5 TikTok Trends That Will Skyrocket Your Customer Retention Strategy in 2024

Let's talk about Duolingo. Yeah, that cute green owl that's more like a passive-aggressive motivational speaker than a language app mascot. But here's the thing: Duolingo doesn't just teach languages—it teaches a masterclass in customer retention, especially with how it's embraced TikTok trends.

In 2023, Duolingo went viral on TikTok, not because it was teaching you how to say "Where is the bathroom?" in French, but because the brand's social media team understood the power of trends. They had their mascot doing viral dances, responding to memes, and even engaging in TikTok challenges. The result? A surge of users engaging with the app daily, a massive increase in downloads, and—here's the kicker—a higher retention rate among existing users.

Why? Because Duolingo wasn't just selling their product; they were part of the cultural conversation. By consistently showing up where their users were already spending time—on TikTok, of course—they managed to foster a sense of community and fun that kept users coming back for more. And that, my friends, is customer retention 101.

So, what's the takeaway? TikTok trends aren't just for Gen Z lip-syncing stars. When used strategically, they can be the secret sauce to keeping your customers coming back for more. Let's dive deeper into why TikTok trends are your new best friend for boosting customer retention.

Why TikTok Trends Matter for Customer Retention

Okay, you're probably thinking, "But Byron, how does some 15-second video of a cat jamming to a remix of a 90s song help me retain my customers?" Well, my skeptical friend, let me break it down.

TikTok trends are more than just fleeting moments of internet fame. They're cultural touchpoints that tell your audience, "Hey, I get you." When a brand taps into a trend, it's like giving your customers a secret handshake—suddenly, they feel like they're in on something. This sense of belonging is key to retention.

1. Community Building Through UGC (User-Generated Content)

One of the top TikTok trends in 2024 is the rise of UGC. Brands that encourage their users to create content—whether it's using a specific hashtag, joining a challenge, or remixing a sound—are winning big. Why? Because UGC fosters a sense of ownership.

Brands like Chipotle have mastered this game. Remember their GuacDance challenge? They got their customers to film themselves dancing for free guac. It was fun, it was easy, and it made people feel like they were part of something bigger. Plus, every time someone participates in a UGC campaign, they're reinforcing their connection to the brand, which makes them more likely to stick around.

For you, this could look like leveraging TikTok trends to encourage your customers to create content featuring your product. By doing so, you deepen the customer-brand relationship, and boom—customer retention goes through the roof.

2. Authenticity Wins the Day

If there's one thing TikTok users can smell from a mile away, it's inauthenticity. And nothing drives customers away faster than a brand that's trying too hard to be "cool." TikTok trends work for customer retention when they feel genuine.

Take a look at Gymshark. They don't just jump on every trend—they pick the ones that align with their brand values. Whether it's a fitness challenge or a motivational soundbite, everything they post feels authentic to their core audience. This creates trust, and trust is the backbone of any retention strategy.

Your brand doesn't need to force itself into every trending dance or meme. Instead, choose trends that resonate with your brand's personality and values. When done right, these trends will keep your customers engaged without feeling like you're trying too hard.

3. Leveraging FOMO to Keep Customers Coming Back

Another powerful TikTok trend for 2024 is the use of FOMO—the fear of missing out. When you create a campaign around a TikTok trend, you can build urgency and exclusivity, which encourages your customers to stay engaged.

Take Starbucks, for example. They've been known to drop limited-time drinks that go viral on TikTok. People rush to try them before they disappear. The result? Repeat customers who don't want to miss out on the next big thing.

Incorporating this into your strategy is easy. Create TikTok challenges or campaigns that are time-sensitive. This makes your customers feel like they need to act fast, which keeps them coming back to see what's next.

4. Viral Challenges = Viral Loyalty

Remember when Ocean Spray's CEO hopped on a skateboard with a bottle of cranberry juice while listening to Fleetwood Mac? That one viral TikTok sent Ocean Spray's sales through the roof, but it also did something more: it created brand loyalty.

By jumping on viral challenges, brands can create moments that stick in their customers' minds. These challenges make your brand part of a larger cultural moment, which makes customers more likely to remember you—and come back for more.

For brands looking to boost retention, this means keeping an eye on viral challenges and figuring out how to naturally integrate them into your content strategy. The key here is to have fun with it and not take yourself too seriously. When customers see your brand having fun, they'll want to be part of that energy.

5. TikTok for Customer Feedback and Interaction

Finally, one of the underappreciated TikTok trends for customer retention is using the platform for direct interaction. Brands that respond to comments, create content based on user feedback, and engage with their community build stronger relationships.

Look at Wendy's—famously sassy on Twitter, they've taken that same energy to TikTok. They reply to comments, joke around with users, and even create videos based on customer suggestions. This back-and-forth creates a sense of camaraderie, which is crucial for keeping customers loyal.

If you want to retain customers, make TikTok a two-way street. Engage with your audience, respond to their feedback, and let them know you're listening. This level of interaction makes customers feel valued and keeps them coming back.

What People Are Saying About TikTok Trends and Customer Retention

"I never thought TikTok would be a key part of my business strategy, but since we started using trends, we've noticed a huge uptick in returning customers. People love that we're staying relevant and engaging with them in fun ways." — Sarah, E-commerce Store Owner

"We've seen a 30% increase in customer retention since jumping on TikTok trends. Our customers feel more connected to the brand, and they're excited to see what we'll post next." — Mike, SaaS Marketing Manager

"By tapping into TikTok trends, we've been able to create a sense of community among our users. They're not just customers anymore—they're brand advocates." — Jenna, Social Media Strategist

How FAISCO Can Help You Leverage TikTok Trends for Retention

Now that you've got the lowdown on how TikTok trends can supercharge your customer retention strategy, it's time to put it into action. And guess what? FAISCO makes it easy.

FAISCO is your go-to SaaS platform for creating engaging, trend-driven marketing campaigns in just 3 minutes. Whether you want to host a viral giveaway, launch a TikTok-inspired challenge, or create a fun gamified experience, FAISCO has you covered.

With features like game templates, viral sharing tools, and real-time data analysis, FAISCO helps you capture and retain customers with ease. Plus, our social sharing incentives mean your customers will be more likely to spread the word, increasing your reach and retention in one fell swoop.

Ready to turn TikTok trends into long-term customer loyalty? Start your FAISCO free trial today and see how easy it is to keep your customers coming back for more.