So, have you heard about the latest trend on TikTok that’s taking the platform by storm? It’s called the “Millennial Pause” and trust us, it’s not something that will make you look cool. In fact, if you’ve never heard of it, you might be doing it without even knowing. But don’t worry, we’re here to fill you in. And yeah, you might be getting laughed at by Gen Zers for not knowing about it. But that’s okay, we’ve got your back.

Credit: TIKTOK/@NISIPISA

So what is the “Millenial Pause”?

You know that moment when you’re about to start recording on TikTok and you pause for a sec to make sure the app is recording? Yeah, that’s the “Millennial Pause”! It’s become a thing now, and even Taylor Swift does it! Can you believe it? Even the Queen of Music isn’t immune to the Millennial Pause. It’s just one of those things that we all do without even thinking about it.

The hashtag #millennialpause has over 18.3 million views on TikTok. And it all started with a TikTok user @nisipisa who coined the term back in November 2021 According to The Atlantic.

@kathrynfiona

I edited all my pauses out of this 🙏 #millennial #millennialpause @nisa @Michael @biancascaglione

♬ original sound – Kate Lindsay

Lindsay, a writer and TikTok user, knows all about it. She even wrote the article about it for The Atlantic. But she’s not just talking the talk, she walked the walk and edited all her pauses out of a video she made in 2022. Talk about dedication, right?

You know what’s wild? The fact that a tiny half-second pause can spark such intriguing discussions. But that’s the power of the “Millennial Pause” on TikTok. It’s a reflection of how we, as millennials, are the pioneers of growing up with the internet and now, we’re the first generation to experience getting older on it. It’s pretty trippy if you think about it.

Even Séamas O’Reilly has given his thoughts on this latest trend.