If you’ve been on TikTok lately, chances are you’ve come across viral videos showing boyfriends glowing up. These before-and-after clips, often paired with catchy music like Sabrina Carpenter’s “When Did You Get Hot?”, highlight dramatic transformations of men from their teenage or college years into their current selves. While they may look lighthearted, these videos reveal something deeper about relationships, nostalgia, and how we view physical changes over time.
Why Boyfriends Glowing Up Became a Viral Trend
The trend of boyfriends glowing up has exploded on TikTok because it combines two things the platform loves: transformation and relatability. People love to see change, especially when it feels personal or nostalgic. A glow-up story doesn’t just show physical change, it tells a tale of growth, maturity, and lifestyle shifts.
For example, Shannon McDade from New Jersey joined the trend by sharing her boyfriend’s journey. Once a heavy shot-put athlete in high school and a D1 competitor in college, he later discovered hobbies like surfing and hydrofoiling. His physique transformed from a “big thrower guy” to a slim, tan surfer. Their lighthearted approach struck a chord, earning her video more than 110,000 views and joining the wave of similar clips racking up millions.
The Nostalgia Factor in Boyfriends Glowing Up
At its core, the boyfriends glowing up trend isn’t only about looks, it’s about memories. Therapist Kimberly Vered Shashoua notes that these videos are less about body image and more about bragging with a nostalgic twist. When life feels uncertain, people lean into traditions and the comfort of “then versus now.”
That’s part of why these videos are so appealing. They celebrate not just a physical glow-up but also the shared history couples have. Seeing someone evolve over years reminds us of time passing, growth, and the bonds that survive change.
Is There a Dark Side to Boyfriends Glowing Up?
While boyfriends glowing up feels fun and harmless, there are valid concerns. Any trend focused on appearance risks fueling insecurity. Men watching these clips may wonder, “Do I look like a before picture? Would my partner feel proud to post me?” That quiet self-doubt can eat away at confidence.
Vered Shashoua cautions that appearance-focused trends often carry hidden pressures. The glow-up videos might unintentionally reinforce the idea that people should strive toward a conventionally attractive version of themselves. And while most participants share videos with affection and humor, not everyone interprets them that way.
When Boyfriends Glowing Up Strengthens Relationships
Despite potential downsides, many couples see the boyfriends glowing up trend as an opportunity to celebrate love. McDade emphasized that she liked her boyfriend both as a muscular athlete and as a surfer today. For her, the videos aren’t about ranking past versus present but about appreciating the journey.
Relationships thrive when partners acknowledge growth while valuing the person they fell in love with. The glow-up, in this sense, becomes a symbol of loyalty: loving someone through every phase of their life, no matter how their appearance changes.
The Power and Limits of TikTok Trends
TikTok thrives on simplicity, and trends like boyfriends glowing up prove it. People use catchy audio, a simple visual format, and relatable content to rack up views. But simplicity often leaves little room for nuance. As Vered Shashoua points out, TikTok isn’t a space for complexity. It rewards quick hits, not deep conversations.
That’s why it’s important to view trends like this with balance. They’re entertaining snapshots, not full stories of people or relationships. Life is far more layered than a 15-second video.
Finding Value Beyond Appearance
If you feel insecure when watching boyfriends glowing up videos, remember that your worth is more than how you look. Appearance is just one piece of identity. What truly matters are the passions, relationships, and values that define you. As Vered Shashoua wisely puts it, “Life is a 3D experience that no image can fully capture.”
Celebrating glow-ups can be fun, but real connection happens when you find people who make you feel like yourself, enjoy activities that energize you, and nurture curiosity. That’s the glow that lasts.
FAQs
- What does boyfriends glowing up mean on TikTok?
It refers to viral videos showing men’s physical transformations over time, often from teenage years to adulthood, highlighting how appearance changes with lifestyle and maturity. - Why is the boyfriends glowing up trend so popular?
It combines nostalgia, transformation, and relatability. People enjoy seeing how partners have grown while celebrating love and shared history. - Is there harm in boyfriends glowing up videos?
While mostly lighthearted, the focus on appearance can create insecurities. Men may feel pressured to look a certain way or worry if they resemble a “before” picture. - How can couples view the boyfriends glowing up trend positively?
By focusing on the journey rather than comparison. It’s about celebrating growth while loving each other through every stage of life. - Do glow-up videos affect relationships?
For many couples, they strengthen bonds by showcasing pride in one another. However, if taken too seriously, they may cause unnecessary self-doubt.
Final Thoughts
The viral rise of boyfriends glowing up videos shows how much we love transformation stories, but it also reminds us to tread carefully with appearance-focused trends. They can be fun and nostalgic but shouldn’t overshadow the deeper aspects of identity and relationships. At the end of the day, what matters most is not how someone looks in a before-and-after clip, but the love, laughter, and growth shared along the way.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects opinions on cultural and social media trends. It should not be taken as professional mental health advice. If you experience insecurities or struggles with self-image, consider reaching out to a licensed counselor or therapist for support.
