If you don’t have the song “Heat Waves” by Glass Animals stuck in your head right now, are you even on TikTok? Lately, it’s ingrained in my memory thanks to the “All I Think About Is You” TikTok trend, in which creators use the lyrics “Sometimes, all I think about is you” to share what’s on their mind these days. From sentimental moments like missing your childhood pet to suddenly remembering that your favorite Starbucks drink was taken off the menu, #AllIThinkAboutIsYou will give you the perfect reason to pause what you’re doing and let your mind wander.
Over the past few weeks, TikTokers have used this original sound for videos about breakups, family, work, growing up, and more. It was first posted on the app by creator @sevier.edits, whose original video depicts scenes from the Netflix series Never Have I Ever. The trending soundbite is a slowed-down version of “Heat Waves,” and it’s already been used in over 726,000 videos on TikTok. Given that the hashtag #AllIThinkAboutIsYou is currently at 184.5 million views, I’m guessing I’m not the only one with the soundbite permanently stuck in my head.
After the song first appeared on TikTok, creators began using it in the background of videos of people and things they miss – parents, significant others, their childhood puppy, or the book they simply can’t put down. Over time, the trend has evolved to capture a variety of scenarios, like getting nostalgic about missing college, moving away from home, or simply realizing that they’re growing up. While most of the trending videos on my FYP are endearing — like this version from @teachingwithhaven who misses her second grade students — others lean more into humor, like this one from @abby_maltese who is managing to survive engineering school, despite desperately needing a nap.
Fortunately, no matter what route you choose, the “All I Think About Is You” TikTok trend is easy to try at home. First, call to mind something you’re low-key always thinking about, whether it’s that one hobby from childhood you wish you never gave up on or your all-time favorite movie. Then, show a video of yourself longingly reflecting about it, followed by pictures or videos of that thing. The goal is to sync images or videos of the person, place, or thing you miss with the lyrics “Sometimes, all I think about is you.” Unlike some TikTok trends, which require you to tap into a highly specific person, place, or feeling, you can literally “think” about anything for this one, so have fun and get creative with it.
The song “Heat Waves” was released in 2020, and judging by these New Yorkers recently dancing to it in the streets, I predict the song will remain a Gen Z anthem for a long, long time. There’s something melancholy and vulnerable about it despite the song’s steady instrumentals, making it the perfect soundtrack for a TikTok trend focused on nostalgia.
It’s nearly impossible to open TikTok without encountering #AllIThinkAboutIsYou, and even the lead vocalist of Glass Animals, Dave Bayley, hopped on the trend recently to show some love to his adorable dog, Woody. So whether you’re just hearing his hit song for the first time or the trending sound is all over your FYP like mine, try “All I Think About Is You” for yourself, and tell me, what’s on your mind?