OK, is it just me or is TikTok getting pretty dry nowadays? Remember the days when all of us obsessed over the same viral trends and followed those same few TikTok celebrities? (Even though none of us had any clue why they were even famous.) In 2023, the app has become so saturated with content that it’s hard to relate to the FYPs of others.
However, I believe that change is in sight. Almost overnight, my entire TikTok FYP was taken over by the creator @Octopusslover8 — and I’m talking my entire FYP. Seriously, every other video was made by this creator. And, as the stats have it, I’m not alone: the creator has racked up over 16.8 million likes as of Feb. 28, and their most recent videos have amassed millions of views a piece. Folks, we’ve found TikTok’s newest viral creator.
@Octopusslover8, real name Jake Shane, posts short comedy videos that are, unlike a lot of TikTok comedy, actually really funny. Essentially, Shane acts out historical moments and figures as if they occurred in the present day. From Betsy Ross to the Mona Lisa, Shane covers all of the bases — hilariously, might I add.
Most of Shane’s video ideas come from his audience’s requests, including this one about the murder of Julius Ceasar.
Let’s not forget about my personal favorite: a skit about a Salem witch accusation that went a little too far. Genius.
One of his most viral videos to date, however, brings it back to pre-historic times.
Still, his John Hancock video remains his most viewed, at the time of publication, with over 7 million views. Seriously, why did he write his name so big?
Thank you, the TikTok algorithm, for bringing Shane to my screen. My post notifications are on!