Is TikTok the new America's Funniest Home Videos? 🤔

[kvlschaefer]

I recently saw a post on social media that stated that America's Funniest Home Videos (known as AFV) is the Baby Boomer Generation's version of Tik-Tok. I was a bit offended since I love AFV  and I'm not that old, but that's beside the fact. It did get me thinking, 'Is Tik-Tok the new America's Funniest Home Videos? 

For our international study group members, America's Funniest Home Videos is a television series where contestants submit home videos (mostly between 5-30) seconds for a chance to be featured on television. The videos range from family members doing silly things to dogs just being dogs. 🤣

We have seen video engagement platforms evolve throughout the years from contestants sending in their content to shows to content creators and brands using TikTok and Reels as part of their social media strategy.

What do you think? Is TikTok replacing entertainment on television? Have you seen this in other social media trends? And what do you think the pros and cons of moving content from television to social media are?

[jasonkeith]

That's a great question — and actually a fun comparison!

While it might feel a bit off-putting at first (especially for those of us who grew up loving America’s Funniest Home Videos), there’s definitely a valid connection. AFV and TikTok both center around short, candid, often hilarious clips shared by everyday people. The main difference is in the delivery: AFV was curated and aired weekly with a host and a live audience, while TikTok is instant, global, and algorithm-driven.

You could say TikTok is AFV for the digital age — with a much bigger reach, more creative tools (like music, filters, and editing effects), and no waiting weeks to see if your video gets picked. But the heart of both platforms is the same: people sharing slices of life, often funny, sometimes heartwarming, and always relatable.

So no, loving AFV doesn’t make anyone “old” — it just means you were part of the original viral video era. TikTok is simply the modern evolution of a classic idea.

[jasonkeith]

That's a really interesting comparison—and honestly, it makes some sense! While it might feel a little dismissive at first, especially if you grew up with America’s Funniest Home Videos and still love it (and you're definitely not old for that!), there’s a valid connection between the two. Both AFV and TikTok thrive on short, funny, often candid clips of everyday life—pets being goofy, kids saying the darndest things, or someone slipping on a patch of ice.

The biggest difference is how the content is delivered and who gets to participate. AFV curated content for a weekly show, with a chance to win a prize. TikTok, on the other hand, gives everyone a global platform instantly—with the added twist of filters, music, and viral trends. So while TikTok isn’t a direct replacement, it’s fair to say it’s the modern evolution of what AFV started: capturing and sharing life’s funniest (and sometimes most heartwarming) moments.

In a way, TikTok is like AFV, but democratized, global, and always on .

[jasonkeith]

That's a really interesting comparison—and honestly, it makes some sense! While it might feel a little dismissive at first, especially if you grew up with America’s Funniest Home Videos and still love it (and you're definitely not old for that!), there’s a valid connection between the two.

Both AFV and TikTok thrive on short, funny, and frequently honest clips of everyday life, such as pets being silly, kids saying the cutest things, or someone falling on ice. The biggest difference is how the content is delivered and who gets to participate. For a weekly show with a chance to win a prize, AFV curated content. In contrast, TikTok instantly provides everyone with a global platform, complete with filters, music, and viral trends.

Therefore, although TikTok is not a direct replacement for AFV, it is fair to say that it is the modern evolution of what AFV started: capturing and sharing life's most hilarious (and occasionally most touching) moments. TikTok, like AFV, is democratized, global, and always accessible.

[snappyjaon]

Interesting take! While TikTok definitely gives us instant laughs like AFV, there's something nostalgic about watching a full episode with a live audience reaction. Social media has changed how we consume content, but I still enjoy a mix of both. 

[ZoroTv]

In some ways, yes, TikTok has become a modern version of America's Funniest Home Videos (AFV). Both platforms showcase user-generated content, often focusing on humorous and entertaining moments. TikTok's short-form videos and vast user base allow for a constant stream of funny clips, much like AFV did with its weekly television show. https://zoroxtv.mom/

[Rna985]

Hi! I definitely think short video clips on platforms like TikTok and Reels are serving the same purpose that AFV once did. It's interesting to see that the TV show Right This Minute is trying to fill AFV’s spot. The key difference with TikTok and Reels? There's no moderation or a set 1-hour viewing limit. Instead, it’s an endless stream of videos, covering everything from how-tos to funny antics. Basically, anything that catches attention seems to be fair game (thanks to the algorithms). Feeling a bit like Black Mirror, isn’t it?

