What is the 7 Friends Theory on TikTok?

PDF download Download Article
What friends you should have based on the #7friendstheory trend
PDF download Download Article

According to TikTok, everyone has 7 friends. You don’t need a giant social circle to get by—you just need 7 pals that support and uplift you! Each of these friends plays an important role and offers a unique perspective, giving you a rich and fulfilling social life. So, what are these 7 friends like, and how do you know if your pals match the criteria? Keep reading to learn what friendships the #7FriendsTheory trend says you should have.

Section 1 of 5:

What is the 7 Friends Theory?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/db\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-1.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This theory places your dearest friends into specific categories, claiming that the best social circles have 7 types of people. Each friend within the group plays a different role in your life, supporting and uplifting you in their own unique way. TikTok users have taken the platform to show off their 7 closest friends who fit the mold, creating a carousel of photos featuring friends that match each category.
    • It’s unclear who initially started this trend on TikTok, but as of September 2023, the hashtag #7friendtheory has over 13.4 million views. [1]
    • The TikToks are created using templates from CapCut and an excerpt of Phoebe Bridgers’ song “Scott Street.” [2]
    2. Advertisement
Section 2 of 5:

What are the 7 types of friends?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/3a\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-2.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This friend has been your ride-or-die since you were little. You likely grew up with them—perhaps you even knew each other when you were babies! They know practically everything about you and have possibly been by your side through all your highs and lows. Basically, you’ve grown up together and witnessed each other’s life milestones. [3]
  2. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ee\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-3.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This friend makes you belly laugh each time you see them. They’re the first person you call for a pick-me-up when you're down—they always know what to say to make you feel better! They’re likely the class clown in your social circle, and you can always count on them to spit out a witty one-liner or classic dad joke. [4]
  3. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9d\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-4.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This friend you can go ages without seeing. You likely don’t talk or message with this friend every day, but the second you reconnect, it’s like nothing’s changed. You can go years without seeing each other, but it’ll only feel like yesterday you hung out. The friendship is truly timeless. [5]
  4. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/ce\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-5.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This friend knows all your deepest, darkest secrets. They likely know everything about you, from your wildest dreams to your silliest regrets. You turn to them when you need advice. After all, they know you better than you know yourself! You likely go on deep tangents together and spend hours discussing every detail of your days with one another because you know they’ll never judge you. [6]
  5. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/0a\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-6.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This friend is a part of your family, hands down. Maybe you grew up together or had an instant bond upon meeting. Either way, they’re more like your sister or brother than a friend. You likely tease each other constantly and would do anything to make them smile. You’re likely extremely protective over one another, too. [7]
  6. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7d\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-7.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This friend has always been there, no matter what. You simply can’t think about going through life without this friend. You probably care deeply for them and want to see them succeed in everything they do (as long as it doesn’t hinder your friendship). Life just wouldn’t be the same without them! [8]
  7. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/a9\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-8.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    This friend knows all the hot gossip in your life. They’ve been through every crush, relationship, and breakup with you. They can likely name all the people you’ve had a thing for and don’t hesitate to say, “I told you so,” when things go south. You probably go to them when you need relationship advice (even if they don’t have experience or a significant other). [9]
    8. Advertisement
Section 3 of 5:

How to Make a 7 Friends Theory TikTok

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1b\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-9.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Following this trend is super easy to do! Simply think about the categories of friendship and friends that match the descriptions (the first friend that comes to mind is your best bet!). Then, use Cap Cut’s template to put together the video. Use “Scott Street” by Phoebe Bridgers for the audio and add a cute caption alongside #7friendtheory, and you’re good to go!
Section 4 of 5:

Is the 7 Friends Theory problematic?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c0\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-10.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Like most TikTok trends, the 7 Friends Theory isn’t all-inclusive. Some users feel the trend glamorizes larger friend groups and puts those with fewer friends down. Even so, it’s important to remember that this trend is ultimately that: a trend. This is a fun video idea someone thought up one day, not a scientifically based explanation for why you need exactly 7 friends.
    • You can have friends that fit multiple roles within the trend. Not every friend fits in one category, so it’s possible to have a friend that matches 2 or more of these descriptions at once. [10]
    2. Advertisement
Section 5 of 5:

What if you don’t have 7 friends?

PDF download Download Article
  1. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/c\/c8\/7-Friends-Theory-Step-11.jpg\/v4-728px-7-Friends-Theory-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>\u00a9 2024 wikiHow, Inc. All rights reserved. wikiHow, Inc. is the copyright holder of this image under U.S. and international copyright laws. This image is <b>not<\/b> licensed under the Creative Commons license applied to text content and some other images posted to the wikiHow website. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc.<br>\n<\/p><p><br \/>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
    Just because the theory says you should have this many friends doesn’t mean you can’t have less or more! The 7 Friends Theory is a fun trend, not a psychological benchmark. Don’t hesitate to make new friends or have fewer—do what’s best for you. [11]

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit
      Advertisement

      Tips

      Submit a Tip
      All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
      Submit
      Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

      You Might Also Like

      How to Delete a TikTok Story: Step-by-Step Guide
      The Grabovoi Numbers Trend, Explained
      Can You Go Live on TikTok Without 1,000 Followers?
      3 Simple Ways to Download the TikTok Mobile App
      What Does “Passenger Princess” Mean?
      How to Contact TikTok: 8 Ways to Get Support
      How to Use the Three-Month Dating Rule to Test Out New Partners
      9 Strategies to Help You Gain 1,000 TikTok Followers in No Time
      How to Comment with Pictures on TikTok (And Why Some Can't)
      4 Ways to See TikTok Profiles & Videos Without People Knowing
      Can TikTok Auto Scroll? How to Play TikTok Videos Automatically
      How to
      Know if Someone Blocked You on TikTok
      What Does Each Can Tab Mean and Why Do People Give Them Out?
      How to Enable and Use Direct Messages on TikTok
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.tiktok.com/tag/7friendtheory
      2. ↑ https://www.capcut.com/discover/keyword/seven-theory-of-friends/5776324611
      3. ↑ https://southfloridatheater.com/2023/03/31/21986/
      4. ↑ https://www.glam.com/1288208/viral-7-friends-theory-proves-need-army-acquaintances/
      5. ↑ https://socialsci.libretexts.org/Bookshelves/Communication/Interpersonal_Communication/Interpersonal_Communication_-_A_Mindful_Approach_to_Relationships_(Wrench_et_al.)/10%3A_Friendship_Relationships/10.02%3A_Stages_and_Types_of_Friendships
      6. ↑ https://www.glam.com/1288208/viral-7-friends-theory-proves-need-army-acquaintances/
      7. ↑ https://southfloridatheater.com/2023/03/31/21986/
      8. ↑ https://southfloridatheater.com/2023/03/31/21986/
      9. ↑ https://www.glam.com/1288208/viral-7-friends-theory-proves-need-army-acquaintances/
      1. ↑ https://www.glam.com/1288208/viral-7-friends-theory-proves-need-army-acquaintances/
      2. ↑ https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/lifetime-connections/202111/the-7-types-friends-and-which-is-most-essential-our-happiness

      About This Article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 4,365 times.

      Is this article up to date?

      Advertisement