Eurovision, the FIFA Women's World Cup, and the National Ploughing Championships were some of the most shared moments on TikTok in Ireland this year.
The video-sharing platform has today released its list of the top trends, creators, and moments from 2023.
TikTok is also celebrating the milestone of reaching two million monthly users in Ireland as it publishes its end-of-year review.
Katie McCabe celebrates after scoring their side's first goal during a FIFA Women's World Cup 2023 qualifying match. 12-4-2022. Photo by Stephen McCarthy/SportsfileTikTok's Head of Trust and Safety Cormac Keenan said it has been "an incredible year" for the platform in Ireland.
"Artists, creators, and businesses from across Ireland have been using TikTok to entertain, inspire, and educate us all," he said.
"Thank you to our amazing community for another unforgettable year. We look forward to what next year has in store."
Cultural Moments
Eurovision has been celebrated as one of the cultural moments of the year on Irish TikTok as Wild Youth reached the semi-final stage of the competition last May.
TikTok said the platform was the “go-to destination for all things Eurovision” this year, from behind-the-scenes content to special live streams.
Eurosong winners Wild Youth perform their song “We Are One”. Image: Andres PovedaThe FIFA Women’s World Cup was another cultural moment in Ireland that was hugely popular on TikTok during the summer.
Unfortunately, the Republic of Ireland bowed out after the group stages, but users of the app enjoyed tuning in to see team arrivals, fan content, and more, during the tournament.
The National Ploughing Championships in Ratheniska last September was another popular cultural moment on TikTok in 2023.
The app hosted panel discussions at the county Laois event which was attended by several Irish TikTok users famous for posting farming-related content.
Rising Stars
One of the rising stars on TikTok in Ireland this year was Chris Murphy.
The tech-giant described the Meath native as “a breakout star on the TikTok comedy scene” who is “best known for his hilarious content."
@chrisisainmdom♬ original sound - That Irish Gay 🌈☘️
Garron Noone was another rising star singled out by TikTok for his success in 2023.
They described the Mayo man as "an Irish musician and comedian who will have you in stitches with his hilarious hot takes and commentary on current events.”
Loved by Locals
As part of their 2023 analysis, TikTok has also released a list of the most popular local business accounts that use the app in Ireland.
County Clare-based I-SPY Clothing, an activewear brand created by a mother and daughter duo, Paulette and Louise Egan, was first on the list.
“Their videos feature the pair having a laugh and testing out products,” according to TikTok.
@fromscratchbaker One whole month of work!! I finished my exams today so painting will be soon!! #fromscratch #fromscratchbakery #irish #conversion #foodtruck ♬ Chopin Nocturne No. 2 Piano Mono - moshimo sound design
Credit was also given to Kildare-based baker Alice Kelly who has amassed over a million followers on the platform to date.
The 19-year-old is best known for converting an old trailer into a bakery-on-wheels.
Voice of Change
Some Irish users of the app have been credited with inspiring others to learn something new and to advocate for causes they care about.
One such user was Dr Monica Peres Oikeh from Cork who educates others about mental health and women’s health through her videos.
@dr.blondieperes The #HPVvaccine is available for #free to #women under age 25 and #men under age 22 until December 31st 2023 #drblondieperes For more information on the HPV vaccine visit @spunout or check the @HSE Ireland website for more info #cervicalcancerawareness #HPV #cervicalcancer #vulvacareawareness #sp #ad #ireland #irishtiktok #corkireland #freevaccine ♬ Storytelling - Adriel
LGBTQIA+ creator Meri Hernandez was highlighted as someone who “shares advice on how to be more confident in your sexuality”.
Videos of the year
TikTok creator Ian Slattery from Cork was singled out by the platform for producing one of the best videos of the year.
@ian..slattery #Wrong #answers #only 🤣🤣🤣 #machine #mechanical #fyp ♬ Medieval mmmMachine - Ian Slattery
The company said his video of “a potentially scandalous-looking medieval machine” was top of this year's list.
He was joined in second place by the creator Joshua Java for a relaxing ASMR art video shared on TikTok.
Actress and mum of two Rebecca Ryan placed third with a funny video of herself lip-syncing to Whitney Huston.
