Understanding Fitness Trends in the Virtual Age: A Content Analysis of TikTok Workout Videos

The purpose of this study was to examine the content of workout videos on TikTok. A sample of 297 TikTok workout videos was coded for demographic factors and body shape of content creators, as well as the presence of body positivity messaging, appearance-related messaging, and other relevant themes. The results suggest that TikTok workout content is often presented in a time-lapse format with little verbal instruction, which may make it difficult for viewers to perform the exercises. The majority of the videos depicted young women with athletic bodies and other characteristics associated with culturally based beauty ideals, and approximately half of the videos included non-White content creators. Approximately a quarter of the videos in the sample included objectification and a smaller proportion of the sample included messages about inner positivity. Overall, the TikTok platform may provide underrepresented individuals opportunities to seek out workout content from a more diverse group of instructors; however, the fact that many of these videos including objectifying depictions of the content creators is concerning. Further experimental work is needed in order to more fully elucidate the effects of TikTok workout videos on viewers.