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The U.S. government and TikTok will go head-to-head in federal court on Monday as oral arguments begin in a consequential legal case that will determine if – or how — a popular social media platform used by nearly half of all Americans will continue to operate in the country.
Attorneys for the two sides will appear before a panel of judges at the federal appeals court in Washington. TikTok and its China-based parent company, ByteDance, are challenging a U.S. law that requires them to break ties or face a ban in the U.S. by mid-January. The legal battle is expected to reach the U.S. Supreme Court.
The law, signed by President Joe Biden in April, was a culmination of a years-long saga in Washington over the short-form video-sharing app, which the government sees as a national security threat due to its connections to China. But TikTok argues the law runs afoul of the First Amendment while other opponents claim it mirrors crackdowns sometimes seen in authoritarian countries abroad.
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In court documents submitted over the summer, the Justice Department emphasized the government’s two primary concerns. First, TikTok collects vast swaths of user data, including sensitive information on viewing habits, that could fall into the hands of the Chinese government through coercion. Second, the U.S. says the proprietary algorithm that fuels what users see on the app is vulnerable to manipulation by Chinese authorities, who can use it to shape content on the platform in a way that’s difficult to detect.
TikTok has repeatedly said it does not share U.S. user data with the Chinese government and that concerns the government has raised have never been substantiated. In court documents, attorneys for both TikTok and its parent company have argued that members of Congress sought to punish the platform based on propaganda they perceived to be on TikTok. The companies also claimed divestment is not possible and that the app would have to shut down by Jan. 19 if the courts don’t step in to block the law.“Even if divestiture were feasible, TikTok in the United States would still be reduced to a shell of its former self, stripped of the innovative and expressive technology that tailors content to each user,” the companies said in a legal brief filed in June. “It would also become an island, preventing Americans from exchanging views with the global TikTok community.”
Opponents of the law stress a ban would also cause disruptions in the world of marketing, retail and in the lives of many different content creators, some of whom also sued the government in May. TikTok is covering the legal costs for that lawsuit, which the court has consolidated with the company’s complaint and another filed on behalf of conservative creators who work with a nonprofit called BASED Politics Inc.
Though the government’s primary reasoning for the law is public, significant portions of its court filings include classified information that has been redacted and hidden from public view. The companies have asked the court to reject the secret filings or appoint a district judge who can ferret through the material, which the government has opposed because it will cause a delay in the case. If admitted into the court, legal experts say those secret filings could make it nearly impossible to know some of the factors that could play a part in the eventual ruling.
In one of the redacted statements submitted in late July, the Justice Department claimed TikTok took direction from the Chinese government about content on its platform, without disclosing additional details about when or why those incidents occurred. Casey Blackburn, a senior U.S. intelligence official, wrote in a legal statement that ByteDance and TikTok “have taken action in response” to Chinese government demands “to censor content outside of China.” Though the intelligence community had “no information” that this has happened on the platform operated by TikTok in the U.S., Blackburn said there is a risk it “may” occur.
In a separate document submitted to court, the DOJ said the U.S. is “not required to wait until its foreign adversary takes specific detrimental actions before responding to such a threat.”
The companies, however, argue the government could have taken a more tailored approach to resolve its concerns.
During high-stakes negotiations with the Biden administration more than two years ago, TikTok presented the government with a draft 90-page agreement that allows a third party to monitor the platform’s algorithm, content moderation practices and other programming. TikTok says it has spent more than $2 billion to voluntarily implement some of these measures, which include storing U.S. user data on servers controlled by the tech giant Oracle. But it said a deal was not reached because government officials essentially walked away from the negotiating table in August 2022.
Justice officials have argued complying with the draft agreement is impossible, or would require extensive resources, due to the size and the technical complexity of TikTok. The Justice Department also said the only thing that would resolve the government’s concerns is severing the ties between TikTok and ByteDance given the porous relationship between the Chinese government and Chinese companies.
But some observers have wondered whether such a move would accelerate the so-called “decoupling” between the U.S. and its strategic rival at a time when other China-founded companies, such as Shein and Temu, are also making a big splash in the West. Last week, the Biden administration proposed rules that would crack down on duty-free products being shipped directly from China.
