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Were these 8 viral TikTok products worth the hype in 2023?

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Were these 8 viral TikTok products worth the hype in 2023?

TikTok is many things: a music discovery platform, an entertaining way to waste an hour (or two), a search engine, and, most recently, an e-commerce app. With the global rollout of TikTok Shop, it’s never been easier to buy the products you see on your FYP without ever leaving the app. That means that there’s been an increase in the number of products — and affiliate marketing — shared on the platform. It has become an impulse buyer’s best-worst enabler.

“TikTok made me buy it” is simply a way of life now. For every TikTok aesthetic proliferated across the app or viral #CleanTok video, another product gets added to our carts. It’s a bad influence on our wallets.

Mashable is saving you the hassle of deciding which TikTok-hyped product is actually worth the money by giving you a peak at the things the app influenced us to buy this year. So what’s a Skip and what’s a Buy? Read below to find out.

Labigo electric spin scrubber

I hate cleaning the bathtub. Somehow I always end up bent over, scrubbing on my hands and knees, soaking wet, with a headache from breathing in Clorox spray. My TikTok FYP is full of intense cleaning videos, and every fourth or fifth video for a while was of the Labigo electric spin scrubber. I bought it to test for this story, and was honestly impressed by how well it worked. It comes with four different cleaning heads for corners, flat surfaces, bathtubs, and grout, and is pretty powerful. I was able to put a good amount of pressure on it to clean some soap scum off the sides of my bathtub, and the corner brush worked wonders for cleaning where the bathtub meets the wall. The best part is that this brush cleaned my tub way faster than I could have with a rag myself, and I didn’t even have to bend down, thanks to the extendable handle. I could see the Labigo being a great tool for older folks or people with mobility issues who need to clean but have trouble bending down to scrub things.

The only reason I regret buying this is because it ruined my TikTok algorithm. Since I added it to my TikTok Shop cart, nearly every video on my FYP is now of a cleaning brush. — Jae Thomas, Deputy Shopping Editor

The Croptuck

I have to admit, the French tuck has never worked for me. Nothing about grabbing the bottom of my shirt and shoving it down the front of my jeans ever felt comfortable, and it certainly never stayed in place. Not even Queer Eye’s Tan France could help me perfect the technique. So when I saw the Croptuck on my For You Page, styled by women of all different sizes, I added it to my cart.

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The Croptuck is almost stupidly simple: It’s an adjustable elastic band that you pop over your head and fit around your hips or waist. Tuck your top up under the band and enjoy an effortlessly cropped look all day. 

The little band has totally changed how I dress for winter and has blessedly banished shirt-shoving from my life. If I’m layering a chunky sweater over a dress, the Croptuck takes the look from bulky to chic. I usually forget I’m even wearing it: My tops don’t budge and there’s no uncomfortable bunching. Plus, if I eat a lot at dinner, I just loosen the band to accommodate the extra inches around my stomach. The only downside I’ve found to wearing the band is that, if you overheat and need to remove a layer of clothing, you have to take the Croptuck off with it. — Elizabeth de Luna, Culture Reporter

Bissell Little Green Machine

Having the world’s best and most adorable dog — this is fact, not opinion — is a blessing and a curse. The blessing? I get to play with a 75-pound pittie, shar-pei mix that makes me believe there are good and pure things in this world. The curse? The little dude sheds like there is no tomorrow. 

So, when the Bissell Little Green carpet cleaner started going viral on TikTok it was not a hard sell. Scores of TikToks showed the little machine performing small miracles: getting out stains, sucking up pet hair, removing years of grime from car upholstery.  When I saw it go on clearance sale via Amazon-tracker Fat Kid Deals, I jumped at the chance. 

And I have to say, it works. It’s not for everyday cleaning — it will get surfaces wet and it does take time and effort. But it works. I’ve used it to remove stains, to clean dirt from a rug, and to suck-up mounds of hair deposited on our couch by the world’s best dog. Every couple of weeks, I’ll deep clean appropriate surfaces in our small NYC apartment with the little green machine and it makes a noticeable difference. There’s far less dust, less pet dander, and everything smells lovely. 

