
A new “Winter Boots” trend has recently risen across TikTok and other social media platforms. Intriguingly, netizens are not referring to actual winter boots.
Instead, they are using the trend to communicate information, specifically regarding political issues in the wake of the possible censorship that may be occurring.
TikTok caused a whirlwind on Jan 18, going dark for several hours before services were restored shortly after President Trump’s executive order to restore TikTok for another 75 days.
TikTok User “@kimberlyonline” created a video in which she explains the true meaning behind the trend.
In this video, Kimberly stated, “American media is being heavily suppressed and censored.” She goes on to explain that if you type “winter boots or cute winter boots [in the search box]… it can help bypass that.”
She even gives an example of attempting to repost a “winter boots” related video; however, the TikTok app states, “reposts are not allowed on this video.” Kimberly further instructs viewers on accessing “winter boots” related content, which typically focuses on political issues.
Many videos focusing on social activism have been tagged using “winter boots” or “cute winter boots.” Including a video that appears to show a demonstration in Seattle. Another video tagged with “cute winter boots” shows a user sharing several books in a self-described “winter boots haul,” displaying several books focusing on politics and advocacy.
Users often express political opinions that they believe could face censorship on the platform using the tag- #cutewinterboots. One video utilized the tag to show hand-drawn statements of “Deny Defend Depose” on money. The phrase became popular after being found on bullet casings near the scene of Brian Thompson’s murder.
In light of this new found trend, TikTok has responded to claims of censorship recently, especially after a message thanking President Trump flashed on users’ screens after the ban on the app was temporarily paused following an Executive order from Trump.
In a statement to Reuters, TikTok stated, “Our policies and algorithms did not change over the weekend. We are working hard to restore our U.S. operations to normal and expect some temporary instability as we restore our services.”
There has also been criticism of the trend from others on TikTok, many of whom claim that the trend is not doing enough or is performative activism.
One TikTok user, “@sylvie.fera,” made a TikTok saying that she believes those partaking in the winter boots trend are plants or children.”
The “winter boots” trend and those like it are likely to continue as users express their discontent at perceived censorship. Criticism of these trends is expected to continue, and many ponder whether such trends have impacts beyond the internet.