[bna17]

In some ways, yes, TikTok has become a modern version of America's Funniest Home Videos (AFV). Both platforms showcase user-generated content, often focusing on humorous and entertaining moments. TikTok's short-form videos and vast user base allow for a constant stream of funny clips, much like AFV did with its weekly television show.

However, there are some differences. TikTok incorporates a wide range of content beyond just funny videos, including dance challenges, lip-syncing, educational content, and more. Additionally, TikTok's algorithmic feed and viral trends contribute to a faster turnover of popular content compared to the more structured format of AFV.

So while TikTok shares similarities with AFV in terms of showcasing user-generated humor, it has evolved into a broader platform with its own unique features and content diversity. https://zoroto.live/

[itsbacl]

It definitely is because it’s the most popular app now. At least I got this impression. People use Facebook less and less, and TikTok is new and fresh. Something new is always more interesting than old. It is the fastest-growing app now, so it’s so much easier to get new followers there. The algorithm shows the videos to the people interested in them, and your videos will also be shown to those interested in the topic. So many small businesses use it to promote their products and get more orders. Thankfully, there are boosters like https://enforcesocial.com/buy-tiktok-followers that can help you get a few hundred more real followers and make your account look more reliable.

[CMeche]

Hi! Yes, I do think short clip videos found on TikTok and Reels are definitely filling the same need as what AFV did. I'm surprised that the TV show Right This Minute has made a play to take the spot of AFV. The only difference for TikTok and Reels? They are not moderated or bound to a 1-hour viewing window. It's an endless supply of short video after short video, and the topics have really branched out. It includes how-tos as well as antics. Anything that grabs attention is worthy (according to the algorithms at least). Black Mirror anyone? 

As more people move away from a specific viewing window found on cable TV to on-demand, it only makes sense that it will replace this form of media. On-demand fills board spaces in people's lives.

Question - Do you feel you need/miss the moderator from AFV or RTM? 

[Kat_Nap]

For (younger) Millenials and younger generations, I do think TikTok (and similiar platforms) will replace America's Funniest Home Videos and shows like it. Rates for cable subscription are going down, while TikTok audience is in the millions with new users signing up constantly. Average daily time on the platform is about one hour. The TikTok algorithm is addictive, and the short video format is convenient to consume, and customize depending on your watch time. 

In general, I think TV stations will have a huge problem in another 10 years or so. Gen X and Boomers will most likely never give it up, but it's going to be harder and harder to gain a new target audience with younger generations. It's kinda funny, the amount of subscriptions I have (Netflix, Disney +, Prime, etc.) is probably just as much as a standard TV subscription, but I'd still rather have my streaming services over cable because I get to chose what I want to watch.

[Ehrlich]

Hi Kristen, I don't think TikTok will completely replace entertainment on television, at least not for millienials and baby boomers.

And considering that we have Netflix and other companies dedicated to creating tv entertainment for everyone, I think people generally will still want to enjoy movies either at home or cinemas.

I got a question though.

Does anyone think that the recent decline in Facebook stocks is somehow showing that a lot of people will continue to spend more time on platforms like TikTok and Instagram that allows users to become influencers and creators in their chosen niches?

Is Facebook getting outdated? And how do you think metaverse can improve the platform especially for gen z users?

[kvlschaefer]

Hi all! 

Do you think TikTok is replacing entertainment on television? Have you seen this in other social media trends? And what do you think the pros and cons of moving content from television to social media are?

@AMujidat, @DavidDennison, @EKnaack, @CSorensen, @faizanx, @RSinha95, @Ehrlich, @jfngan29, @NWalker4, @MJohnson51, @BrianaBard 

Thanks!

Kristen 

[EKnaack]

This is a great question. I think the answer is YES, we've seen Snapchat creating mini-series through their platform for the last couple of years. I think that everyone is moving to watch everything on their phones. I find myself watching youtube on my phone when I know I can easily pull it up on my tv  I don't know why I don't lol. Love to hear from others what they think.