The viral TikTok trend known as “What’s up, brother?” first emerged from the entertaining antics of streamer Sketch during his Madden NFL gaming sessions, capturing audiences with his witty catchphrases and engaging gestures.

What is the What’s Up Brother Trend on Tiktok?

The TikTok sensation “What’s up, brother?” found its origins with the popular streamer Sketch, renowned for his humorous quips and playful gestures during Madden NFL gameplay. The trend took flight when Sketch casually responded with “What’s up, brother?” while FaceTiming his friend Jynxzi during a live stream, punctuating the greeting with a distinctive pointing gesture upwards. This simple yet catchy greeting quickly caught on and went viral.

Sketch’s witty phrases like “Tuesday, Tuesday” and “Special teams, special plays, special players” have even been adopted by professional athletes in the NFL and NBA. Notably, figures such as Bryce Harper have been spotted mimicking Sketch’s gestures during their own games. While Sketch’s streams occasionally include risqué humor, he is known for promptly apologizing for any inadvertent profanity.

What sets this trend apart is its blend of humor and relatability, transcending its internet origins to influence mainstream sports culture and beyond.

When Did the Trend Start?

The emergence of the “What’s up, brother?” trend on TikTok can be traced back to March 2024. It all started when Jynxzi, a close friend of the renowned streamer Sketch, unexpectedly made a FaceTime call during one of Sketch’s live streams.

Sketch’s spontaneous reply of “What’s up, brother?” to Jynxzi’s friendly gesture immediately resonated with viewers, propelling the trend to viral status on TikTok. Since its inception in March 2024, this trend has swiftly proliferated across various social media platforms and has even made its mark in mainstream sports circles like the NFL and NBA.

What Makes a Video Trend on TikTok?

Several factors contribute to making a video trend on TikTok:

1. Creativity: Unique and creative content tends to stand out and capture viewers’ attention. Whether it’s through innovative editing, catchy music, or original concepts, creativity plays a crucial role in viral videos.

2. Relevance: Videos that tap into current trends, challenges, or popular themes are more likely to resonate with TikTok’s audience. Staying updated with the latest memes, songs, and cultural moments can help creators align their content with what’s trending.

3. Engagement: High levels of engagement, such as likes, comments, shares, and duets, signal TikTok’s algorithm that a video is worth promoting to a wider audience. Encouraging viewers to interact with your content can boost its chances of trending.

4. Authenticity: Authenticity and genuine expression can help videos connect with viewers on a personal level. Being relatable, showing behind-the-scenes moments, or sharing real-life experiences can foster a sense of authenticity that resonates with TikTok users.

5. Timing: Posting videos at strategic times when your target audience is most active can increase visibility and engagement. Understanding your audience’s habits and leveraging peak usage times can optimize your video’s chances of trending.

6. Visual Appeal: Eye-catching visuals, effective use of effects, filters, and transitions can enhance the overall appeal of a video. Capturing attention within the first few seconds is crucial for retaining viewers and encouraging them to watch the entire video.

7. Consistency: Consistently creating and posting quality content can help build a loyal following and increase the chances of your videos gaining traction over time. Establishing a recognizable style or theme can also contribute to your video’s success.

By combining these elements and staying attuned to TikTok’s dynamic trends and audience preferences, creators can improve their chances of creating videos that trend and gain widespread popularity on the platform.