Also, you get to see the brownish results in the tank of the machine, and it’s SO satisfying. I highly recommend it, especially if you have a dog. Even if it’s not the best dog in the world — it isn’t, I’m sorry — the machine will still work for you. — Tim Marcin, Culture Reporter

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Glossier Ultra Lip

I love a blurred matte lipstick, but my chronically dry lips do not. After seeing approximately 1,200 TikToks praising the Glossier Ultra Lip, I figured I could attempt to be kinder to my lips in the colder months, so I gave in and bought it in Pony (the closest shade to my beloved Gen G in Fuzz). I do think it’s ever so slightly on the sticky side — at the end of the day I am through and through a satin to matte formula girly — but it’s perfect for those drier days, and for this, I am grateful to my algorithm. — Bethany Allard, Shopping Reporter

The AIRstik

I can’t get away from the AIRstik, the little plastic device that claims to attach to any glass surface and hold your phone there so you can take hands-free photos. It’s been almost two months since I bought it, and it’s still all over my For You Page. It’s been lauded on the app as a must-have tool for creators who want to make content on the go, and I think it’s hanging around my algorithm because, well, it actually works.

The AIRstik uses what it calls “nano suction” technology to adhere to glass surfaces and hold up to two pounds. It’s endlessly reusable, and doesn’t leave any sticky residue behind. Mine clings to my bathroom mirror like a dream and detaches with a swift tug. The product packaging warns to “use on glass surfaces only!” but TikTokkers have managed to attach it to their shower tiles, fridges, and even a rusted pipe at the beach. Stick at your own risk, but know the AIRstik is a pretty good deal at the end of the day. — EDL

Amika Blowout Babe Thermal Brush

Technically, I did not buy the Amika Blowout Babe Brush myself, but I’m certainly not complaining that I got to call one in and test it out as part of of my job after seeing the hype for it online (review incoming btw). Prior to testing out as many Airwrap dupes as I could get my hands on (and the actual tool itself), I did not consider myself someone who was “good” at hair. While I’m still solidly mediocre, the Amika Blowout Brush is maybe the easiest possible way to get a sleek and polished blowout style that makes me look like I possess a much higher skill set. Plus, I love that I don’t need to wet my hair when I want to use it. — BA

Mini ice cube trays

I somehow got onto IceTok in 2023. My FYP became saturated with videos of people aesthetically restocking their freezers with ice trays of different shapes and fillings. Something about it hit that sweet spot of ASMR and aesthetic home organization that had me absolutely mesmerized. I was influenced to buy a set of ice trays that make mini, spherical ice, and I don’t think I can ever go back to using standard ice cube trays. These are trickier to refill than your average mold, but once you get the hang of it, it’s not that bad. The set I bought came with a storage tub, so I can stock up on deliciously round ice and just scoop it out as needed. I stick to plain tap water ice, but drinking out of my Simple Modern tumbler filled with tiny frozen spheres still makes me feel like a TikTok girlie. — Miller Kern, Deputy Reviews Editor

Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag

Believe the TikTok hype. Baggu’s Medium Nylon Crescent Bag is, in fact, magic. And by magic, I mean spacious. I can fit my entire S’well water bottle in there alongside my makeup back, Hello Kitty pill case, sun glasses, wallet, and a book or two. I even shoved my raincoat in there on a cloudy day. It’s become my go-to concert bag, as it’s still small enough for most venues but also big enough to fit merch and a camera — and because it’s nylon and washable, I don’t mind putting it on the floor at risk of being trampled over or spilled on. (Just don’t put your Baggu in the dryer, it’s air dry only!) Did I mention this bag comes in practically every color? I recently copped the Sandy Liang x Baggu Medium Nylon Crescent Bag in the flower market plaid print, and it does make me feel better than everyone else when I wear it.

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Anyway, I’m convinced Baggu is a cult because in the span of 365 days I went from having one Baggu to eight Baggus. Do I need eight Baggus? No. But I am easily influenced, and something tells me I’m not alone if the 246.1 million views and counting on TikTok are anything to go by. — Crystal Bell, Culture Editor



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Cut Costs, Not Features with This Microsoft Bundle Deal

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Cut Costs, Not Features with This Microsoft Bundle Deal

Disclosure: Our goal is to feature products and services that we think you’ll find interesting and useful. If you purchase them, Entrepreneur may get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners.

