In recent years, interest in homesteading has been steadily rising, but nowhere is this trend more evident than on TikTok. Homesteading — a lifestyle centered on self-sufficiency and often involving gardening, raising animals and making homemade goods — has evolved from a niche interest into a social media phenomenon, thanks in part to TikTok.
Through the platform’s bite-size videos, creators have made homesteading accessible and appealing to audiences, particularly younger generations. TikTok’s influence has helped propel homesteading’s popularity to new heights, with a renewed interest in sustainable living in response to rising prices and concerns over food quality and nutritional value.
The appeal of homesteading in today’s world
Homesteading has always been about self-sufficiency, but in today’s world, it’s increasingly tied to concerns over food quality and health. As people become more aware of the chemicals, additives and industrial processes that dominate the modern food system, many are turning to homesteading to take control of their health. From garden-grown vegetables to pasture-raised chickens, homesteading offers an alternative to food that many see as toxic or stripped of nutrients.
Rising food prices have also driven people to seek more sustainable and affordable ways to feed themselves, but it’s the health aspect that resonates most with homesteaders. The pursuit of organic, non-GMO and spray-free food has become a priority for many families, who are increasingly wary of the negative impact the industrial food system can have on their well-being.
How TikTok is amplifying the homesteading trend
TikTok’s rapid rise to prominence has given homesteading an entirely new platform. TikTok creators, often with small urban spaces or rural properties, are showing millions of viewers how easy it can be to grow healthier, more nutrient-dense food at home.
Hashtags like #homesteading, #selfsustainable and #offgridliving, with billions of views collectively, have helped homesteading content reach new heights. Through the For You Page or FYP, videos about growing organic vegetables, making fermented foods and raising livestock for fresh eggs and meat have gone viral, sparking curiosity among people who want to improve their diets and take charge of their health.
Users can quickly access tips on such topics as harvesting honey from backyard hives or what to do with wood fire ash, giving them practical tools to start homesteading with minimal effort. TikTok’s video format makes it easier for anyone to learn about the benefits of fresh, homegrown food in a fun, approachable and empowering way.
The TikTok effect: Healthier living, inspired by homesteading
The younger generations are finding homesteading content on TikTok highly appealing because of its focus on healthier living. Gen Z and Millennials and engaging with it at record levels.
TikTok homesteaders aren’t just sharing how to garden — they’re showing their followers how to grow their own nutrient-rich food that is free from pesticides and preservatives. They’re also talking about the power of food as medicine, with an emphasis on growing herbs and vegetables known for their healing properties.
The popularity of trends like “cottagecore” and “slow living,” which emphasize a return to simpler, more wholesome ways of life, has dovetailed with the interest in homesteading. People are turning to gardening not just for a hobby, but as a means of improving their health by producing fresher, more nutritious food.
The practical skills people are learning
TikTok has not only popularized homesteading but also enabled millions to develop practical, self-sufficient skills through short, engaging videos. While these videos do not contain everything one needs to know about a topic, it’s often enough to get started.
Gardening techniques tailored for small urban spaces, like balconies or patios, have inspired viewers to grow their own vegetables and herbs, while tutorials on backyard animal care, including raising chickens or beekeeping, help overcome the fear of making mistakes. Food preservation methods such as canning, fermenting and pickling are demonstated, allowing people to extend the life of seasonal produce.
Additionally, creators share insights into heating homes sustainably with wood stoves, covering everything from harvesting firewood to maintaining efficient burns. DIY projects also play a big role, with step-by-step guides to building compost bins, raised garden beds and other cost-effective homesteading essentials.
These skills have become part of a new wave of homesteading, showing people that they don’t need acres of land to get started. The platform has democratized these skills, making them accessible for a broad audience who may have limited experience but a strong interest in self-sufficient living.
Is TikTok homesteading just a trend or here to stay?
While TikTok homesteading is undeniably trendy, its impact is likely to endure for some time. Many who were initially curious about homesteading are adopting these practices and incorporating them into their daily routines and even into their homeschool curriculum.
The ability to grow your own food, make healthier meals and create a more sustainable lifestyle resonates with a wide audience, particularly as food prices continue to rise and health-conscious living becomes more important.
As the demand for healthy, organic food grows and people become more attuned to the toxicities of the modern food system, TikTok’s role in promoting homesteading practices will likely continue to thrive. The platform not only introduces people to new ideas but also provides them with the knowledge to act on these ideas, encouraging healthier, more self-sufficient living.
Thanks to TikTok, homesteading is no longer just a rural pastime or a niche interest — it’s an accessible, mainstream lifestyle. The platform’s algorithm and community dynamics have allowed creators to share their knowledge with millions, inspiring people of all ages to take small steps toward greater self-sufficiency.
Dan Morris founded Fire and Saw, a site dedicated to fireplaces, wood stoves, firewood and chainsaws. He runs the site to share his knowledge and enthusiasm for these subjects.