How to Appeal on TikTok: What It Really Means & How to Do It Like a Pro
If you’ve been scrolling through TikTok lately, you might’ve seen people saying stuff like, “That was so appealing” or “How do I even appeal on TikTok tho?” But what does how to appeal on TikTok even mean? No, they’re not talking about sending legal letters or begging for followers (though that might work too 😂). This slang is a vibe, a move, and honestly, a whole mood. Buckle up, because we’re diving deep into the origin, usage, and funniest moments of “appeal” on TikTok — and you’re about to learn how to appeal like a TikTok legend.
Origin: Where Did “Appeal” Even Come From?
So first off: the word “appeal” is classic English with your usual dictionary meaning — like appealing a decision in court, or having an appeal (making something attractive). But on TikTok, the slang meaning flips the script.
“Appeal” on TikTok started gaining street cred in the late 2010s, popping up mainly in African American Vernacular English (AAVE) circles. It’s basically shorthand for someone making themselves look attractive or charming* deliberately* to get something they want — be it attention, a like, or even forgiveness.
Think of it like showing off your best angle, your best smile, or even acting all cute and goofy just to get that reaction. The twist? It’s often done *playfully* or with some tongue-in-cheek energy, not full-on flirting 24/7.
How to Use It: Yeah, But How Do You “Appeal” on TikTok?
This is the juicy part! When people ask “how to appeal on TikTok,” they wanna know how to nail that perfect blend of charm and humor to make their vids pop off.
Here are the basics:
- Step 1: Be Unapologetically You — Authenticity is everything. People see through fake vibes in 0.2 seconds.
- Step 2: Use Facial Expressions & Filters — Squinting suspiciously? Big puppy eyes? Add that VSCO filter or that iconic dog face! It’s all part of the package.
- Step 3: Add Relatable Captions — Something like: “When you accidentally steal the group chat spotlight but still appeal 😏” hits different.
- Step 4: Bring Some Humor or Sass — Maybe you add a wiggle, a weird dance, or a funny zoom-in. The more extra, the better.
Example DM snippet:
Friend 1: “Omg, you just *appealed* in that video! Teach me your ways! 😂
Friend 2: “It’s all in the eyebrows and the slow-mo angle, fr”
Etiquette: Do’s and Don’ts of Appealing on TikTok
There’s no official handbook, but here’s some quick-fire dos and don’ts so you don’t come off as trying too hard or mess up your appeal game.
- Do keep it lighthearted and fun.
- Don’t use appeal to manipulate or gaslight anyone.
- Do play with popular TikTok trends and sounds to boost your appeal.
- Don’t overdo it — nobody likes a constant attention-seeker.
- Do interact with your fans when they say you “appealed” — that’s your cue to keep it coming!
Funny Ways “Appeal” Pops Up Online
“How to appeal on TikTok” is more than a phrase — it’s a whole comedy goldmine waiting to happen. TikTok users have taken the idea and ran wild with it, slipping “appeal” into the wildest scenarios.
- The Work From Home Appeal: Somebody turning on the webcam in pajamas, hitting the “I’m trying, but also appealing” face 😩
- The Sassy Pet Appeal: Pets doing goofy things with captions like “My cat’s appeal is unmatched” (spoiler: it’s mostly fuzzy stare contests)
- The Panic Appeal: When you forgot to do your homework but try to appeal to the teacher with a last-minute TikTok dance lol.
Example comment on a viral video:
“She just appealed so hard she broke TikTok 😂🔥”
In summary: how to appeal on TikTok is your secret sauce for standing out by being charming, funny, and genuinely you.
Try it out on your next video — maybe throw in a quirky wink or that signature side glance. Before you know it, your followers will be sliding into your DMs telling you to teach them how to appeal on TikTok too!
Got a killer appeal moment? Drop your examples in the comments or your next TikTok — just don’t forget us when you go viral 😉