Software subscription fees can quickly add up, and for small-business owners, entrepreneurs, or freelancers, these costs can eat into profits. Businesses spend approximately 29% of their IT budgets on software, according to a 2023 survey by Gartner.

For business professionals who are looking to streamline workflow without paying steep subscription fees, the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle might be the perfect solution. For just $71.94 (regularly $927), this comprehensive four-part bundle offers Microsoft Office Professional Plus 2019, Windows 11 Pro, Project 2019, and Visio 2019.

While it’s not the newest version of Microsoft’s software, it can deliver tremendous value for anyone seeking tools to manage their business, boost productivity, and work efficiently. The bundle offers a lifetime license, meaning you’ll get all the functionality you need without the recurring costs associated with subscription services like Microsoft 365.

However, it does come with Windows 11 Pro, which includes the recent AI updates. Windows 11 Pro delivers a modern, intuitive interface with enhanced security features such as biometric login and Smart App Control, making it ideal for professionals who prioritize privacy and usability. It’s also equipped with tools that support multitasking, such as Snap Layouts and Virtual Desktops.

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For companies looking to reduce overhead without compromising essential functionality, making a one-time purchase of slightly older software is a smart financial move. This includes Office’s most popular productivity tools, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.

Project 2019 is a must-have for anyone who is managing large or small projects. It helps track tasks, timelines, and resources, making it easier to stay on top of deadlines and ensure your team moves in the right direction. Project 2019 gives you the tools to streamline processes and manage tasks efficiently.

Visio 2019 is ideal for creating professional diagrams, flowcharts, and organizational charts. It’s particularly valuable for visualizing complex data or workflows, which is essential for business owners looking to improve operational efficiency.

If you need a productivity boost without eating into savings, take a closer look at this bundle.

Get the Ultimate 2019 Microsoft Bundle with Office, Project, Visio, and Windows 11 Pro for $71.94 (regularly $927).

StackSocial prices subject to change.

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3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship

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3 Trends That Will Change the Future of Entrepreneurship

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

The most recent data from the new Global Entrepreneurship Monitor report reveals a powerful trend for the future of entrepreneurship.

Young adults, aged 18-24, had both the highest entrepreneurial activity and entrepreneurial intentions in the United States, according to the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor 2023-2024 United States Report. With similar results in 2022, this is not just a minor shift — it’s a fundamental change that could have lasting impacts on the economy and society.

I serve as the chair of the board for the Global Entrepreneurship Research Association, the entity that oversees GEM, which was founded in 1999 as a joint venture of Babson College and the London Business School. As the GEM U.S. team co-leader and a professor of entrepreneurship at Babson, I see firsthand the impact of the research created by the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor.

Here are three entrepreneurship trends from the new GEM report that are changing the landscape for the future.

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Related: 21 Success Tips for Young and Aspiring Entrepreneurs

1. Young entrepreneurs on the rise

For years, entrepreneurship has been dominated by older, more experienced individuals, but this year’s report shows that the youngest adults are now at the forefront. According to GEM, 24% of 18- to 24-year-olds are engaged in some form of entrepreneurial activity, a higher rate than any other age group. What’s driving these young entrepreneurs is equally remarkable: They aren’t just starting businesses to make money; many are deeply committed to making a positive impact on society and the environment.

These young entrepreneurs make sustainability a key priority. They are more likely than entrepreneurs from older generations to build businesses with sustainability as a core focus — whether that means reducing their environmental footprint or focusing on social causes. This shift toward impact-driven entrepreneurship isn’t just anecdotal. GEM data shows a significant number of young entrepreneurs taking real, measurable steps to create businesses that align with their values. With sustainability as their north star, young entrepreneurs appear to be simultaneously pursuing societal impact as well as profits.

