How to Turn a Cultural Reference into a TikTok Participation Prompt

Link a familiar series or character to a simple prompt that invites people to respond or recreate a dance.

By Hadrien Bonato-Pape · Published on November 6, 2026 · Social platforms

Build the post around one clear link

Connect a series or character to one action: ask a question about the costumes, or give viewers a dance instruction.

The examples from @nba and @netflixfr show the format can invite either a response or a recreation. The material does not specify their length, shots, on-screen text, sound, or pacing, so treat those details as choices, not rules.

Why the format fits TikTok

The prompt asks people to do something, not just watch. They can answer the question or try the dance themselves.

That makes the cultural reference a starting point for participation. The @nba and @netflixfr posts show both kinds of invitation.

Make one for your brand

Choose a series or character your audience is likely to recognise, then connect it directly to your product, service, or community. Keep the participation prompt easy to understand.

• Pick one reference and one character.
• Choose a costume question or a simple dance instruction.
• Make the action clear: viewers should know whether to answer or recreate.
• Check that the reference makes sense for your brand before posting.

What can make it fall flat

A reference without a clear connection to the prompt can leave viewers unsure why they should join in. A vague instruction can also make it hard to know what to do.

Keep the post focused on one participation choice. Do not add a second task that competes with the question or dance.

The posts we looked at

Every hook, trend, format and tip of the week, with the posts that show them: see this week’s page.