In a surprising turn of events, the commotion caused by the possible banning of TikTok in the U.S. allowed for the return of the beloved 2020 TikTok era, bringing back nostalgic memories for the millions of users who experienced the platform’s golden age. The widespread desire from creators and fans for fun trends and a sense of community was found during TikTok’s rise to global dominance during the early pandemic years. 

The reintroduction of TikTok’s 2020 features includes returning viral sounds, filters, and classic dances. During the pandemic, TikTok became more than just an app—people of all ages could connect while still in the safety of their homes. The hashtag “#Tiktok2020” has already become trending globally, invoking users to relive the era by revisiting the old dance challenges.

“During the pandemic, we were all disconnected from physical interactions, making TikTok such a lifeline to stay connected and feel a part of something in such a challenging time,” says sophomore Julie Labato. 

Some of the key elements that have been revived on the app have created an extremely high influx of viewership in the last few weeks, but the most influential aspect has been the implementation of the original algorithm. Many users believe that TikTok’s 2020 algorithm is the best for discovering new content. The original algorithm was the reason behind what made stars out of everyday people.

“I used to love being able to see new dances and content creators daily. Now it’s all the same dances and the same people that go in a pattern,” says sophomore Angie Cruz. 

The decision to bring back 2020 TikTok comes after a shift in user engagement. While the platform remains the most downloaded social media app worldwide, many users have expressed a longing for the community-driven feel of its earlier years. Many apps have relinquished the foundation of creativity that once fulfilled their apps to produce more income and achieve corporate respectability. 

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with users flooding social media with their favorite early TikTok memories. “I haven’t felt this excited to go back on the app in 2 years. The dances, the filters, the community; I live for it all,” comments sophomore Reyna Kannan. For now, TikTok fans are dusting off their ring lights and preparing to relive the golden era- one dance at a time.