Her Campus Logo Her Campus Logo
Culture > Digital

In The “Are You Crying?” TikTok Trend, Creators Are In Their Feels

When the iPhone first released the “happy cry” emoji, I felt seen. Admittedly, I’m the person in my friend group who tears up about everything from baby animals to people’s engagements, and as a certified double water sign, I am not ashamed. Sometimes, being the “feeler” of the group can be a lot, and most of the time, I desperately wish I could tell my tear ducts to calm down. However, over time, I’ve started to own my emo nature. We just can’t help it sometimes, OK?! 

If you, too, are glad that the “happy cry” emoji is a thing, you’ll love the “Are You Crying?” TikTok trend which reminds everyone that it’s OK to be a little misty-eyed sometimes. The new trend features a short, adorable soundbite from creator @hannahinthewild who can’t help but get in her feelings (over what, we aren’t exactly sure) while she tears up over a glass of white wine.

Maybe you’re a water sign who feels everything deeply 24/7 or you get emotional about the littlest things these days…just because. Regardless of your reason or lack thereof, the “Are You Crying?” TikTok trend is perfect for the moments when you can’t keep it together, no matter how hard you try. Whether your boss just scheduled a random 1:1 with you (nope!) or you’re crying with excitement about your upcoming trip to Disney, the “Are You Crying?” TikTok trend is for those moments when you can’t help but get in your feels.

Where did the “Are You Crying” TikTok trend originate?

The original video was posted by TikTok creator @hannahinthewild who, in the clip, is visibly emotional while holding a glass of white wine (we’ve all been there, girl). Her friend, who is filming the video from across the table, asks, “Are you crying?!” to which Hannah responds between sniffles, “Yeah, a little!” The most endearing part is, Hannah appears to be half-smiling, half extremely emotional, which is one of those niche feelings we can all relate to. 

The caption reads: “New TikTok sound unleashed, sad girl” and the comments are full of fellow teary-eyed friends saying things like: “Bestie, I’m a Pisces too. We’re gonna be okay.” Notably, many fellow “Hannahs” have joined the misty-eyed movement, commenting things like “As a Hannah….yes. We are crying a little bit. Always,” or “Is this a Hannah thing?” and “Can confirm that the honest admission of crying is a Hannah thing.”  

Based on the video’s comment section and the immediate trend that began circulating as a result, it appears TikTokers can relate to the feeling of being easily moved like Hannah. TBH, I can, too.

How are TikTokers using the trending sound?

The “Are You Crying” trend appears to be in its very early stages with just a few hundred videos on the trending audio page. However, we know that all successful TikTok trends feature a general formula: A catchy soundbite combined with a niche, relatable feeling, and a fair dose of humor. Fortunately, the current trend features all of these genius elements, and I predict it’s going to soar.

Now, TikTokers are using this trending sound to demonstrate moments when they, too, get in their feels and simply want to cry — whether it’s realizing Slack is down and they can’t talk to their work bestie or dealing with a friendship breakup. For example, @devan.kaney misses watching football on Sundays, and @anyassashley’s friends are traveling to tropical islands for spring break, meanwhile, she’s stuck in the cold weather. TikToker @hannahcontiphotographer wants to cry every time she looks at her to-do list, and @itsleilahclaire just wants her TikToks to go viral (help her out, will ya?!). 

Other creators are crying tears of joy, like a creator who gets a nice email from someone, @mimmihagberg, who is emotional about the sun finally coming out, and @tracyboldin, who is vibing during her spiritual awakening. However, in true TikToker fashion, many creators are jumping on the trend to flex their witty comedy skills, like @fashivly, who suddenly realizes cowboy boots aren’t in style, or @liahayek, who is tearing up because her friends don’t feel like partying with her 24/7. TikToker @the_caffeinatedreader’s version says, “when you’re at brunch with the girlies and remember that all of your favorite ships end sadly” and creator @nottheworstmom’s says, “When you’re just trying to pluck your eyebrows and you find a dark chin hair.” Tears, indeed.

Luckily for us, the “Are You Crying” TikTok trend is easy to try.

Whether you’re at emo level one or 100 today, the “Are You Crying” TikTok trend is relatively easy to try, and doesn’t require a ton of thought or planning. Simply think of a time when you were in your feelings about something and wanted to cry, whether it’s because your professor decided not to grade on a curve (rude!) or because you realized you actually have to go to work on a workday (also rude!). Maybe your work wife just put in their two weeks at your company and you’re feeling unwell, or you listened to an Adele song and now, you’re in shambles. Whatever your example, be sure to add a witty caption and text overlay to share your punchline, and don’t be afraid to channel your inner Hannah.

Life is full of ups and downs, so remember, besties: It’s OK to get in your feels sometimes. Give the “Are You Crying?” TikTok trend a try, and let us know what you create. In the meantime, need a Kleenex?

Tianna was an Associate Editor at Her Campus Media HQ where she covers all things pop culture, entertainment, wellness, and TikTok trends. She graduated from North Carolina State University and received her masters from Columbia University. Tianna currently lives in New York City where you can find her sipping coffee, practicing yoga, and singing show tunes.