For its part, ByteDance has publicly said TikTok is not up for sale. But that has not stopped some investors, including former Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin and billionaire Frank McCourt, from announcing bids to purchase the platform. However, even if such a sale would occur, it would most likely be devoid of TikTok’s coveted algorithm, leaving a big question mark on whether the platform would be capable of serving up the type of personally tailored videos that users have come to expect.
The political alignments on the issue are playing out in unconventional ways.
The law, which passed with bipartisan approval in Congress, had encountered resistance from some progressive and Republican lawmakers who voiced concerns about giving the government the power to ban a platform used by 170 million Americans. Former President Donald Trump, who tried to ban TikTok while in office, is now opposing a ban because that would help its rival, Facebook, a platform Trump continues to criticize over his 2020 election loss.
In court, free speech and social justice groups have submitted amicus briefs in support of TikTok, arguing it restricts the First Amendment rights of users and suppresses the speech of minority communities by disrupting a tool many of them use to advocate for causes online. Some libertarian groups with ties to ByteDance investor Jeff Yass have also filed briefs supporting the company.
Meanwhile, the Biden administration has received the backing of more than 20 Republican attorneys general, former national security officials and China-focused human rights groups who are asking the court to uphold the law.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
If you enjoy scrolling on TikTok while relaxing, listening to music or reading your favorite books on a Kindle, you can now get a wireless remote control shaped like a ring. It’s compact and easy to hold, so you can effortlessly navigate the For You page. For those who like reading on a Kindle, you can use the remote to turn pages without touching the screen — just attach it to your finger and click the button. Music lovers can also use this remote for music apps like Spotify.
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This TikTok-viral wireless remote is “easy to set up,” according to Amazon users. To get started, just go on your phone settings, select accessibility, then touch, and enable Assistive Touch. Next, pair your Bluetooth D01 Pro with your phone. Once connected, you can scroll up or down with the up and down buttons, and tap the middle button to like a TikTok video. One Amazon customer said, “One of my new favorite gadgets… fits comfortably on finger. Works great as a fidget device when not in use… so glad I saw this on TikTok!”
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The ring-shaped remote comes with a rechargeable case that takes just 90 minutes to fully charge and automatically powers off when the battery is full. With a single charge, it can last for over 14 hours and up to 86 hours with the charging case, according to the brand.
It’s available on Amazon and Walmart. You can get it in six different colors, including pink, black, blue, gray, purple and white.
Amazon
Remote Control for TikTok, Page Turner for Kindle App, Bluetooth Camera Video Recording Remote, Scrolling Ring for TIK Tok, iPhone, iPad, iOS, Android – Pink
This wireless remote is compatible with iOS, Android, iPad, iPhone, TikTok and Spotify. One Amazon user shared all the ways in which they use it, saying, “You can do so many things with it and use it on so many apps: scroll and click through stories on TikTok and Snapchat, scroll through your photos in your phone, you can skip through youtube videos. You can take a selfie or group photos with one click of your remote.”
For more product recommendations, check out this TikTok-viral swivel chair, Suni Lee’s TikTok-viral lip combo, and this TikTok favorite Lululemon backpack.
“The way this song was born is probably contrary to what everyone thinks,” Muni Long says with a laugh of her R&B hit “Made for Me.” That’s because the compassionate ballad — which arrived in 2023 before catching fire on TikTok, followed by a Mariah Carey remix this year — was inspired by a different kind of love story.
As Muni Long recalls, it was November 2022 and she had given birth to her son two months prior (all of which she kept private until this August, when she performed with him on her hip during her opening set touring with Chris Brown). She says she was “getting the itch to write,” so she had a studio put in her house. One day, the Grammy Award winner began listening again to a piano chord progression she had sent a while back to her friend, producer Jordan XL. “I just started literally doing what the song says,” Muni Long adds, “looking around this room, seeing baby toys. And I write this song about my baby because he’s right next door.”
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Still not satisfied with the track after performing it live a couple of times, Muni Long questioned what was missing — “Does it need drums?” she wondered. At her A&R executive’s suggestion, she booked a session with producers Jermaine Dupri and Bryan-Michael Cox. While working on other songs with the pair, she played the track she had become obsessed with. “They were polite, but nobody had a crazy reaction,” she recalls. Two weeks later, they sent her a new version — complete with drums.
