The algorithm has spoken, and it's selling us gadgets. WIRED just released their comprehensive test of 26 viral TikTok products, separating the genuine innovations from the social media snake oil. The results reveal which trending tech actually deserves your money this holiday season.
The phrase "I saw it on TikTok" has become the new "As Seen on TV," but with far more credibility and exponentially more reach. Now WIRED has done the heavy lifting, putting 26 of the platform's most hyped gadgets through rigorous testing to answer the burning question: which viral products are actually worth buying?
The results paint a fascinating picture of how social media algorithms shape consumer behavior. Some products, like the $35 Loop Experience 2 earplugs, deliver exactly what they promise. "They're comfortable to wear, and they dampen sound without muffling it," WIRED's review notes, explaining why these jewelry-like hearing protectors have maintained their viral status across multiple TikTok cycles.
But not every viral sensation translates to real value. The $1,049 Morningblues R1 speaker - a 3-foot-tall, record-shaped Bluetooth speaker with a lyric display - drew criticism for its price point. "It's still a bizarre price for what's still just a single speaker with a screen, many of which exist for $300 or less," WIRED's Kat Merck observed after testing.
The guide reveals how TikTok's algorithm creates unexpected success stories. The humble $13 Dash Mini Waffle Maker has achieved cult status not through traditional marketing, but through countless user-generated videos showcasing everything from chocolate chip waffles to "chaffles" (cheese and egg waffles for keto dieters). "This mini contraption opened my eyes to a world of delicious homemade recipes," reviewer Brenda Stolyar wrote.
TikTok's influence on beauty and wellness products appears particularly strong. Starface pimple patches turned acne treatment into a fashion statement, while the $24 Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask became a nighttime ritual for millions. "The texture is thick but it melts quickly and sinks straight into my dry skin," one tester noted.
The platform's power extends beyond individual products to entire categories. Mini walking treadmills, LED face masks, and stylish earplugs have all found massive audiences through TikTok's recommendation engine. The $479 Egofit Walker Pro M1 represents how work-from-home culture merged with TikTok trends to create demand for under-desk fitness equipment.
