A quirky new trend known as “hamstering” is sweeping across TikTok, leaving users both amused and confused. Unlike many viral challenges that lean into humor or spectacle, hamstering is a surprisingly intimate and peculiar behavior gaining traction in the bedroom — and it’s got people talking. At its core, “hamstering” involves mimicking the nesting behaviors of hamsters: burrowing into blankets, piling pillows, creating cozy dens, and even making small, cocoon-like spaces for sleep, comfort, or emotional safety. The trend isn’t about acting like an actual hamster in a literal sense, but rather about channeling the tiny creature’s desire for warmth, security, and retreat.
Videos with the hashtag #hamstering have accumulated millions of views, with creators showcasing their elaborate blanket forts, “snuggle nests,” and late-night rituals of curling up tightly under layers of plush fabrics. Some users say they do it alone as a form of self-care, while others describe it as a bonding activity with their partner. It’s not overtly sexual in nature, though it’s often discussed in the context of intimacy, emotional closeness, and physical touch.
One of the reasons “hamstering” has taken off is its soothing, almost childlike nature. In a time when stress, burnout, and overstimulation are common, the act of curling into a small, quiet space resonates with many. Some compare it to the adult version of swaddling — wrapping oneself in softness to feel protected. Therapists and mental health advocates have even chimed in, noting that the behavior may stem from a subconscious desire for comfort, security, and regression to a more carefree or nurtured state.
Many TikTok users who share hamstering videos emphasize the sensory aspect of the experience. Weighted blankets, soft textures, and dim lighting play a major role. Some “hamster nests” include fairy lights, calming sounds, or scent diffusers to enhance the coziness. The process of building the nest is just as important as lying in it — for some, it becomes a nighttime ritual that replaces scrolling through their phone or binge-watching shows before bed.
The trend has also sparked conversation around how adults seek nonsexual physical closeness. Couples who practice hamstering together say it enhances emotional intimacy. One partner will often become the “burrower,” while the other provides warmth and stillness. These dynamics are being explored in viral posts with humorous commentary, but also with surprising emotional depth. Many describe feeling safer and more loved when engaged in hamstering with a trusted partner.
As with many TikTok trends, there’s a humorous side too. Some users post tongue-in-cheek videos pretending to hoard snacks in their blanket nest, or crawling under piles of laundry like actual hamsters. Others stage “hamster challenges” where friends compete to build the coziest, most elaborate nests. The light-heartedness of these posts adds a fun, approachable aspect to what is, at its heart, a deeply comforting ritual.
The trend is also being tied to broader lifestyle aesthetics like “cozycore,” “bedroom maximalism,” and even “dopamine decor” — all emphasizing comfort, personal expression, and sensory pleasure. Influencers have started promoting products like fluffy robes, plush pillows, and thermal pajamas as “hamstering essentials,” further fueling interest and turning the trend into a low-key subculture.
While some dismiss it as silly or childish, others argue that hamstering is a creative, harmless way for people to reclaim control over their environment and emotional needs. In a digital world filled with chaos, doomscrolling, and pressure, finding comfort in something as simple as burrowing into a pile of blankets can be oddly powerful. It’s a rejection of stress culture and an embrace of softness — both physically and emotionally.
Even sleep experts are weighing in, with some noting that creating a familiar, enclosed space can have positive effects on sleep quality. The feeling of containment and warmth may reduce anxiety and promote a sense of safety, which is vital for restful sleep. However, they also caution against using hamstering as a substitute for addressing deeper emotional issues, suggesting that while it may soothe, it shouldn’t replace healthy communication or self-reflection.
For now, hamstering is one of those delightfully odd internet phenomena that reveals how creative people can be in finding joy, comfort, and connection in unexpected ways. Whether it becomes a long-term trend or fades like many others, it’s clear that it has tapped into something meaningful for thousands of users.
In the end, hamstering is less about being silly and more about seeking warmth, security, and emotional closeness in a world that often feels cold and fast-paced. For many, burrowing under the covers with someone they love — or even just themselves — feels like the softest kind of rebellion.
