Do you ever have a moment when something simply doesn’t go according to plan? Like when you wait all week to treat yourself to dinner but your favorite restaurant randomly closes early, or you try to buy tickets for the Olivia Rodrigo tour only to realize that everything sold out within seconds? If you’ve ever had to hold it together in a less-than-ideal moment, you’ll appreciate the “OK, Perfect” TikTok trend. Creators are highlighting frustrating, yet humbling situations in which they ask the universe for something only to get snubbed, and the results are amusing. The punchline of the trend is, there is only one response to our infuriating, inconvenient moments: a polite, restrained “OK, perfect.”
Similar to the “Me Asking” TikTok trend, the “OK, Perfect” trend reminds us that we don’t always get what we ask for in life. And while rude awakenings from the universe can be annoying, they also make for A+ comedy. TikTokers agree. The hashtag #OkPerfect already has 66.4 million views on the app, and the trending sound has been featured in over 44,000 videos. The original sound can be traced to a video by Ashley Elizabeth (@ashxoxo024) in which she’s placing an order at the Starbucks drive-thru. After successfully ordering a chestnut praline latte, Ashley asks for a pumpkin loaf, and the barista replies that they’re unfortunately out of stock. Ashley responds with a polite “OK, perfect” before asking what other bakery items are available. The entire moment is endearing and also way too relatable — how many times have you gotten the opposite of what you wanted, only to respond that it’s totally fine?
Not only did I have a similar experience at Starbucks this morning (whose idea was it to discontinue the cinnamon dolce flavor altogether?), but I, too, have responded with some version of “OK, perfect” in moments that are far from ideal. Whether it’s your screen freezing in the middle of a video call, a promo code not working at checkout, or the train getting stuck underground when you’re running late, sometimes you just have to take ridiculous inconveniences and respond with all of the self-control you can muster.
All over TikTok, creators are using the “OK, Perfect” trend to depict funny moments when they, too, have been inconvenienced in some way. For example, @bluehasnoclue is buying concert tickets, but Ticketmaster booted her to the waitlist even though she’s a “verified fan.” Creator @karissaaduncann’s date caught feelings but doesn’t “want a relationship” (*internal screaming*) and TikToker @angelac0123 wants to see her boyfriend seven days a week, but he lives 700 miles away. TikToker @lexieherod’s sibling just told the whole fam a secret — after specifically being asked not to — and @ashlelnok just wanted a chill wine night with friends but ended up scrolling WebMD with crippling anxiety (not ideal). Whether your version of #OkPerfect is about dating and relationships or dealing with corporate life, there are many ways to approach the trend creatively and with a healthy dose of humor.
If you’re ready to try it yourself, think of a funny yet frustrating moment when you had to hold yourself together. Then, grab the trending audio and record yourself lip-syncing in line with the original sound. Need some inspiration? Check out this version from @miahealey_, who just wants to know when season two of her fave show is coming out, but can’t get a clear answer. Or this one from the hilarious @thekhaleesicat, who begs her owner to get rid of her Thanksgiving-themed hat, only to have it enthusiastically replaced with a Christmas one. In life, we can’t always get what we want, but it sure can make for a funny TikTok video. Give it a whirl and let me know what you create!