Here’s all you wanted to know about "circle chain" trend on TikTok

TikTok’s latest viral sensation has everyone talking about “circle chains.” If you’ve been scrolling through your For You Page wondering what the heck these videos are about, you’re not alone. Let’s break down this darkly humorous trend that’s taken over the app.

What exactly is a circle chain?

Despite its trendy name, a circle chain is actually a memorial necklace. It features a circular pendant with wings, typically used to display a photo of a deceased loved one. Pretty somber stuff, right? Well, TikTok had other ideas.

The trend in action

TikTokers have put a morbid twist on this jewelry, creating videos with captions like:

These clips usually show the creator staring blankly or concernedly at the camera, racking up thousands of likes and views.

What’s the joke?

The humor comes from the implication that friends or loved ones are subtly (or not so subtly) hinting at the creator’s impending doom. It’s a playful way of suggesting someone is plotting their murder or wishing they weren’t around anymore. Dark? Yes. Hilarious to Gen Z? Absolutely.

Some TikTokers have even shared videos of the actual necklace with captions like “Trying to figure out who’s going in it,” taking the joke to the next level.

Why is it so popular?

The circle chain trend perfectly balances morbid humor with cultural significance. It’s an inside joke that leaves the uninitiated scratching their heads, which is basically catnip for TikTok users. While we don’t know exactly where this trend started, it’s been making waves throughout August 2024. It’s turned the “circle chain” into a viral punchline that shows no signs of slowing down. So, the next time you see a TikTok about circle chains, you’ll be in on the joke. Just maybe think twice before gifting one to your friends – they might get the wrong idea!