Reputation Management
Effortlessly and accurately track the web and social network impact of your brand
Where did this trend start?
The trend appears to have originated in Italy, with many users from other European countries quickly jumping on board. The earliest viral post came from Italian TikTok user @iamitsludo, who on March 27th, 2025, uploaded a carousel of photos set to the song. Her video featured iconic Italian landmarks, including the Trevi Fountain and the Colosseum, alongside shots of Italian food, landscapes, and even herself in an Italian football jersey. The caption? “I don’t wanna be French.”
From there, the trend spread rapidly, with users from Spain, Germany, the UK, and beyond putting their own spin on it, each showcasing what makes their country special—or, in some cases, highlighting reasons why they wouldn’t want to be French
Over 8000 videos posted in the past week garnering more than 23 million likes
Since its emergence, the “I don’t wanna be French” trend has taken over TikTok, generating significant engagement. According to Visibrain’s analysis, in just a short time, the trend has amassed:
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8,191 posts using the sound
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23 million likes
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508,928 comments
The sheer volume of interaction highlights how quickly a viral audio can spark a global conversation. Whether it’s users celebrating their own country or playfully critiquing France, the numbers show that this trend has struck a chord with audiences across Europe and beyond.
French brands that have jumped on the trend
With millions engaging with the trend, some French brands have taken the opportunity to join in. Instead of ignoring the viral joke, these companies have cleverly turned it into a marketing moment. By engaging with the trend, these brands are humanising their image, boosting engagement, and staying relevant in TikTok’s fast-moving landscape. Rather than taking offence, they’re using social listening to their advantage—turning a viral moment into an opportunity.
Some standout examples include Pathé France, Police Nationale and Netflix France
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Reactions from French TikTok users
As the trend continues to spread, it has sparked a mix of humour, debate, and national pride across TikTok. While many users are embracing it as a lighthearted joke, others, particularly in France, have been quick to respond. Some French TikTokers have flipped the trend by listing all the reasons they love being French, using the same sound but showcasing everything from gourmet food to fashion and historic landmarks.
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