This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Asa Conroy. Find them on Instagram at @asakayconroy. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.
If you’re looking for a trend that relies on antici…pation, Tiktok’s got you covered. Subtle foreshadowing is the new way we are laughing at our favorite fails and making light of heartbreaking scenes from our favorite media. The ultimate goal is to reveal the ending/climax of the video right as it starts to build expectancy. It relies on conveying humor through a lack of context and then giving it. In other words, we know the end, but how do we get there? This trend is easy to jump onto even though it seems that not everyone is onboard. So, let’s see what’s happening with TikTok’s latest trend!
What is subtle foreshadowing?
As seen with this example, Hayley begins this failed audition video normally for one second. It then cuts to her falling. That repeats until the fall actually happens. The video continues as she recovers and turns it off. This is one of the basic formulas of subtle foreshadowing.
An alternative is that what’s being foreshadowed is only revealed once. As displayed in this video which combines this trend with hear me out cakes (and also features one of our “don’ts” from our article on hear me out cakes).
This trend relies on irony and non-linear storytelling because neither of these are very subtle. Since foreshadowing is a literary device used throughout all media to hint at some major plot twist, death, or any event happening in the future. Many people compare the trend to the feeling you get when movies, books, games, and shows are way too obvious with their foreshadowing. The joke relies on the fact that none of what these videos are doing is subtle or foreshadowing.
Is that why people aren’t onboard?
If you guessed that, I commend your ability to notice my own subtle foreshadowing. But yes, a lot of people aren’t fans of this new trend because it doesn’t fit the definition of “subtle” or “foreshadowing.” They say it’s not funny because it’s wrong. Which just means it’s not their sense of humor and somehow, it’s everyone else’s problem. It’s okay if a new comedy trend isn’t your favorite, just click “not interested” and move on.
Not to mention, the current lifespan of memes is beginning to rival a mayfly. Some people are just not taking this train because it’s over a month old. It’s practically ancient. Fortunately, it’s easy to ignore if want to. But if you’re interested the formula is easy to replicate.
History Lesson
No one really knows how the phrase “subtle foreshadowing” became connected with these nonlinear comedy videos. The earliest video that popularized this editing (for the trend) came from Instagram. User verylegendairy posted a young boy in a horse walker crashing into a wall back in September. The formatting blew up in popularity ever since.
The theorized beginnings the title for the trend comes from CrustySoup on Youtube on September 30th. This is about 15 days after verylegendairy’s video. There is no confirmation the videos had anything to do with each other or if they just happened to become popular at the same time. The full merging or the nonlinear editing style happened throughout October on TikTok.
How can I make my own subtle foreshadowing video?
Once you pick your formula, the next step is to find a video that you think suits it best. You could use one of your videos, clips from your favorite youtuber/streamer, scenes from a movie or tv show, or even cutscene from a video game. The videos in this trend usually contain funny fails, silly pet videos, or even making the best of an “angsty” moment. With those ideas in mind, here are the written out formulas
Singular Foreshadow: Beginning (optional) – climax – build up (alt. beginning) – build up – build up – climax – aftermath (optional)
Repeated Foreshadow: Beginning (optional) – climax – build up (alt. beginning) – climax – build up – climax – build up (alt. climax) – build up – build up – climax – aftermath (optional)
You could play with the integers as much as you feel is necessary. Or by whatever is funniest.
Dos and Don’ts
There aren’t strict rules with this trend. This list is more of a suggestion. Follow this and you can try and avoid negative comments or dislikes.
DO: Choose a video you are comfortable with sharing. Maybe sounds like a give-in, but it’s always good to give a supportive reminder. Although there’s a chance you have a video that could go viral, it’s not worth posting something that will make you uncomfortable. It’s not worth it.
DON’T: Post anything you don’t have permission to post. This is a pretty common rule outside of the trend, but it’s also one people forget. If someone is involved in your “fail” video who may not want to be involved. Especially if they’re the one who might get laughed at (instead of laughed with)
DO: Tag others who are involved. If everyone is onboard, they should know when the video is posted. Even if it’s a celebrity or something, it’s just good sportsmanship. After all, those people technically helped make your video in the first place even if you did all the editing.
DON’T: Steal content from others. While I did mention using clips from other creators, it’s best not to steal from them. If they want to participate in the trend themselves, they can make their own videos. This is really important to remember if you have more followers than the other person. You’d be a swooper and no one thinks that’s cool.
DO: Posting something everyone can laugh with rather than laugh at. This trend is a good time, let’s not ruin it by bullying people who aren’t at their best.
DON’T: Post spoilers without warning. Again, a general rule, but it’s worth following if you’re posting something that happened in fiction. Doesn’t have to be disruptive, just a hashtag or caption will do. People might still get upset, but it’s their fault if they didn’t read your warning.
What is subtle foreshadowing?
Subtle foreshadowing is the TikTok trend (that’s sometimes on YouTube and Instagram) that makes our embarrassing moments or least favorite scenes from media funny. It’s how many people are laughing at our favorite fails and things that made us sad. It’s a continuation of the no context humor that’s taking over social media. With a little bit of editing , you to can reveal the climax/ending in a humorous way to build anticipation. Now that we know how we got here, there’s not much else to explain.
What do you think of subtle foreshadowing? Do you think you’ll jump in on this trend? Let us know in the comment section below!
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