In today’s digital age, nostalgia is more powerful than ever—and TikTok is leading the charge. The platform is transforming the way we engage with pop culture, breathing new life into iconic stars and franchises from decades past. Recently, actors like Taylor Lautner and Will Smith have jumped on viral trends, recreating moments that made them famous. These nostalgic throwbacks are more than just fun—they’re brilliant marketing tools that strengthen personal brands, extend the longevity of TV shows and films, and tap into the emotional connection fans have with their favorite stars.
TikTok: The Time Machine of Pop Culture
Taylor Lautner
In early 2025, Taylor Lautner took TikTok by storm by recreating a classic Twilight moment with a new, comedic twist. His participation in the trend sent fans into a frenzy, with countless users duetting and re-sharing the video. Around the same time, Will Smith posted a video dancing to “Somebody’s Watching Me”—a nod to his signature charm and charisma that fans fell in love with decades ago.
These viral videos highlight how TikTok has become a platform for reliving and resharing cultural moments, giving them a second (or third) life. Suddenly, clips from 10+ years ago are dominating FYPs, introducing them to new generations while offering a wave of nostalgia for older fans.
Will Smith
The Marketing Power of Nostalgia
Participating in TikTok trends isn’t just a fun stunt for these stars—it’s strategic marketing gold. Here’s why: When Taylor Lautner recreates a Twilight scene, he’s not just reminiscing—he’s making the franchise relevant again. Viral videos drive massive re-engagement with older content, prompting new and existing fans to rewatch the films. Streaming platforms, in turn, see surges in viewership. What once was a 2008 movie suddenly feels like a trending release in 2025.
TikTok’s influence extends far beyond individual stars—it revives entire franchises. For example, after Netflix added Breaking Bad to its platform, TikTok users created trend after trend featuring scenes from the show. As a result, Breaking Bad saw a massive spike in viewership, introducing the series to a new generation. The same is happening with Twilight and Fresh Prince of Bel-Air clips, showing how nostalgic trends can make old content feel new again.
How TikTok Trends Are Making Celebrities More Relatable and Profitable
When celebrities jump on TikTok trends, they become more relatable. Rather than being distant Hollywood figures, they’re simply having fun with viral audios and dances—just like their fans. This makes them appear more authentic and approachable, boosting their public image. Will Smith, for example, has become a TikTok favorite, consistently showing his goofy, down-to-earth side.The resurgence of old content brings new monetization opportunities. As shows and films trend again, streaming platforms promote them, merchandising gets a revival, and actors experience a renewed interest in their personal brands, leading to new partnerships and collaborations.
The Power of Viral Resurgence
What makes TikTok so effective at reigniting pop culture moments is its ability to compress time. A single viral clip can make a 20-year-old scene feel brand new. This not only demonstrates the platform’s influence but also reveals how valuable nostalgia is as a marketing tool. Shows, movies, and stars that once dominated the cultural landscape are regaining their place in the spotlight—sometimes decades later—thanks to TikTok’s viral trends. Whether it’s a recreated scene, a dance challenge, or a throwback audio, TikTok continues to bridge generational gaps, making classic content feel fresh.
