  TikTok is a music-based video sharing social media app famous for users
creating short meme and dance videos. TikTok videos are largely based on
popular song snippets, which is why lip syncing and dance moves evolve as
significant user performance practices in videos. User prosumption has not yet
been studied regarding the characteristics of TikTok. This paper is based on
social practice and performance theory, social media studies, and participatory
online video culture. It uses the #distantdance challenge on TikTok to analyze
production practices and strategies of users through qualitative video product
analysis. 92 videos were coded and categorized regarding their visual content
(who participated in which way) and paratextual elements (used tags and
captions). The visual and (para-)textual elements were then analyzed regarding
indicators that allow to draw conclusions on users' video creation strategies
and performance practices in participating in the #distantdance challenge. The
results show videos are mainly performed by single white female teenagers
wearing casual outfits in their bedrooms. Users shared their experiences about
learning and performing the dance in video captions. While users prepared
settings and outfits for their performance, the majority of performances seems
rather unplanned or spontaneous. This indicates most videos might be part of a
series of user attempts to master the dance challenge resulting in posting the
first successful video performance to TikTok. In addition to the dance moves,
participants also added gestures as closing elements to their performances.
This indicates their knowledge of using signals as part of an online community
while at the same time manifesting their belongingness to the community. These
first results of a qualitative product analysis illustrate some of users'
motivations and effort to participate in TikTok dance challenges.