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Yet Muni Long was still unsure: “ ‘Maybe it is just a piano vocal,’ ” she thought. “I toyed with it for a couple of months, asking others, ‘Is this good? Am I tripping?’ Then Tunji [Balogun, Def Jam Recordings chairman/CEO] said, ‘This is the song we’re going with.’ I’m like, ‘If you’re willing to stand behind this, then do it.’ ”
In January, the catchy track with its emotional chorus gained traction on TikTok thanks to a challenge tied to a lyric: “Twin, where have you been?” The boost helped “Made for Me” hit a No. 8 peak on Billboard’s Hot R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart and No. 20 on the Hot 100 in March. In May, Muni Long sustained momentum with her Carey remix. And now, her hot streak continues with “Make Me Forget,” her first No. 1 on Adult R&B Airplay. Both hits appear on her newly released second album, Revenge.
This story appears in the Aug. 31, 2024, issue of Billboard.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
With August slipping away into a moment in time, as Taylor Swift would say, the time is coming for you to pack away your jean shorts and start breaking out your layering pieces. An oversized sweater has become the definition of cozy season, but one particular style has caught the attention of TikTok for its loose, baggy look that’ll keep you comfortable while giving off a vintage aesthetic — and it just got restocked.
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Grey Bandit’s Cool Vibe sweater has gone viral on the social media platform for its retro-inspired design that features the highly sought out “dad” pattern. At first glance, the geometric pattern will transport you to a wood cabin, cozied up in front of a fireplace with a mug of hot chocolate. Reviewers are also calling the design “perfect for the holidays,” as it can easily be paired with jeans or a classic pair of leggings.
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According to the brand, the sweater was released back in 2023, and after going viral, quickly sold out. Now, it’s been restocked just in time for the new fall season.
Keep reading to learn more and buy the sweater online.
Grey Bandit
Cool Vibes Sweater
When you throw on Grey Bandit’s Cool Vibes Sweater, you’ll be met with a soft polyester, wool and spandex material to keep you warm and comfy. The style is more oversized, which means you’ll want to size down if you don’t want a baggier fit. Reviewers also mention that drying the sweater will shrink it.
TikToker @bri.belanger posted a video showing off the oversized fall sweater, which has earned more than 16,000 views on the platform. Commenters were quick to gush over the Grey Bandit sweater, even claiming it gives off Rory Gilmore vibes from Gilmore Girls.
“I will not be taking this sweater off until next spring, thank you,” the caption for the video reads.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best shackets, oversized leather jackets and cropped puffer coats.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Shopping for budget-friendly makeup doesn’t mean sacrificing quality. If you’re looking for top-notch products under $15, you’re in the right place. Whether you’re perfecting your everyday look or trying something new, you’ll find affordable options that deliver impressive results. From TikTok-viral makeup products to everyday must-haves, you’ll find everything you need to keep your beauty routine fresh and exciting.
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A standout beauty item in the TikTok world is the Judy Doll Iron Mascara, known for its ability to lift and curl your lashes, giving you a dramatic look that lasts all day — and it’s only $10. One Amazon customer said, “I heard using this mascara after curling my lashes would actually keep them up. I’ve been using this for over a month now and it’s amazing! The curl in my lashes stay, it doesn’t smudge, and my eyes don’t get irritated.”
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Another TikTok gem is the Palladio Lip Stain, which has quickly become a favorite for its long-lasting, vibrant color. This is a great option when it comes to achieving a fresh, on-trend lip look that complements any makeup routine. An Amazon customer said, “Whenever I wear this I am always asked what I’m wearing. It lasts all night without needing to be reapplied and is the perfect look for something natural.” With a mix of classic staples and trendy must-haves, this selection offers something for every beauty lover, ensuring you stay on-trend without overspending.
Some of the top-notch affordable makeup brands include Wet n Wild, Physiciansformula, NYX Professional Makeup, Maybelline, Revolution Beauty, Palladio, L’Oreal Paris, Revlon and Generic.
Target
Wet N Wild Makeup Sponge Applicator
If you’re looking to refresh your makeup sponge, consider this Wet N Wild Sponge Applicator to achieve a smooth finish. It’s also washable and reusable, making it a practical option.
