VIRAL trends on TikTok produce a shedload of secretive slang, which can seem impossible to understand unless you’re a regular on the platform.
We will now delve into the trending topic that has captured the attention of the online community – the “Dior Bags” phenomenon, a term introduced by Bethenny Frankel, a prominent figure from The Real Housewives of New York.
What does Dior Bags mean on TikTok?
“Dior bags” on TikTok is a code phrase used to discuss drones without triggering content moderation algorithms.
At the forefront of this movement is Bethenny Frankel, a TikTok influencer who popularized the term as a way to draw attention to the recent spate of drone sightings in various states, including New Jersey.
She shared information about UFO-like drones spotted over various locations throughout December 2024.
However, the reality star noticed that her videos on this topic were receiving significantly fewer views than she expected.
In one clip Bethenny said she got “only 500 views” one some of her drone-related content, which made her suspicious.
It led her to believe that TikTok’s algorithms could be limiting the visibility of content related to drones.
In order to bypass what she perceived as censorship or shadow-banning, Bethenny adroitly replaced the word “drones” with “Dior bags” in her posts, allowing her to continue discussing the controversial topic under a different guise.
This code has allowed her and her following to continue discussing the controversial topic without risking video takedowns or account restrictions.
Types of Dior Bags
Bethenny has developed a specific terminology within this code:
- “Worker bees”: These refer to drones that are easily visible and can be photographed.
- “Queen bees”: These are more advanced drones that are harder to spot, described as “shiny” and “more special”.
She has also mentioned “alien bags”, hinting at the possibility of extraterrestrial involvement or more advanced technologies.
In one of her TikToks, Bethenny explains that there “are the bags that have been released, but there are bags that are decades more advanced that we haven’t even seen”.
Spread of the Trend
The Dior bags trend quickly gained traction on TikTok.
Within a short period, over 19,000 videos were uploaded using the hashtag #Diorbags.
Commenters on drone-related content have also adopted the term, leaving those of us unfamiliar with the code confused about the seemingly sudden surge in discussions about luxury handbags.
Censorship debate
Bethenny’s use of this code phrase reflects a broader concern about potential censorship of discussions related to drone sightings.
She has expressed frustration at not being able to talk openly about the topic, stating: “It’s become clear… people do not want me discussing the Dior bags.”
The trend has also sparked discussions about the nature of these drone sightings.
Bethenny claims to have cross-referenced information with people who have worked in known organizations and others who are aware of undisclosed operations.
She emphasizes the complexity of the situation, stating: “There are many things going on at once, at the same time.”
Keeping discussion alive
The “Dior bags” trend is part of a larger phenomenon on TikTok where users create and adopt unique terminologies to discuss sensitive or controversial topics.
Known as “Algospeak”, it allows users to navigate perceived content moderation systems and continue conversations that they believe might otherwise be suppressed.
The Dior bags trend has successfully kept the conversation about drones alive on TikTok.
TikTok trends
HERE are some more TikTok trends happening right now:
It has also highlighted the creative ways in which social media users adapt to perceived restrictions on free speech and information sharing.
While TikTok has released statements about banning hate speech, there is no suggestion the platform is restricting views on content featuring drones.
In 2020, TikTok said: “We’re proud that we have already taken steps to keep our community safe, for example, by not permitting content that denies the Holocaust and other violent tragedies.
“We know there’s always more we can do, which is why we are taking further action to remove misinformation and hurtful stereotypes about Jewish, Muslim and other communities.
“This includes misinformation about notable Jewish individuals and families who are used as proxies to spread antisemitism.
“We’re also removing content that is hurtful to the LGBTQ+ community by removing hateful ideas, including content that promotes conversion therapy and the idea that no one is born LGBTQ+.”
