Since its launch in 2016, TikTok has risen as one of the most prominent social media platforms in the US and worldwide, grabbing and holding the attention of over 100 million users in the US and 1.6 billion worldwide. We’ve seen the rise and fall of dozens of trends - dance challenges, Roman Empire, GRWM, ASMR, and all sorts of acronyms and seemingly incomprehensible slang to the millennial+ crowd (myself included).

One of the best things to emerge from TikTok, in my opinion, is the rise of targeted subcultures and communities, banded together with hashtags. Bookies find their place in BookTok, where they might find recommendations, reviews, book unboxings, and anything book-related you could imagine. MomTok, a community of Mormon mom influencers, grew into such prominence that it birthed the Hulu series Secret Lives of Mormon Wives.

Enter: DeathTok

The DeathTok community provides a space for people to learn about a part of life that 100% of us face but often avoid. It brings comfort to those suffering through grief and loss, and support to the death care workers we rely on in our time of need. Conversations about death are evolving, with a growing cultural curiosity about the death care industry and a shift toward more open discussions. DeathTok taps into this movement, making discussions about mortality more accessible and, in some cases, even entertaining.

So, in honor of the impending death of TikTok in the US, which as of this writing is scheduled for April 5 (if you are not aware of the ongoing legal drama, you can catch up here), here are 5 creators to binge-watch before it's too late.

1. FuneralBabe

Melissa Schmidt, the Long Island-based funeral director behind @funeralbabe, combines personal anecdotes, professional experiences, and educational content to foster a deeper understanding of life, death, and the funeral industry. If you have random death-related questions like “Can I dye my hair after I’m dead?” or want the occasional tidbit on how to make the most of life (hint: check out the adult sleepaway camp Camp No Counselors), FuneralBabe is your girl. 

Melissa was also recently featured in a People Magazine article found here.

Follower Count: 969.7K

Most popular TikTok:

2. NathanMorrisMusic

Nathan Morris wears two hats: musician and funeral director. On TikTok, he blends both, creating content that explores grief, healing, and the evolving funeral industry. One day, he’s discussing death calls. The next, he’s breaking down industry changes. He also hosts The Mortals, a weekly podcast that 'pulls back the curtain' on the people behind funeral homes.

Full disclosure: this guy first caught my eye because of his resemblance to CT Tamburello from MTV’s The Challenge. Seriously, if 25 years ago CT decided to be a funeral director instead of a reality TV star, he would look like this guy.

Follower count: 714.4K

Most popular TikTok:

3. DeathBecomesHer

Candice, the funeral director behind @DeathBecomesHer, makes talking about death feel natural—even comforting. Her TikToks mix storytelling, education, and behind-the-scenes glimpses into the funeral industry. Some videos make you laugh. Others make you ugly cry (like the one where a young woman tends to her best friend’s grave). Whether she’s showcasing the latest urn designs or sharing heartfelt moments, Candice finds a way to keep death discussions both meaningful and relatable.

Follower count: 424.5K

Most popular TikTok:

4. LaurenTheMortician

Lauren is a licensed funeral director who uses her TikTok platform to bring light to the funeral industry and educate the public about mortuary science. Her approachable demeanor makes complex topics accessible to a broad audience and has helped grow her following.​ However, in recent years, Lauren’s online presence has been marred by controversy, including a defamation lawsuit against other content creators who have criticized her content on child safety. Most of her claims have been dismissed in court.

Those who are death-curious but also can’t help but deep dive into the drama of legal battles between public figures, LaurenTheMortician is certainly a unique case that offers a bit of both.

Follower count: 2.8M

Most popular TikTok:

5. HollisFuneralHome

Hollis Funeral Home is a father-daughter operation. Their TikTok account, run by Eileen Hollis but frequently featuring the father, Charlie, blends humor with education to connect with their audience.​ The Hollis duo showcases life at a family-owned and operated funeral home, where the staff consists of Eileen, Charlie, and their “adopted” family member/employee Bob . Personally, my favorite videos are the ones highlighting the adorable father-daughter relationship, conveniently compiled into a playlist called Dada for fans.

People Magazine published a human interest piece on Eileen found here.

Follower count: 928K

Most popular TikTok:

While the fate of TikTok is unclear, with its death in the US currently scheduled for April 5, one thing is certain: the DeathTok subculture and the many creators behind it will live on.

DeathTok isn’t going anywhere, even if TikTok does. Which creators have shaped the way you think about death, grief, or the funeral industry? Drop a comment or reach out below!