Social media is constantly evolving, and some videos, audios, and challenges go viral overnight. Some trends stick around for the long run or become users’ go-tos, while others blow up and vanish in a week. Trends move so quickly that it’s nearly impossible to predict, but while they’re in the spotlight, we can examine how they got there and why we love them. Let’s take a look behind our next trend, the tiny mic.
The tiny mic trend is exactly what it sounds like: Creators talk into a teeny tiny microphone in their video content. The use of the tiny mic has been around for a few years now. It’s a fun way to catch viewers’ attention and add comedic value to content. But why exactly has this trend gained popularity and stuck around?
Tiny Mic, Big Audience
The tiny mic can be utilized in any kind of audio-centric video where a creator is addressing the audience and speaking to them on camera. Creators who try out the trend are not tied to any specific type of content because the tiny mic trend is a trending object, rather than an audio, challenge or way of editing.
While this gives creators a lot of freedom in the type of content they can create, common tiny mic themes are pop culture commentary, day-in-the-life style stories, random knowledge, and more. They are also used by ASMRtists, creators who hold interviews, and singers or performers who want to add an amusement layer to their content.
The tiny mic trend has been around for a few years, and while it is difficult to pinpoint where it initially started, some TikTok creators, including @livcharetteofficial and @marz.gif, said they first saw the tiny mic appear and be popularized by creators like @tinx and @carathevettech. According to The Strategist, @tinx, Christina Najjar, doesn’t claim to be the first to have used the tiny mic, but to many TikTokers, she is known for it!
Cara the Vet Tech also uses the tiny mic to create swoon-worthy content where she interviews her pet patients, capturing their sniffing, purring, biting, and other adorable sounds. Similar to @tinx, @carathevettech is also many TikTokers’ tiny mic inspiration, and Cara also claims to have been inspired by other creators before her who used tiny mics to rant on random topics.
@carathevettech Part 135💕🎤✨ #vettech #vetmed #minimicrophone #asmr #vetmedlife #vetmedhumor #vettechtok #vettechsoftiktok #fypシ ♬ Monkeys Spinning Monkeys – Kevin MacLeod & Kevin The Monkey
The tiny mic is used by a wide array of TikTokers, and it often isn’t even tagged when used due to it being more of an amusing accessory than a topic itself. Despite this, the hashtag is still widely used! On TikTok, #tinymic has 173.3 million views, #tinymicrophone has 40.3 million, and #tinymicinterview has 7.8 million.
Tiny mics don’t only add an extra layer of amusement to content, but they also have a practical function: They help creators capture enhanced audio, and some even have the ability to connect to apps that help creators edit the captured audio.
Audio that is good-quality creates a better viewing experience for users, giving it a higher chance of beating the algorithm and showing up on more For You pages, likely contributing to tiny mics’ success.
Comedy and Cuteness Overload
The tiny mic’s rise to popularity and ability to stay there has a lot to do with the fact that the novelty of a tiny microphone fits in perfectly with TikTok’s unique and playful content. Users flock to and stay on TikTok because it is entertaining. Tiny mics add an extra layer of entertainment and comedic value to the content and have become a TikTok staple.
However, tiny mics go beyond an extra layer of entertainment. They draw attention and demonstrate to users that the creator has put effort into the content they are putting out. @Tinx said to The Strategist, “[Tiny mics] signal that I’ve thought about and care about the content I’m putting out there,” which makes people feel enticed by her content and more willing to spend time watching them.
@tinx #millennialsoftiktok #goingouttops ♬ original sound – Tinx
We believe that people’s love for tiny mics goes even beyond signaling to audiences that effort and care were put into the content, and people love them for a very simple reason: Tiny objects make us happy!
According to the psychology of cuteness—yes, it sounds silly, but you read that right—tiny objects are irresistible to many people. Seeing tiny objects gives people a feeling of joy and comfort and releases dopamine in our brains!
“Dopamine is one of the most important hormones that trigger happiness and a positive emotional response. Whenever we see tiny things we find cute and attractive, our brain releases dopamine and makes us feel happy,” said Pareen Sehat, MC, registered clinical counselor and mental health professional, to Real Simple.
Our brains are designed to love small, cute things, and we receive a shot of dopamine when we see them, making videos like @carathevettech’s a cuteness overload and absolutely irresistible to not stop and watch.
Tiny objects also give us a sense of comfort, bring us back to childhood, and allow us to experience awe.
Tiny Mics and Brands
Do brands and tiny mics belong together? Absolutely. Tiny mics being more of a trendy accessory than a strictly constructed trend makes it very easy for brands to insert themselves into the fad.
Unlike past trends we have discussed, such as Corecore and De-influencing, the tiny mic is straightforward and no mental gymnastics are involved in trying to figure out how you can fit your product into the trend. What are some ways brands can incorporate tiny mics into their campaigns?
Keep it simple. Have a creator address their audiences directly to talk about your product. They can do so from their regular filming area or in front of a green screen.
Work with creators to conduct interviews. Use a tiny mic to interview people who love the product, whether they are friends of the creator or random people on the street.
Tap into cuteness psychology. Find heart-melting ways to show your product in action. For example, do you have a pet-related product? Hold a tiny mic up to your cat or dog after they try the product!
Incorporate a tiny mic into random niches. Think of singers, actors, comedians, or ASMRtists who can showcase your product in a unique way while incorporating tiny mics to add more entertainment value.
Tiny mics do not appear to be going anywhere, and they have become a regular part of content creation for many creators. Looking at tiny mics’ track record of remaining relevant these past few years, it seems like a no-brainer for brands to tap into.
Want to learn even more trends you can fit your brand into? Reach out to Open Influence today. Our team of creative marketing experts can help you accomplish bringing creativity and excitement to versatile trends like tiny mics.
