Have you ever wondered what it’d be like to go back in time and talk to your younger self? Personally, there’s a laundry list of things I’d tell younger T, ranging from “side bangs are great in theory, less in practice” to “take a deep breath…you’re going to be fine!” And now, thanks to the “Younger Self” TikTok trend where creators are having heartfelt conversations with their younger selves, I’m getting all misty-eyed on a Monday. Here’s what the trend is all about and how to try it for yourself.
Let’s start off with an example from one of Her Campus’ favorite humans, Hyram Yarbro of @skincarebyhyram. According to his caption, Hyram apparently “bawled” his eyes out while making his version of #YoungerSelf, where he touches on topics like family, coming out, leaving home, and chasing career dreams. As you’ll see in the video, Hyram engages with the trend perfectly by capturing a conversation between his “past” and “present” selves using simple dialogue, text overlay, and this trending song, which takes the already-sentimental TikTok trend to the next level.
The song, called “Come Into My Arms,” has been used in over 60,000 videos on TikTok to date, and there’s no question as to why it makes the perfect backdrop for the #YoungerSelf trend. It was written by musician and TikToker @november_ultra, whose old Hollywood-esque voice is the only thing I want singing me to sleep at night. Seriously, if any of her songs pop up on your For You Page, grab your Kleenex and thank me later.
The premise of the “Younger Self” TikTok trend is to (figuratively) have a conversation with your younger self and capture it on video. Specifically, your “past” self asks questions — whether it’s about the partner you ultimately ended up with, the career path you chose, or otherwise — and your “present-day” self answers each question. It sounds trippy, but don’t worry, the trend is simpler than you think.
Ideally, you want to film yourself from two different angles, with each view representing your “past” and “present” personas. Instead of recording yourself speaking out loud, you’ll do a lip dub — like TikToker @thecarseatseries does here — and include a text overlay to depict the Q&A. And while many versions of #YoungerSelf are wholesome, endearing, and emotional, you can interpret the trend in a way that’s unique to you — it is TikTok, after all!
Apart from the above examples, I love this version from @serenitys_gloss, who didn’t end up “rich and famous” as her younger self hoped — but she did end up running an amazing small business. You go, queen. I also appreciate this cheeky version from Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez who jokingly says that things do not, in fact, get better after age 14. (Although I’d say winning multiple gold and silver medals by age 21 means you’re doing something right).
Of course, the sentimental versions of #YoungerSelf continue to pull at my heartstrings, especially this video from college basketball player Sedona Prince who talks about navigating an injury and coming out. Or this one from Anna Sitar whose video about a breakup moves me so much that I almost need to listen to SOUR again. I’m struck by how many creators are actually getting super teary-eyed over this TikTok trend — something I haven’t seen in a hot minute. Let it out, people. Let it out.
If you’ve got something to say to your #YoungerSelf, grab the trending audio here and give it a go. There are plenty of great examples on TikTok to get inspo from, and I know you’ve got some questions to answer for your younger self. Whether you approach the trend with humor, heart, or the recommended healthy mix of both, remember: your younger self is so proud of you.