Target
Wet n Wild Photo Focus Loose Setting Powder
Keep your makeup in place with this Wet n Wild Loose Setting Powder. Its smooth and lightweight texture provides a flawless finish for all-day wear. You can get it in two different colors: Translucent or Banana.
Target
Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush
If you’re looking for a buildable and natural flush, consider this Wet n Wild Color Icon Blush. Its smooth formula ensures a long-lasting, fresh look throughout your day.
Target
Physiciansformula Butter Dream Team Palette
This dream palette includes bronzers, blush, highlighter, and face powder. With its blendable powders, you can achieve a smooth and natural glow.
Target
Physiciansformula Murumuru Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer
For a sun-kissed look, add this Physiciansformula Murumuru Butter Glow Liquid Bronzer to your cart. You can use it to contour your face and body.
Target
NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil
Are you looking to add a pop of color to your makeup routine? One easy way to do this is with colored eye liners. Consider adding this NYX Professional Makeup Vivid Rich Mechanical Eye Pencil to your cart. It’s available in twelve different colors from Amber Stunner to Aquamarine Dream.
Target
Covergirl Clean Fresh Yummy Lip Gloss
This Covergirl Lip Gloss is all over TikTok. One TikTok user described it as a mix between a gloss and an oil, achieving a “juicy” look. You can get it in eleven different colors.
Ulta Beauty
NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner Velvet Soft Vegan Lip Pencil
For those looking to discover a fresh new lip combo, consider adding this NYX Professional Makeup Suede Matte Lip Liner to the mix. It’s available in multiple colors and it’s only $5.
Walmart
Maybelline Instant Age Rewind Eraser Multi Use Concealer
$8.80
$9.99
12% off
If you’re in search of a new concealer, consider adding this Maybelline Multi Use Concealer. This is a great option for under-eye dark circle coverage. It also helps conceal, contour and correct for a flawless look.
Amazon
Revolution Beauty, Reloaded Pressed Powder Highlighter, Intensely Pigmented for a High Impact Dewy Finish, Dare To Divulge, 0.22 Oz.
Add a touch of shimmer to your overall makeup look with this Revolution Beauty Powder Highlighter. It’s available in three different colors: Dare to Divulge, Make an Impact, and Set the Tone.
Amazon
Palladio Lip Stain, Hydrating and Waterproof Formula, Matte Color Look, Longlasting All Day Wear Lip Color, Smudge Proof Natural Finish, Precise Chisel Tip Marker, Mocha Cream
For those looking to add trendy makeup products to your routine, consider adding this Palladio Lip Stain to your routine. TikTokers are obsessed with the mocha color and enjoy its marker-like shape, which makes it easy to apply.
Walmart
L’Oreal Paris Original Satin Lipstick for Moisturized Lips
$7.12
$8.95
20% off
This L’Oreal Paris Lipstick is a great addition to any makeup look. It not only adds color, but keeps your lips moisturized as well. According to the brand the color does not smear or smudge.
Amazon
Julep Eyeshadow 101 Crème to Powder Waterproof Eyeshadow Stick, Mint Matte
$8.00
$18.00
56% off
Elevate your makeup game with this Julep Pencil Eyeshadow. This bestseller is an easy way to achieve a bold look and it’s now available for up to 56 percent off.
Amazon
Generic Judy Doll Mascara Iron Strong Mascara, 3D Curling Eyelash, Non-Clumping, Smudge Proof, Flake Proof, Long Lasting (Brown)
Are your lashes pointing downward? This TikTok-viral Judy Doll Iron mascara lifts and curls your lashes. Go get yours now!
Ulta Beauty
Wet n Wild MegaGlo Dual-Ended Contour Stick
This 2-in-1 dual-ended contour stick is also a highlighter. One end features a highlighter, while the other end contains a contour stick, providing a convenient 2-in-1 tool for all your makeup needs.
For more product recommendations, check out ShopBillboard‘s roundups of the best Too Faced Cosmetics beauty products, this travel-friendly Rare Beauty puffy makeup bag, and TikTok’s favorite $10 gel primer.
