Overview

TayBeepBoop vs. Kaarin Joy Interior Design TikTok Drama refers to a feud between maximalist DIY interior design TikTokers TayBeepBoop and Kaarin Joy, sparked after TayBeepBoop accused Kaarin of copying her content for her own design videos. TayBeepBoop uploaded the video calling Kaarin out in early August 2023 and received backlash from viewers, who believed that the whole point of Tay's DIY content was for others to do it themselves, also believing some of the examples Tay used were simply coincidences or common design trends that she has no claim over. As a result of the backlash, TayBeepBoop lost a partnership with wallpaper company Otto Studio, after which she posted an apology video regarding the situation.

Background

On August 1st, 2023, TikToker^[1] @Taybeepboop (a content creator who posts DIY interior design videos, showcasing her own interior designs around her house and explaining how viewers can do the same) posted a video attempting to expose TikToker @kaarinjoy for allegedly stealing her design ideas for her own content.

In the video, Tay gives several examples of what she perceived as "stealing." She showcases how Kaarin posted a video of a "mossy mirror" she designed shortly after her, how she designed a room with a blue-and-green color scheme similar to hers, how she put a green squiggle shape on her wall just like her and mentions that she used one of the wallpapers from her wallpaper line on a wall.

The original video has been deleted, but was reuploaded by TikToker^[2] @interiordesigndra on August 2nd, including a section in which the uploader pauses the video and scrolls through the comments on Tay's post to show overwhelming support for Kaarin, with many claiming her design choices are either coincidental or can be found elsewhere. Some also mention that DIY content is meant to be replicated. The reupload garnered over 1.6 million views in six days (shown below).

Developments

Kaarin Joy Responds

On August 2nd, 2023, TikToker^[3] @Kaarinjoy posted a response to the video, claiming she hasn't seen it because TayBeepBoop blocked her after posting it. Kaarin says she and Tay have talked over DMs before and they always seemed cordial. During their interactions, Tay asked her not to use her design ideas for videos and Kaarin agreed she wouldn't.

She then says she looked up to TayBeepBoop and appreciated her style and that she didn't know they had issues. She then admits they have similar styles because she's inspired by her, saying about the copying accusations that it's "crazy" for Tay to seemingly think that nobody else can decorate in similar colors as her without them being a copycat.

She also says that if you're a DIY channel, it's wrong to shame someone for being inspired by you, suggesting DIY channels are made to give inspiration. The video gained over 4.3 million views in six days (shown below).

Online Reactions

Backlash

Beyond the negative comments left in Tay's comment section, TikTokers began to post video responses and reactions to TayBeepBoop's video, with many defending Kaarin.

For example, on August 2nd, 2023, TikToker^[4] @harleybruuuh stitched the video, showcasing how all the design trends Kaarin allegedly stole can be found on Pinterest and other places online, garnering over 1.7 million views in six days (shown below, left). On August 4th, TikToker^[5] @abbylebmusic posted a video joking that TayBeepBoop stole one of her designs since she placed similar chairs in her kitchen when playing Webkinz as a kid, garnering over 1.3 million views in four days (shown below, right).

Otto Studio Wallpaper Ends Partnership

On August 5th, 2023, wallpaper company Otto Studio, who previously sold a brand of wallpaper made in partnership with TayBeepBoop, posted a statement to their Instagram^[6] and TikTok^[7] pages announcing the end of their partnership with TayBeepBoop over the drama. writing that it, "goes against our value and the ethos of the DIY community," garnering over 2,600 likes on the former and 659,000 views on the latter in three days (shown below).

TayBeepBoop Apologizes

On August 5th, 2023, TikToker^[8] @Taybeepboop posted an apology video over the way she acted towards Kaarin. In the video, she admits that she didn't think she'd done anything wrong with her video for days and waited to respond because she didn't want to be fake. She then says she's thankful for some of the hate because it shifted her perspective and helped her understand the problem, saying "everyone draws inspiration from somewhere" and it was wrong to go after Kaarin, who has been "nothing but nice" to her. She says she loves the DIY community and it was awful to try and drag her down, calling Kaaring "gracious and kind" before and throughout the situation. She then asks viewers to hold her accountable for her bad actions and says it's been a "massive learning moment" for her. The video gained over 2 million views in three days (shown below).

Continued Reactions

People continued to discuss the drama online after her apology. On August 7th, 2023, YouTuber^[9] greenisnotnick posted a video explaining and reacting to the entirety of the drama, garnering over 235,000 views in a day (shown below).

Search Interest

External References