In 2026, TikTok has established itself as the social network that sets the pace for youth culture in Spain. From trends that emerge and disappear in a matter of days to songs that become summer anthems, the platform has demonstrated its ability to influence public discourse and the behavior of millions of users.
This summer, two phenomena have captured attention: the viral 'aura farming' trend and the dominance of music on the app. Both reflect how TikTok not only entertains but also generates trends that transcend the screen and materialize on the street.
'Aura farming' becomes a viral phenomenon
The expression 'farming aura' has gone from a niche term to a viral phenomenon filling squares across Spain . According to users, 'farming aura' means accumulating charisma or presence, and it has become popular through videos and challenges on TikTok. In Plaza de la Marina in Málaga, for example, dozens of children and teenagers gathered to participate in an 'aura battle,' where participants imitated gestures and sounds taken from the platform. The local police had to intervene due to a misunderstanding, but the gathering proceeded without incident, leaving an image that reflects how children's play has changed.
The term has also spawned derivative expressions such as 'to be Laura' (to have no aura) or 'to have 1.000 aura'. Although it is unlikely that these words will make it into the Royal Spanish Academy Dictionary, their daily use among young people demonstrates the speed at which language evolves in the digital age.
Music is also alive on TikTok
TikTok has become a top-tier music showcase. Shakira and Burna Boy's song 'Dai Dai' was the most streamed on TikTok Spain during the summer, according to the platform's ranking. It was followed by 'La Graciosa' by Quevedo and Elvis Crespo. But it's not just new releases that are thriving: the classic 'Aserejé' by Las Ketchup has been reborn thanks to its viral popularity on TikTok, where users of all ages have rediscovered the song for dances and memes. This phenomenon demonstrates that TikTok not only promotes new music but also revives past hits.
TikTok's influence on music is so profound that many songs achieve success on the platform before even reaching radio airplay, making it easy to discover trending tracks on Instagram and TikTok . The summer charts include artists like Quevedo, Young Miko, and Jay Wheeler , confirming the dominance of urban and Latin music.
TikTok has become a barometer of youth culture in Spain. Both "farming aura" and viral music are just two examples of how the platform shapes language, leisure activities, and trends. While adults try to understand these new expressions, young people are already creating the next ones. What's clear is that TikTok is not just a social network, but a phenomenon that defines an era.