These days, many in the music business are trying to harness the power of the “superfan” — the highly engaged segment of an artist’s audience that regularly shows up to concerts, buys t-shirts, orders physical albums and obsesses over the artist online. In the digital marketing space, that has meant agencies are increasingly turning their attention to fan pages, hoping to capture the attention of that top tier of listeners online.
“The TikTok influencer campaign has been front and center for marketing songs for a while,” says Ethan Curtis, founder of PushPlay, a digital marketing agency that has promoted songs like “Bad Habit” by Steve Lacy, “Golden Hour” by JVKE and “Glimpse of Us” by Joji. “But as it’s gotten more saturated and more expensive, we found there was interest in creating your own fan pages where you can have total control of the narrative.”
“Fan pages” made sneakily by artists’ teams may have become the digital campaign du jour in the last year or so, but the idea isn’t new. Even before TikTok took over music discovery, management and digital teams quietly used anonymous accounts to pose as fans on sites like Tumblr, Instagram and Twitter, sharing interviews, videos and other content around the artists because, as Curtis puts it, “It is a space you can own.”
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Curtis is now taking that concept a step further with his innovative, albeit controversial, new company WtrCoolr, a spinoff of his digital firm that’s dedicated to creating “fan fiction” pages for artists. To put it simply, WtrCoolr is hired to create viral-worthy fake stories about their clients, which include Shaboozey and Young Nudy, among others. While Curtis says he is open to creating videos with all kinds of “imaginative” new narratives, he says he draws the line at any fan fiction that could be “negative” or “cause backlash” for the people featured in the videos.
The results speak for themselves. One popular WtrCoolr-made TikTok video that falsely claimed that Dolly Parton is Shaboozey’s godmother has 1.1 million views and 121,500 likes to date. Posted to the digital agency’s fan account @ShaboozeysVault, Curtis says that the popular video was made by splicing together old interview clips of the artists, along with some AI voiceovers.
“We are huge fans of pop culture, fan fiction and satire,” says Curtis. “We see it as creating our own version of a Marvel Universe but with pop stars.”
All of the TikTok accounts made by WtrCoolr note in their bios that their content is “fan fiction.” The videos on these pages also include “Easter eggs,” which Curtis says point to the fact that the videos are fabrications. But plenty of fans are still falling for it. Many viewers of the Parton video, for example, took it as gospel truth, posting comments like “how many god children does Dolly have and where can I sign up?” and “Dolly is an angel on Earth.”
In the future, Curtis thinks this novel form of “fan fiction” will be useful beyond just trying to engage fan bases online. He sees potential for the pages to serve as “a testing ground” for real-life decisions — like an artist choosing to collaborate with another — to see how the fan base would react. “Traditionally, you don’t get to look before you jump,” he says. “Maybe in the future we will.”
What was the first “fan fiction” post that took off for WtrCoolr?
It was the video of Shaq being a superfan to the rapper Young Nudy [10.4 million views, 1.7 million likes on TikTok]. We had been working on [promoting] the Young Nudy song, “Peaches & Eggplants,” mostly on the influencer side. We had dances and all sorts of different trends going. It was becoming a top rap song by that point and then we sold the client [Young Nudy’s team] on doing one of these fan pages where we just tested out a bunch of stuff. The first narrative video we tried was this video where we found some footage of Shaq — I think it was at Lollapalooza — where he was in the front of the crowd [for a different artist], vibing and head banging. It was a really funny visual. We just got clever with the editing and created the story that Shaq was showing up at every Young Nudy show, and then it went crazy viral.
It was really exciting to see. It brought fans to Nudy and also made existing Nudy fans super excited that Shaq was engaging. Then there was tons of goodwill for Shaq that came from it too. Lots of comments like “protect Shaq at all costs” or “Shaq’s a damn near perfect human being.” It was all around a positive experience. We put on our pages that this is a fan page and fan fiction. We don’t really push that it’s the truth. We’re just having fun and we let that be known.
There was some pickup after that video went viral. Weren’t there some rap blogs posting about the video and taking it as truth?
I don’t know if they were taking it as true necessarily. We didn’t really have any conversations with anyone, but it was definitely getting shared all around — whether it was because of that or just because it was such a funny video. Even Nudy reacted and thought it was funny. I think the label may have reached out to Shaq and invited him to a show, and he thought it was funny but was on the other side of the country that day and couldn’t make it.
