The home construction and real estate industries are increasingly leveraging the power of short-form video, particularly on TikTok, to reach potential buyers and showcase design ideas. This trend, dubbed “TikTok-itecture,” is reshaping how homes are marketed and how consumers gather inspiration for their own builds or renovations.
TikTok’s Rise as a Design and Real Estate Platform
TikTok has emerged as a significant platform for architects, interior designers, realtors, and real estate developers. The platform’s ability to deliver complex topics in short, engaging videos is a key driver of its success. Unlike the static portfolios of the past, TikTok offers a dynamic and interactive way to connect with a global audience. The platform’s algorithm favors creators who post trending videos, increasing the potential for views, engagement, and follower growth.
House Tours and Virtual Experiences
One prominent use of TikTok in the real estate sector is the creation of virtual home tours. These tours allow potential buyers to experience a property remotely, showcasing features and details in an accessible format. According to data from , realtors are increasingly utilizing trending sounds to accompany these tours, aiming to increase their viral potential. Listings By The Portfolio, a TikTok account with over 503,000 followers, demonstrated this effectiveness with a house tour video that garnered over 24.3 million views and 3.4 million likes.
Educational Content for Home Buyers
TikTok isn’t solely about showcasing finished properties; it’s also becoming a valuable resource for educating potential home buyers. Realtors are creating videos that explain the home buying process, covering topics such as mortgage pre-approval, the closing process, and key considerations when viewing homes. This approach positions realtors as trusted advisors and provides valuable information to a broad audience. Faares, with 2 million followers, shared an informative video for new home buyers that received over 298,900 views and 28,800 likes.
Design Inspiration and Trend Spotting
Beyond the transactional aspects of real estate, TikTok is also a hub for design inspiration. Users are sharing ideas for house styles, exterior designs, and interior décor. Pinterest boards, such as one curated by BELLOVERIA BENTEN, compile “100 Houses to make for TikTok ideas,” reflecting the platform’s influence on architectural preferences. These boards categorize styles including Highland Homes, Old World architecture, and French Country designs. The popularity of these boards, established as of , demonstrates a sustained interest in visually-driven home design content.
Specific Architectural Styles Gaining Traction
Several architectural styles are particularly prominent on platforms like TikTok and Pinterest. Old World homes, characterized by their classic European aesthetic, are frequently featured, with variations including Old World Architecture, Old World Style Home Exterior, and Old World House Plans. French Style homes are also gaining popularity, encompassing French Home Floor Plans, Modern French Country House Plans, and even Small French Chateau House Plans. The Pinterest data also highlights interest in Country Style House Plans, specifically a 4-bedroom, 3-bath plan with 3,719 square feet.
Impact on Home Builders and Developers
The trend extends to home builders and developers as well. Companies like Perry Homes, which operates in Texas cities including Austin, Dallas/Fort Worth, Houston, and San Antonio, are likely utilizing platforms like TikTok to showcase their new construction projects. Other builders mentioned in connection with popular design trends include Trendmaker Homes and Toll Brothers, particularly in areas like Flower Mound and Van Alstyne, Texas. Highland Homes, with a presence in Texas and Fort Worth, is also likely leveraging these platforms to reach potential buyers.
The Evolution of Architectural Presentation
The use of TikTok represents a significant shift from how architectural designs were presented in the 1980s and 1990s. Previously, architects relied heavily on static, print-based portfolios. TikTok allows for dynamic, real-time engagement with a global audience, fostering a more collaborative and inspiring design community. The platform’s interactive capabilities enable designers to receive direct feedback from viewers, providing valuable insights into public preferences and emerging trends.
Implications for the Future of Design
The growing influence of TikTok on architecture and design suggests a future where social media plays an increasingly central role in the creative process. The platform’s ability to showcase creativity, promote innovation, and facilitate audience engagement is transforming the industry. Architects and designers are no longer simply presenting finished projects; they are actively participating in a dialogue with potential clients and the broader public. This shift is likely to lead to more responsive and user-centric designs, as well as a greater emphasis on visual storytelling and immersive experiences.
Staying Ahead of Trends
For real estate agents and construction professionals, staying abreast of TikTok trends is crucial for maximizing reach and engagement. The platform’s algorithm prioritizes trending videos, making it essential to adapt content strategies accordingly. The success of accounts like Listings By The Portfolio and Faares demonstrates the potential rewards of embracing this dynamic platform.
