The "Cheap vs. Expensive" challenge is a staple of viral content on TikTok, and for good reason. It's relatable, entertaining, and taps into a fundamental consumer question: is the expensive version really worth it? For a video series, this format is a goldmine for engagement and shares.

To create a compelling and authentic series, it's not enough to just show the products. The key is in the testing, the narrative, and the clear verdict. Here's a guide to creating a viral "Cheap vs. Expensive" video series using items trending on TikTok in 2025.

Choosing the Right Viral Items to Test
For a successful series, you need to pick products that have a lot of hype and are popular in both budget-friendly and high-end versions. Based on current trends, here are a few categories ripe for a "Cheap vs. Expensive" comparison:

Beauty & Skincare:

Snail Mucin Serum: A viral Korean skincare trend, it's known for its hydrating properties. A cheap version can be found on Amazon, while the popular COSRX brand or a luxury K-beauty brand would be the expensive counterpart.

Pimple Patches: A cheap pack from a local drugstore vs. a high-end, aesthetically pleasing brand. The test would focus on effectiveness, adhesion, and visibility.

Heatless Hair Curlers: A common viral item. Compare a cheap foam roller set from a TikTok shop to a premium silk-based set from a high-end brand.

Home & Tech:

Mini Projectors: A cheap, portable projector from a fast-fashion or discount retailer vs. a recognized brand-name version with better resolution and features.

Jellyfish Lamps: These have been gaining popularity for home decor. Compare a cheap, color-changing one from a TikTok shop to a more realistic or higher-quality version from a specialty store.

Wireless Headphones: A basic pair of wireless earbuds from an off-brand vs. a premium, noise-canceling pair from a well-known electronics brand.

The Testing Methodology: Creating a Viral Narrative
A good video is built on a clear, engaging narrative. Your tests should be visual and easy for a viewer to understand.

Step 1: The "Unboxing" and First Impressions
Visual Contrast: Start with a side-by-side unboxing of the cheap and expensive items. Highlight the differences in packaging, material quality, and overall "feel."

Price Reveal: State the price of each item upfront. The sticker shock of the expensive version and the affordability of the cheap one is the hook.

Step 2: The "Performance" Test
Objective Criteria: For each product, define a few clear, objective criteria for your test.

For skincare: You could test for texture, absorption time, and a "before and after" look on your skin after a few uses.

For headphones: Test sound quality, noise-canceling effectiveness, and battery life.

For projectors: Test brightness, picture quality, and ease of setup.

Visual Demonstration: Film the tests in a way that is easy to see and understand. Use split-screen videos or fast cuts to show the results in a visually compelling way.

Humor and Relatability: Add your own personality to the video. Share your honest reactions, whether they're of shock, disappointment, or genuine excitement.

Step 3: The "Verdict"
The Final Scorecard: After the tests, present a clear verdict. You can use a scoring system (e.g., 1-10 for each criterion) or simply state which product is the winner.

The "Is It Worth It?" Question: The final and most important part of the video is answering the title's implied question. Is the expensive version truly worth the price, or is the cheap version a surprisingly good "dupe"? Your final recommendation should be honest and backed by your tests.

Keys to Going Viral
A Catchy Title and Hook: Use a title that clearly states the challenge, like "Testing a $500 vs. $5 viral skincare tool!"

Fast-Paced Editing: Keep the video moving. Use quick cuts, on-screen text, and engaging music to hold attention.

Engage with Comments: Respond to comments and use them to inform your next video. Ask your audience what they want to see you test next.

Use the Right Hashtags: Use a mix of broad and niche hashtags, such as #CheapVsExpensive, #TikTokMadeMeBuyIt, #ProductReview, and specific hashtags for the products you're testing.