I’m sure there’s some people who thought it was true, but a lot of the videos we’ll put Easter eggs at the end that make it obvious that it’s not true. Then in our bios we write that it is fan fiction.
Do you think that there’s anything bad that could come from fans and blogs believing these videos are real — only to later realize later that it was fake?
I don’t know if anything is really bad. We don’t claim for it to be true, and we’re just having fun, weaving stories and basically saying, “Wouldn’t it be funny if?” or, “Wouldn’t it be heartwarming if?” I don’t think we’re really ever touching on stuff that’s of any importance, that could lead to any negative energy or backlash. We’re just trying to make fun stuff that fans enjoy. Just fun little moments. It’s no different from taking a video out of context and slapping meme headings on it.
Do you see this as the future of memes?
I do. I also think there’s a future where what we’re doing becomes sort of like a testing ground for real-life collabs or TV show concepts. I could see a label coming to us and asking us to test how a new post-beef collab between Drake and Kendrick would be received, for example. They could say, “Can you create a post about this and we can see if people turn on Kendrick for backtracking, or if fans will lose their shit over them coming together?” We could see if it’s a disaster or potentially the biggest release of their careers. Traditionally, you don’t get to look before you jump. Maybe in the future we will. But even now with the Shaq video, it basically proved that if Shaq went to an unexpected show and was raging in the front row people would love it. I mean, if it’s been so successful on socials, why wouldn’t it be so successful in real life?
It seemed like the Shaboozey and Dolly Parton video inserted Shaboozey’s name and other new phrases using an AI voice filter. Do you rely on AI in these videos a lot or is it primarily about careful editing?
The majority of it is just clever editing. Every now and then we may change a word up or something [using AI], but the majority of it is just collaging clips together.
How time intensive is it to create these videos?
The process has been changing. It used to be much more time intensive back before we realized that clever editing was more efficient. In the beginning, we would write scripts for the videos, run them through AI and then try to find clips to match the scripts and stuff like that. You have to match the edit up with the artist’s lips so it looks like lip synching. That’s just super time intensive. Then we started realizing that it’s easier to just define a basic objective, go out on the internet and see what we can find. We develop a story from there so that we only have to do a few fake [AI-assisted] words here and there, and then we’ll cut away from the video, show some footage from a music video or something like that. It makes it more efficient.
As far as you know, is WtrCoolr the first team in digital marketing that is trying to do these false-narrative, storytelling videos, or is this something that is seen all over the internet?
We were definitely the first to do it. There’s definitely people that are imitating it now. We see it generally in the content that exists online, especially on meme pages. It’s becoming part of the culture.
Do you run your ideas for fan fiction narratives by the artist before you do them?
We’re working with them, and we’re talking through ideas. There’s as much communication as they want. Some artists want to know what’s going on, but some artists just don’t care to be involved.
It seems like, so far, no one has had any issues with being used in the videos — they even see this positively — but are you concerned about the legal implications of using someone’s likeness to endorse an artist or idea that they haven’t really endorsed?
We’re not claiming it to be true. We include disclaimers that it’s just fan fiction. So, I think if we were claiming for it to be true then that’s a different story, but that’s not what we are doing.
That’s listed on all the page bios, but it isn’t listed on the actual video captions, right?
It’s listed on the profiles, and then a lot of videos we just do Easter eggs at the end that make it sort of apparent that it’s a joke.
I found the idea that you mentioned earlier to be interesting — the idea that you could test out collaborations or things without having to get the artist involved initially, whether it’s Drake and Kendrick collaborating or something else. It reminds me of when people tease a song before they slate it for official release. Do you feel that is a fair comparison?
Totally. What TikTok did for song teasing, this has done for situation teasing.
This story was published as part of Billboard’s new music technology newsletter ‘Machine Learnings.’ Sign up for ‘Machine Learnings,’ and Billboard’s other newsletters, here.
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Source: @joolieanniemarie / Instagram
Social Media has the power to shift culture in just an instant. The latest example is the way that TikTok creator Jools Lebron catapulted the word “demure” into the online collective consciousness.
