TikTok Trends: 5 Viral Sorority Recruitment Videos from Bama Rush

TikTok is joining college campuses across the United States in welcoming back sorority rush week.

"RushTok," an annual online phenomenon that offers a glimpse into the rush process at major U.S. colleges and universities, attracts billions of views and likes on the app, enabling some influential Greek Life members to make enough money to cover their four-year education expenses.

"Kylan Darnell, a junior at the University of Alabama, expressed her gratitude and appreciation for her followers on RushTok. She is excited to graduate and not have to worry about student loans."

Darnell, a college junior from Ohio, has become an influencer on social media, but she wants to finish school and pursue her dream of becoming a sports broadcaster. She finds the "queen of RushTok" label amusing because she never imagined she'd be chasing social media fame.

"She stated that she believes people enjoy watching her videos because she is genuinely enjoying herself. Later, she mentioned that RushTok is her favorite time of year."

The documentary "Bama Rush" on HBO Max last year brought national attention to the University of Alabama sorority members and recruits, who have been known as the top recruitment school in the country.

On TikTok, some users are looking for inspiration for their Greek Life aspirations under the #RushTok tag, while others watch the videos for entertainment purposes, similar to reality TV but online.

Many videos feature choreographed dances, themed costumes, and sponsored outfits, as well as advice on joining top sororities.

The top five RushTok trends of the 2024-2025 school year have been revealed.

1. University of Oklahoma's blue costumes

This season, the "blue" theme from the University of Oklahoma's Kappa Kappa Gamma chapter captivated RushTok with unique outfits that showcased the color blue in various ways, from dark and serious to humorous and bizarre.

"This is the rush content I want," one TikTok user commented on a video featuring the sorority's extravagant blue costumes.

"You have us wanting to rush kappa," wrote another user.

2. Grandma costumes

During "work week," sororities prepare for rush by setting up and choosing themes to follow. One of the most popular themes on TikTok this season was the "Grandma" theme.

Some houses were decorated to resemble grandmas, but they danced as if they were still young adults.

3. Sorority rap songs

Darnell showcased a song created for Zeta Tau Alpha sorority on TikTok. The song, "Great Day To Be A ZTA," by YOUNG036, has been shared by members of the sorority in coordinated dance videos on the platform.

ZTA has a song dedicated to it by YOUNG036, who also has songs for other sororities such as Chi Omega, Tri Delta, Gamma Phi Beta, and others, as per his Spotify account.

4. Designer clothing and room decor

RushTok influencers, including Darnell, have built a career on their social media pages by sharing their outfits of the day and featuring sponsored content.

TikTok user Destinee Moreh has created her own brand and analyzes the cost of other girls' outfits in her videos, which feature price tags ranging from a few hundred dollars to over $10,000.

On Monday, Darnell flew to London for a "brand trip" with Peppermayo, the women's clothing company she reached a million followers on TikTok.

And it's not just clothes that come with a heavy price tag.

The sorority members are known for flaunting their stylish house decor and dorm room interiors, featuring neon signs, personalized pillows, coordinated duvets, canopy beds, wardrobes, and mirrors reminiscent of Hollywood.

5. Professional recruitment consultants

Some women seek the assistance of professional sorority recruitment consultants in order to increase their chances of being accepted into their preferred sororities.

Stacia Damon, CEO and founder of Hiking in Heels, stated in an interview with "America Reports" last year that Greek life offers a valuable set of transferable skills that can be used throughout one's professional life. These skills include networking, resume preparation, and self-marketing, which are often learned for the first time during Greek life.

Billions of views and praise are received by the eccentric RushTok videos, but they also attract a fair amount of judgment.

Darnell advises users to treat sorority members and recruits with kindness and respect, understanding that they are young, many of whom are still teenagers, navigating their college experiences. Some are experiencing independence for the first time, seeking new friendships, while others are preparing to graduate and embark on their professional journeys beyond school.

Be mindful of the vulnerability of these girls and refrain from criticizing their outfits or making hurtful comments. Instead, offer positive feedback.