TikTokers are embracing their inner main character with the new slang term "do it for the plot". Across the platform, videos about doing reckless or scary things "for the plot" are going viral, giving many TikTokers the encouragement they need to take that risky dive into new territory. But where did the term come from and what does it mean exactly? Here's a rundown.

@theocarow

living by this mindset from now on

♬ original sound – St☆rgirl

What Does 'Do It For The Plot' Mean?

The term "do it for the plot" was coined by actress and TikToker Serena Kerrigan, also known as SFK, as early as July 2021. That month, Kerrigan began posting videos where she talks about "doing it for the plot," describing the term as a change in mindset that's helped push her to do potentially risky things. Kerrigan has talked about the idea multiple times since, with some of her most viral videos including examples of doing it for the plot.

Essentially, "do it for the plot" means to do something regardless of the potential for a negative outcome. This can be anything from moving across the country to going out for a wild night on the town to trying something new. When you decide to do something for the plot, you're viewing yourself as the main character in your life and doing the thing to move "the plot" forward, no matter what might happen.

@jamietavernini do it for the plot #fyp #fypシ゚viral #doitfortheplot ♬ original sound – yelenabelovasnewvest🍉🍒🥝

How Is 'Do It For The Plot' Used Online?

"Do it for the plot" spread significantly across TikTok and social media at large throughout 2022 as Kerrigan continued to promote the idea in interviews and in her TikTok content. As her videos gained virality, other TikTokers began to share the idea of doing it for the plot, often explaining it as a life-changing mindset to live by.

Some of the most popular videos to reference the idea are skits where a person is at first reluctant about doing something, then encouraged to do it once they hear the phrase "do it for the plot." Others joke about using the phrase to justify doing things that will inevitably lead to bad consequences. Other TikTokers have gone viral with videos announcing their "do it for the plot era," meaning they plan to "do it for the plot" at this time in their lives.

@helena_xo22

♬ original sound – ✗𝙊𝐓𝐖𝙊𝐃.𝗛𝗦 🇦🇫

@ann_natalie I ❤️ gen-z lingo – sincerely, a millennial #millennialsoftiktok #genz #genzlingo #doitfortheplot ♬ original sound – NatalieAnn

@serenakerrigan This mindset changed my life and will change yours too. #doirfortheplot #plotgirlsummer #queenofconfidence #maincharacter ♬ original sound – SFK

@nevinmckinnon Anytbing for the plot #theplotthickens ♬ bored zippy on soundcloud – xylo

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For the full history of "do it for the plot," be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.