the Adult Swim logo which you can create on your own by writing Adult Swim between two brackets and it’s specific font. Your concept has to be executed in the first part of the video and the TikTok must end with the appearance of the Adult Swim logo. Creativity is important when it comes to this particular trend. Even a simple execution is enough as long as the bump is engaging and likable. This trend is undoubtedly easier for many millennial TikTokers who have actually been loyal followers of Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. But you don’t have to be a millennial to crack the trend, watch enough trend videos and you will be able to come up with a cool and engaging concept too. Do keep in mind that the bumps can be whatever you want them to be, the point is to think absolutely outside the box, the way Cartoon Network did with theirs.
What song is used in the Adult Swim trend
The song that is being used in the Adult Swim TikTok has garnered a fanbase of its own. The name of the song is Time Moves Slow and it was originally sung by BADBADNOTGOOD in collaboration with Sam Herring. Vano 3000 created a sample of this original which he then went on to use in TikTok called Mukbank with Vano 3000. Vano takes away the melancholic and sad notes from the music and gives it a smooth dreamy touch, making the song sound much different from the original but in a good way. When Vano came up with the idea for the Adult Swim trend, he made this song the background of his visual concept. This song is now an identifier for a TikTok trend which is typical considering the role a song plays in any viral TikTok trend.
@supvano Mukbang with VANO 3000 (short version) ?#mukbang #nyc #fyp #4u #viral
Best Adult Swim TikToks
We’ve found some cool Adult Swim TikToks that you will definitely like. You can also explore these TikToks for inspiration.
Like this TikTok that’s also a disclaimer for contraception. Shout out to @ellieloveux for the ingenious brand placement.
@ellieloveux I love coming up with these #adultswim #adultswimbump #bumper #vano3000
This nostalgia trip is brilliantly executed.
@jooystin new banger dropping 😉 #fyp #adultswim ib: @8illy
This one from the originators of the concept.
@adultswim We see you #adultswim #adultswimbump #vano3000
Try this existential Adult Swim TikTok which is simple and easy to execute.
@gustheburch
The Adult Swim trend is an ode to the fact there is no specific formula to successful viral content. At the end of the day, it’s all a matter of creating content that resonates with the masses and appeals to them. Of course, it does make a difference when the content comes from an influencer like Vano 3000, but it still doesn’t take away from the greatness of the trend itself.
We hope you found this article helpful. Take care and stay safe!
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