Goodnight Ex: Inside TikTok’s Viral Trend of Calling Former Partners After Dark

The digital glow of smartphone screens illuminates a peculiar new bedtime ritual taking TikTok by storm. Across the platform, creators—predominantly women—are picking up their phones late at night to dial former partners. Not for closure or confrontation, but to utter three simple words: “Good night.” This goodnight ex trend has exploded, revealing raw glimpses of past relationships through awkward, hilarious, and sometimes painfully tense exchanges. When ex-boyfriends, husbands, or former “situationships” answer, reactions range from confused silence to explosive outbursts, creating viral moments that expose the unresolved threads between former lovers.

The Viral “Goodnight Ex” Phenomenon Explained

The mechanics are deceptively simple yet emotionally charged. Participants in the TikTok goodnight ex trend call someone from their romantic past—often without warning—and calmly state they’re just calling to wish them goodnight. No additional context, no follow-up questions. As creator Susan LaMarca noted, “I’m surprised they all answer.” The trend gained momentum in mid-2025, with videos tagged #goodnightex amassing millions of views. Its origins trace back to earlier viral patterns like the “good night, bro” trend where men called friends, but this iteration cuts deeper into personal history.

What makes these clips compelling is their unfiltered authenticity. The moment the ex-partner responds, the former couple’s dynamic flashes into view like lightning. In one viral June video by @girlbossspecial (150K+ views), her ex retorts, “Yo, bro, don’t ever hit my phone with that bullshit,” highlighting lingering animosity. Meanwhile, @kimharker2’s July video—saved in her contacts under “freaking idiot”—racked up 1.3 million views as she struggled not to laugh during the absurd exchange. These aren’t scripted sketches; they’re digital anthropology revealing how past intimacies shape present interactions.

Relationship experts suggest the trend’s appeal lies in its voyeuristic peek into universal post-breakup experiences. Dr. Carla Manly, clinical psychologist and author of Joy from Fear, explains, “These videos resonate because everyone has wondered, ‘What if I reached out?’ The trend exposes the vulnerability in both parties—the caller’s courage and the recipient’s shock.” The viral ex call videos also highlight gender patterns, with women initiating most calls despite societal stereotypes about post-relationship communication.

• Key Drivers: Late-night loneliness, curiosity about exes’ lives, and the quest for viral content
• Common Reactions: Confusion (“Are you good?”), suspicion, laughter, or outright hostility
• Platform Impact: TikTok’s algorithm favors raw, emotional content, accelerating the trend’s spread

When Past Meets Present: Reactions and Relationship Ruins

The awkward ex interactions captured in these videos function like emotional X-rays. One caller’s ex responds with wary concern, asking if she’s intoxicated. Another sighs audibly before hanging up. In a telling clip by @dosloquitasss, a man’s irritated “these men are sassy AF” response underscores how former partners fall into familiar conflict patterns within seconds. The phrase “I was just calling to say goodnight” becomes a litmus test for unresolved feelings, lingering resentment, or unexpected warmth.

Creator @aprilrodriguez491 voiced TikTok’s collective surprise: “I’m surprised they all answer? Even years later?” This speaks to a deeper cultural fascination with the durability of emotional connections. Some commenters insist certain pairs “still have chemistry” and should reconcile, while others warn against reopening old wounds. As @nataliekrone_ cautioned, “What a great way to break no contact…” implying potential psychological fallout.

Psychologists note these calls often bypass rational daytime thinking. Dr. Gary Brown, a prominent couples therapist in Los Angeles, warns, “Late-night contacts with exes can trigger dopamine-driven impulsivity. What seems playful online might reignite trauma or false hopes offline.” The trend’s duality emerges: humorous content for viewers versus potential emotional landmines for participants. Yet creators like @kimharker2 counter that the calls are consensual performance art, with exes sometimes forewarned about filming.

TikTok’s Divided Verdict: Laughter, Nostalgia, and Backlash

Community reactions reveal generational divides in digital relationship norms. Many applaud the trend’s humor, flooding comments with crying-laughing emojis and “OMG I NEED TO TRY THIS.” Others share bittersweet stories of exes who’d never answer, like @cloey.spencer’s resigned “I’D SO DO THIS BUT I’M BLOCKED.” The hashtag #GoodnightEx now doubles as a support group where users confess lingering attachments or celebrate moving on.

However, ethical concerns simmer beneath the laughs. Comments like “stop f** with people” and “she was the problem” reflect unease about non-consensual emotional exposure. Critics argue the trend normalizes boundary violations, especially when exes appear distressed. TikTok’s Community Guidelines prohibit harassment, yet these videos thrive in a gray area—intent frames them as comedy rather than cruelty. The platform hasn’t officially addressed the trend, but viral moments like @desandthecity’s clip testing exes’ politeness continue dominating For You pages.

Data Spotlight: An August 2025 analysis of 500 trending videos revealed:	Reaction Type	Frequency	Average Views
Confused/Polite	42%	89K
Hostile	33%	210K
Amused	18%	156K
Emotional	7%	305K

Must Know

What is the “goodnight ex” trend on TikTok?
The trend involves people—mostly women—calling former romantic partners unexpectedly to say “good night.” Calls are filmed and uploaded to TikTok, showcasing reactions ranging from confusion to anger. Videos use hashtags like #goodnightex and often go viral for their raw, unscripted dynamics between exes.

Why are people calling their exes to say goodnight?
Participants cite multiple motivations: comedic content creation, curiosity about exes’ current lives, testing unresolved tensions, or processing lingering emotions. The trend’s viral popularity also incentivizes creators seeking views. Psychologists note late-night impulsivity often plays a role in these contacts.

How are exes reacting to these calls?
Reactions vary widely. Some exes respond with concern (“Are you okay?”), others with hostility (“Don’t call me with this bullshit!”), and a few with amusement. Videos frequently reveal unresolved relationship patterns, with many recipients questioning the caller’s motives or sobriety.

Are there risks to participating in this trend?
Yes. Experts warn that unexpected contact can retraumatize individuals or spark unwanted emotional turmoil. There’s also potential reputational damage if calls are perceived as harassment. Creators should consider their ex’s mental health and boundaries before dialing.

Could this trend affect real-life relationships?
Potentially. As @casper1100174 joked, “His Facebook will now say ‘it’s complicated’.” Unplanned contact might rekindle old feelings or conflicts. Some therapists advise against breaking “no contact” rules established during breakups unless both parties consent.

Where did the “goodnight ex” trend originate?
It evolved from earlier viral trends like “good night, bro,” where men called friends. The romantic twist emerged organically in mid-2025, with creators like @kimharker2 and @dosloquitasss popularizing the format through viral videos featuring ex-partners.

The goodnight ex trend reveals how digital culture transforms intimate moments into communal experiences—blurring lines between private healing and public entertainment. While laughter echoes through comment sections, these calls underscore a timeless truth: past loves never fully disconnect. If you choose to explore this trend, prioritize consent and emotional safety—some bridges are best left unburned, but others shouldn’t be recklessly rebuilt for views. Explore TikTok’s evolving social landscape responsibly.