However, it’s not all smooth sailing. While young people are leading the way in starting businesses, they are also discontinuing them at higher rates than their older counterparts. The discontinuation rate for 18- to 24-year-olds is 15%, the highest among all age groups. This is not surprising, given the challenges of inexperience and more limited access to capital. Starting a business is tough, and sustaining one is even more challenging. But despite these hurdles, the enthusiasm and energy that young people bring to entrepreneurship are undeniable, and with the right support, this generation has the potential to drive substantial change.

2. Tech gender gap narrows

One of the most promising findings in the GEM report is the narrowing gender gap in the technology sector. Historically, tech startups have been dominated by men, but 2023 saw a record-low difference in the number of men and women starting tech companies. The gap has narrowed to just 1%, with 8% of women compared with 9% of men launching businesses in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector.

This is a significant step forward and reflects broader efforts to support more women technology startups. Still, it’s important to recognize that while progress is being made, continued focus on providing equal opportunities is essential to ensuring this trend continues.

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3. Optimistic outlook for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs

Another highlight from the report is the optimistic outlook among Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. These groups showed stronger confidence in their entrepreneurial abilities and lower fear of failure compared to their white counterparts. Black respondents, in particular, demonstrated high levels of resilience and self-assurance, which is vital in overcoming barriers faced in starting and sustaining businesses. This optimism is encouraging, but there’s still much work to be done in assuring ecosystems offer equal opportunities for all aspiring entrepreneurs, regardless of their background.

Related: I Wish I Received This Advice as a Young Entrepreneur

A promising future

Reflecting on the key findings of this year’s GEM report, it’s clear that the entrepreneurial landscape is changing in meaningful ways. The rise of young, sustainability-driven entrepreneurs signals a future where business is not only about profit but also about making a difference. These young entrepreneurs are launching businesses at a time when the world is looking for solutions to some of its most pressing challenges — climate change, poverty and economic recovery.

Yet, to fully realize the potential of this next generation, there must be more focus on addressing the challenges they encounter. Young entrepreneurs need access to the right resources — whether it’s funding, education or mentorship — to turn their innovative ideas into sustainable businesses. The narrowing gender gap in tech is encouraging, but we must continue to foster environments that support women and other underrepresented groups in entrepreneurship.

The GEM report paints a picture of an entrepreneurial future driven by purpose, diversity and innovation. But it also reminds us of the work that lies ahead in making entrepreneurship more accessible and sustainable. If we can provide young entrepreneurs with the tools and support they need, we will not only see more businesses being created — we’ll see businesses that are making a lasting, positive impact on the world.

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These Are the Top Side Hustles to Work Less, Make More Money

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These Are the Top Side Hustles to Work Less, Make More Money

In the best-case scenario, a side hustle could turn into a multimillion-dollar business that generates a passive income stream — but at the very least, starting a side gig could help pay some bills.

A new survey from personal finance software company Quicken shows that almost half (43%) of Americans with a side hustle, or an extra source of income added to a primary income, make more money and clock in fewer hours overall than those without a side hustle.

The three most popular side hustles pursued by those who work less and make more money were personal assistance (20%), cooking and baking (16%), and caregiving (16%). One in five people with side hustles said they were business owners, too, selling products online or offering services like photography.

The majority of people with side hustles (82%) said starting a side gig helped them financially, and kept them from living paycheck to paycheck. Most with side hustles (57%) had savings equal to at least four months of living expenses.

Related: Side Hustles Are Soaring as Entrepreneurs Start Businesses Working Part- or Full-Time Elsewhere, According to a New Report

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The survey also found that, for younger side hustlers, a way to an extra income doubles as a path to becoming more employable. 44% of Gen Z (born between 1997 and 2012) choose to start a side hustle in order to obtain skills for long-term careers, much higher than the overall 18% of Americans who started a side hustle with the same motivation.

Quicken conducted the survey online, gathering responses from more than 1,000 Americans.

Additional research on side hustles, released in August by NEXT Insurance, showed that three out of five people bring in less than $1,000 monthly in side income, while 22% make $1,000 to $10,000 a month, and 15% make more than $10,000.

Related: Starting a Side Hustle Should Come With a Warning Label — Here’s What You Need to Know

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