While the strange and wacky world of TikTok trends can veer into truly strange territory, some of the platform’s best trends are the ones couples do together. The TikTok “Lightning in a Bottle” challenge is a bit different in that the participants of the lip-puckering trend aren’t necessarily couples — at least not yet.
In order to participate in the trend, also known as the “Electric Love” challenge, all you need is a good friend who you might be a little bit sweet on. Clips are set to the tune of Børns’ song “Electric Love,” which includes the lyrics, “baby, you’re like lightning in a bottle.” When the singer’s voice rises to a high note, it’s time for the TikToker to take a big leap of faith with a kiss.
@paige.elissa so this happened.. ##kissingmybestfriend
♬ electric love – favsoundds
Part of the fun of this viral challenge is seeing how people react to their best friend suddenly puckering up. Surprisingly (or maybe not), the reactions include a lot more pushing and shoving than one might expect.
@ryleemgibson tried kissing my best friend, this is how it turned out ##foryou ##bestfriend ##alt ##boyfriend ##SummerDIY ##CloudBread ##joke
♬ electric love – okhun
After an initial confused reaction, however, the best friend often comes around, going back for more smooches.
Of course, a bold tactic like this isn’t going to work all the time, as some unfortunate challengers have learned.
@ryan.horgan Finally decided to hop on this trend ##electriclovechallenge ##lightninginabottle ##lakenorman ##stepintolove ##justvibing ##fyp
♬ Electric Love – BØRNS
At the end of the day, it’s all about how you handle an awkward situation, whether it’s with a quick and graceful exit, or some sweet karate moves.
@poppy_seed_frosting ♬ electric love – favsoundds
As far as TikTok trends go, the “Lightning in a Bottle” challenge seems fairly harmless and fun. However, we at Parentology feel it’s important to point out that if you want to try it, it’d be best to be absolutely sure that the other person wants to.
@kpearson7 Trying to kiss my gay best friend😂 @nathanconnelly ##fyp ##foryou ##gaybestfriendcheck ##kissingmybestfriend
♬ original sound – kpearson7
That said, our congratulations go out to all the new young couples who were brought together by the popular new challenge. Here’s to a future full of laughs, love, and more couples TikTok videos.