If you’re wondering why I’m teary-eyed at my desk today, blame the “You Are Enough” TikTok trend. From their parents and besties to the pets they’re adopting, TikTokers are jumping on the opportunity to spotlight important people in their lives, and it’s giving me major feels. Between this endearing TikTok trend, the countless celebrity pregnancy announcements over the past few weeks, and Emma Raducanu winning the US Open, will someone please give my tear ducts a break?
The “You Are Enough” TikTok trend features a 2014 song of the same name by Sleeping At Last — AKA the Chicago-based singer-songwriter, producer, and composer, Ryan O’Neal. You may have heard his songs in Twilight, The Fault In Our Stars, The Vampire Diaries, and countless other TV shows and movies that have also made you cry. (I’m sensing a theme here). The trending sound has been used in over 443,000 videos on TikTok so far, and showcases the encouraging lyrics “You’re enough/You’re enough/You’re enough/I promise you’re enough.” It’s unclear why the trend began in the first place, although I speculate it may have been due to World Suicide Prevention Day on September 10th, and creators wanting to send uplifting messages to their loved ones. Now, TikTokers are utilizing the trend in all sorts of touching ways, and I’m here for it.
Take creator Felicity Black, for example, whose video celebrates the puppy she recently adopted in the face of a tough diagnosis, or Jasmine Renee, who gives a heartwarming shout-out to her single dad who has never missed one of her school events. I love this version from Kylie, who dedicated a video to her “bestie with terrible anxiety,” followed by adorable footage of them on vacation, singing in the car, and simply doing what besties do. Note to self: get a friend like Kylie.
As if the TikTok trend couldn’t get any sweeter, the waterworks began once I encountered versions like this, where a person expresses being embarrassed about something, followed by the creator validating that they are enough. For example, TikToker Sarah makes a video in response to her younger sister, who said “I’m sorry I’m not ‘normal’ like other sisters.” In time with the lyrics “you’re enough,” we see pictures of Sarah and her sister together, and quickly learn that her sis lives with a disability. I’m not crying, you’re crying.
Following that same pattern (and making me cry in the process), TikToker Shayla Ariana makes a video in response to her brother, who told her, “I’m sorry, IK you’re probably embarrassed I’m gay.” Shayla’s video then shows cute pictures of her brother at family functions and birthday parties with a caption that reads: “It’s okay dawg, always luv you.” And as the daughter of immigrants, I lost it when I saw this version from Mohuya, whose dad said, “I’m sorry I’m not a doctor/engineer like all the other parents here. You don’t have to tell anyone that I’m a taxi driver,” followed by the most precious photo montage set to the lyrics “you are enough.”
Other versions of the “You Are Enough” TikTok trend are more straightforward, like this one from professional soccer player Brittany Wilson who reminds fellow athletes that they are enough, and this one from Cici who bravely asks her crush to homecoming. Of course, it wouldn’t be a TikTok trend without versions that tap into humor, like this one from Francis Walker who shows footage of herself at age 6 attempting to learn how to dance.
Whether you’re losing it over your precious pup, your adorable nephew, or the partner you can’t imagine life without, the “You Are Enough” TikTok trend is a positive reminder of the amazing people (and fur babies!) in your life. To try the trend for yourself, grab the trending soundbite here, think of someone who you want to celebrate, and don’t forget to have some tissues handy. I promise you’ll need at least one.