TikTok slang can sometimes be confusing, especially acronyms and slang that come as trends out of nowhere. While some are predictable and come from acronyms used on other platforms or through texting, “AS” is not one of them. 

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What Does “AS” mean on TikTok

“As” means Adult swim, yes Adult Swim, the Cartoon Network late-night block targeted toward teens and adults. 

Shows like Rick and Morty, American Dad, and 12 OZ mouse are part of the adult swim block. Before the Adult Swim block airs, Cartoon Network puts out short clips with the AS logo to indicate that the adult segment is starting. 

Each time these clips air, the AS logo pops up using the most random elements, and the signature music builds up excitement, knowing that the logo will appear. 

What is the [AS] Trend on TikTok?

The [AS] trend was simply users replicating the short clips Cartoon network airs before starting the adult Swim block as a nostalgic throwback. 

Each user tailored the trend to their different style and niche, but the first-ever creator was Vano 3000, who first used the sound and tag while wearing a Spiderman suit in a subway. 

The video got over 4 million even though there was nothing special about it compared to the perfected versions we’ve seen lately. 

Why is the AS trend popular on TikTok?

The trend became a big deal because when consumers hear the sound, they know what to expect but do not know how it will appear.

Even in the original commercial, the AS is sometimes barely noticeable, requiring viewers to look for it and influencing them to tune into what is to come. 

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Examples of using [AS] on TikTok

Uncapped creativity is the backbone of this trend, not just in these two videos. Still, they gained some of the highest levels of recognition due to nostalgia and how the logo will inevitably pop up.

In this video, the user Jacques Strapp recreates the popular bumper using spilled milk and cookies, creating a scenario anyone can relate to and thinking out of the box. 

The video got over 19 million views despite it being the only viral video for the creator, generating over  4 million likes. 

@jq.strapp

[adult swim]

♬ Running Away – VANO 3000 & BADBADNOTGOOD & Samuel T. Herring

In another video, the creator, lunarlovefilms takes things back to the essence with a blurred-out old TV screen and a relatable quote. 

The screen quickly turns into the famous logo as soon as the music queue hits, and the AS logo is displayed in an old fashion, reminding viewers of good old Cartoon Network times. 

@lunarlovefilms [adult swim] #fyp #adultswim #adultswimbump #tv #vintage ♬ Running Away – VANO 3000 & BADBADNOTGOOD & Samuel T. Herring

Ultimately this trend gained popularity due to how creative creators got with it. Every creator tried to top the other’s creativity, inspiring one another to do a better job recreating the popular CN bumpers. 

A level of competition and community that we love to see among creators, the best way to hop onto this one is to create something all-new and eye-opening. 

It is never too late to create your own take on things and maximize your views and engagement while showing everyone how it’s done.