Lebron, who identifies as a transgender woman, created several videos where she talked about how she presents herself at work as “very demure, very mindful.” The initial video garnered more than 10 million views in the first week. Lebron went on to make more videos using the buzzword and how to achieve these qualities.
She recently told US Weekly that she was motivated to create the videos because there’s been a “lack of empathy and regard for people’s feelings” as well as how they “represent themselves” on social media.
The viral trend has done more than just make Lebron’s catchphrases a household name. According to Variety, she now has made enough money to complete her gender transition.
“One day, I was playing cashier and making videos on my break, and now I’m flying across countries to host events, and I’m gonna be able to finance the rest of my transition,” she said n a recent online post.
The trend jumped from TikTok to X (formerly Twitter) with millions making posts about being “demure.” Further, copycat videos from celebrities like Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez made the trend explode even further.
“I grew up an influencer kid, like, I watched all YouTube and all kinds of stuff like that,” Lebron told US Weekly. “Seeing them do the trend, and just welcome in someone that has loved them, and follow me back and show me my flowers has been everything.”
The trend even made it to The White House.
“When I did start making TikToks, I found more girls like me. I found girls who are plus size who are trans, who are having the same experiences that come uniquely with that set of combinations,” she told CBS News.
Lebron said that she does receive some negative comments on her videos, saying, “I think that people get in survival mode and they forget how they’re also being perceived when they leave a nasty comment or when they’re being rude or whatever,” she noted. “Let’s be demure. Let’s be mindful of why we came. Let’s be mindful because we didn’t come to just be mean girls.”
She continued, “We didn’t come to be messy and this applies to everything: your appearance, your mindset. Be mindful of what you think. Be mindful of your actions, and be demure, modest and reserved. That doesn’t mean a race, a color, an ethnicity, a finance. ‘Demurity’ is being the most thoughtful, mindful version of yourself.”
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes.
Suni Lee, the six-time Olympic medalist and gymnastics sensation, has taken over TikTok by storm with her latest viral beauty trend: a chic and natural lip combo. Lee’s lip look features a blend of three essential products: Makeup Forever’s “Anywhere Caffeine” Lip Liner, the Makeupforever “Wherever Walnut” Lip Liner, and the Olehenriksen Peptide Lip Treatment.
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In her TikTok tutorial, Lee guides her followers through each step to achieve her signature, Olympics-ready lip look. She starts by outlining her lips with the “Anywhere Caffeine” Lip Liner. Next, she fills in the inner parts of the lips using the “Wherever Walnut” Lip Liner, adding depth and dimension. To finish, Lee applies the Olehenriksen Peptide Lip Treatment, which she describes as “super thick, super glossy,” giving her lips a hydrated and shiny finish.
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“Everyone has different skin tones, so it might look different but here it is,” she said. Whether you’re aiming for a natural lip look or a subtle evening glam, this lip combo is adaptable and easy to recreate. Lee’s step-by-step breakdown offers an accessible way to capture her effortlessly polished style.
Lee’s favorite lip liners are available at Makeup Forever, Khol’s, Nordstrom and Cult Beauty. For the Olehenriksen Peptide Lip Treatment, you can get it from Ulta Beauty or directly from Olehenriksen.com.
Sephora
Makeup Forever Artists Color Pencil “Anywhere Caffeine” Longwear Lip Liner
$24
$24
$24
Olehenriksen
Olehenriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment
If you are new to the Olehenriksen Pout Preserve Peptide Lip Treatment, it’s known for achieving fuller and more hydrated lips. According to the brand, this treatment not only plumps and smooths your pout but also helps maintain a fuller look in just one week. One Olehenriksen customer said, “The formula is so amazing my lips always feel so soft ! I repurchase all the time!” This is a great option to enhance your natural lip look while keeping your lips healthy and nourished.
For more product recommendations, check out this roundup of best makeup bags, alternative must-have makeup products, and these Too Faced Cosmetics makeup products to add to your cart.
All products and services featured are independently chosen by editors. However, Billboard may receive a commission on orders placed through its retail links, and the retailer may receive certain auditable data for accounting purposes. Loungewear doesn’t have to begin and end with athleisure, and TikTok is proving it with its latest find: Sam’s Club State […]
Even before President Joe Biden announced that he was dropping out of the 2024 presidential race on July 21, extremely online millennials and Gen Zers had started posting memes on social media in support of Vice President Kamala Harris, who many hoped (and assumed) would take over for Biden after his disastrous debate performance in late June. And after Harris replaced him as the presumptive Democratic presidential nominee, it seemed the entire internet became completely coconut-pilled.
