The film “The Little Mermaid” (2023), in which Halle Bailey played the role of Ariel, was released in theaters in April 2023. It inspired a trend called Mermaidcore on TikTok. The theme is represented by fashion for makeup with mermaid eyes, jewelry made of shells, pearls, frills and ruffles imitating sea shells. Seventeen columnist Sarah Mayberry says the trend is easy to replicate. It has an aesthetic as well as parallels to the equally inspiring Cher in Mermaids (1990) and Phoebe Tonkin in H2O.
For a TikToker, the Mermaidcore trend can bring several benefits:
Increased popularity: Adopting and using a popular trend can bring more attention to a TikToker’s account. If a trend gets a lot of views and likes, the chances of a TikToker’s videos going viral increases significantly.
Gaining New Followers: By bringing attention to their account through a popular trend, a TikToker can attract new followers who are interested in content relevant to Mermaidcore.
Developing Creative Skills: Creating content around a trend can encourage a TikToker to experiment with makeup, clothing styles, and accessories, which will help develop their creativity and skills.
Community Connection: TikTokers using the same trend can form their own communities and support each other, exchange tips and ideas.
Attracting the attention of brands and sponsors: If a TikToker becomes popular enough through Mermaidcore, their account can attract the attention of brands and companies who are interested in collaborations and sponsorships.
Expertise on a specific topic: Creating content around a trend can help a TikToker become an expert on that topic, in this case Mermaidcore style, which helps build their authority among viewers.
It is important to remember that the use of a trend should be organic and match the interests and style of the TikToker. The pursuit of popularity and trendiness should not translate into copying other authors; it is important to add your originality and creative contribution to the content.
