So, what even is the ‘bird theory’ trend on TikTok? The viral test that’s taking over relationships

You’ve probably seen couples on TikTok pointing at random things and shouting “bird!” at each other, and wondered what on earth is going on and what this new trend is.

Well, last week it was the Group 7 TikTok trend, and now there’s a new one called the bird theory trend, or the bird test. And it’s been taking over the app again recently after first going viral in 2023.

So, who started it, and why is everyone doing it?

@alyssacardib

Bird test

♬ original sound – Lyss Lyss

TikTok creator @alyssacardib first posted about the bird test back in 2023. She explained she did it on basically everyone in her life, family, friends, partners, and claimed it “never fails.”

Her take was simple that if someone responds to a small, seemingly insignificant thing with genuine interest, it’s a good sign the relationship is strong. If they don’t, that could be a warning sign.

Naturally, people on TikTok have taken it and run with it. Videos of people testing their partners, and the hilarious or heartbreaking reactions, are now blowing up all over the app.

Some go well, and some go very, very badly.

So, what exactly is the bird theory trend on TikTok?

@thequistfamily

This man always listens to my stories 😂 #birdtheory #couplegoals #wife #relationship #thequistfamily

♬ original sound – Courtney & Alex

It’s basically a relationship litmus test. The idea is pretty simple. One person pretends to notice something ordinary, like, say, a bird, and calls it out, trying to get their partner’s attention.

If the partner reacts with excitement, curiosity, or genuine interest, they “pass” the bird test. But if they shrug it off or ignore it, that could mean they’re not as emotionally invested as you thought.

The trend is mostly just a playful way to check how much your partner notices or pays attention to you.

But wait, this actually has a science-y side

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Believe it or not, the bird test isn’t just random TikTok nonsense. According to the Prime Timer, it actually lines up with something called “bids” from Dr. John Gottman’s relationship research.

Basically, a bid is any small attempt by one partner to get attention, affection, or connection. If the other partner turns toward the bid, even for something tiny, that’s a sign of a healthy, emotionally connected relationship.

Ignoring the bid, or “turning away,” can suggest a lack of attention or care. So yes, the bird theory trend actually mirrors real relationship science. Who knew TikTok could be educational?

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