Along with traditional text- and image-based memes — which are nothing new — musical memes have also proliferated on short-form video sites like TikTok, Reels and Shorts, with users mashing up Harris quotes with popular songs using AI or more traditional methods of remixing. But these playful — or, in some cases, just plain strange — songs are more than just digital fun and games. The overwhelmingly pro-Harris memes are reaching millions of potential voters, and might help Harris mobilize the previously discouraged young voters she needs in order to win in November.
One audio, which has over 1.1 million likes on TikTok, pairs Harris’ memeable quote “do you think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” with the instrumental for “360” by Charli XCX. Another pitch-alters the same Harris quote over “The Star-Spangled Banner.” One anti-J.D. Vance audio pastes the Republican VP candidate saying “I’m a Never Trump Guy” over “Freek-a-Leek” by Petey Pablo. (After that clip went viral, the @KamalaHQ account also made its own video using the sound.)
There are also pro-Harris AI tracks, like one that replaces the lyrics to a Beyoncé song to make Queen Bey seemingly sing “you exist in the context of all in which you live,” another heavily memed Harris quote. A different AI track splices a Harris soundbite over DJ Johnrey’s viral track “Emergency Budots,” with an AI deepfake video of Harris and Pete Buttigieg dancing under a palm tree.
Beyond its political ramifications, this content also offers a glimpse into the future of music — one where we don’t just play our music, but where we play with it. In a sense, it’s the culmination of a trend that’s been brewing for decades. As music lovers have embraced sampling, remixing, the digital audio workstation, the Splice royalty-free sample library, Kanye West’s stem player and sped-up/slowed-down song edits, they’ve demonstrated a desire to have more control over static recordings than the traditional music consumption provides. And AI innovations can help to further facilitate this customizable listening experience.
Some music AI experts, including Suno’s CEO Mikey Shulman, are betting on a future where “anyone can make music” at the click of a button — and that everyone will want to. Often, I’ve heard folks who espouse this view of AI music compare it to photography, given photography is an art form which went from being something conducted by trained professionals in proper studio settings to being a ubiquitous activity aided by smartphones.
These entrepreneurs aren’t totally misguided — it’s clear based on user interest in Suno and Udio that there is a place for songs that are completely new and individual. But right now, it seems predictions about this technology’s role in the future of music consumption are too bullish. Music fans still crave familiarity, community and repetition when listening to music. It’s also scientifically proven that it takes multiple listens to form bonds with new songs — which is way more likely to happen with hit songs by artists you know and love, rather than individualized AI-generated tracks.
Instead, I think the average music listener will be way more interested in using AI to tweak their favorite hits. Listeners could use AI stem separation tools to create more bass-heavy mixes, for example, or some form of AI “timbre transfer” to make a song’s guitars sound more like a Les Paul than a Stratocaster (you could also go even further and change a guitar to be an entirely different instrument), or AI voice filters to change the lyrics of a song to include their best friend’s name.
Of course, there are still serious legal hurdles to customizing copyrighted sound recordings and songs if users share them publicly. Right now, any of the artists whose songs were used in these pro-Harris remixes could get them taken down upon request, citing copyright infringement. The NMPA has also expressed that it is willing to fight back against Spotify if it ever rolled out customizable song features on its platform. In a cease and desist letter, the NMPA warned the streaming service, saying, “We understand that Spotify wishes to offer a ‘remix’ feature…to ‘speed up, mash up, and otherwise edit’ their favorite songs to create derivative works. Spotify is on notice that release of any such feature without the proper licenses in place from our members may constitute additional direct infringement.”
So for now, edited songs will remain on social media platforms only, at least until they receive takedown requests. Still, consumer interest in music customization is only growing, and the popularity of pro-Harris campaign remixes serve as proof.
This analysis was published as part of Billboard’s new music technology newsletter ‘Machine Learnings.’ Sign up for ‘Machine Learnings,’ and Billboard’s other newsletters, here.