When I first started creating comedy sketches for TikTok, I did not give much thought to recurring characters. Every video was about its own little island, new premises, new character, new punchline. But after a while, I noticed something strange. The videos that got the best response were not always the most original ideas or the most polished edits. They were the ones where people commented things like “He’s back!” or “More of this guy please.” That’s when it clicked: people love familiarity just as much as they love funny. Maybe more.
Recurring roles can be the secret weapon of short-form comedy. They are like sitcom characters trapped in a one-minute universe. Familiar enough to feel like friends, but fresh enough to stay funny. And in a fast-scrolling world where your video has about two seconds to earn a viewer’s attention, a recognizable face (even if it is just you in a different setting) can make all the difference.
At first, I didn’t think TikTok was the right place for character development. It’s not like we’re doing 22-minute episodes here. But it turns out, you do not need much time to establish a pattern. In fact, that’s kind of the point. A good recurring character is built on a clear, repeatable setup: the clueless boss, the overdramatic barista, the time traveler who only visits the DMV. You are not reinventing the wheel each time, they are expecting the wheel. They want the wheel. You are just giving it a new spin.
And here is where the real fun begins. Once people are in on the joke, you can start layering it. The beauty of a recurring role is that the audience becomes part of the rhythm. They know how the character will likely react, so you can subvert that. You can build in callbacks, evolve their world, introduce side characters, or throw them into absurd situations just to watch them struggle. Think of it as inside jokes with your followers, except the joke is wearing fake eyebrows and yelling about oat milk.
For me, it was a character I almost didn’t post: a preschool student rapping before nap time after the teacher puts on the music. I tossed it up one night and thought nothing of it. The next morning, people were quoting lines, demanding a “part two,” and even naming him in the comments. Suddenly, I had a character people cared about. And that changed how I approached everything.
There are a few reasons for recurring roles working so well on a platform like TikTok. First, the algorithm rewards retention, and nothing keeps people around like a character they already like. Second, recurring roles create a sense of community. Followers feel like they are “in the club” when they recognize a character or know what is coming. It builds loyalty. They are not just watching your content; they are following a story, even if that story is mostly farting jokes and awkward pauses.
From a creative standpoint, it also makes life easier. When you have already built the foundation of a character, you do not have to spend time figuring out their voice, their quirks, or their logic. You already know how they would react to a new situation, and that makes writing way faster. It also opens up the room to experiment. You can try crossover sketches between characters, bring in fan-suggested scenarios, or even poke fun at your own formulas.
Of course, not every character will stick. Some will bomb, and that is okay. The key is to listen. If people are quoting your lines, asking for sequels, or tagging friends to “introduce” them to the character, you are onto something. And if not, no harm done, you are back to the drawing board with another idea.
So, if you are out here grinding away on skits and trying to grow an audience, try leaning into a recurring role. Build a mini world. Create someone we can recognize within the first two seconds. Give them a catchphrase or a weird habit. Keep it simple, keep it specific, and most importantly, keep showing up with them.
Because sometimes, the best way to stand out on TikTok is to become someone people expect to see.