People were left reeling when they discovered that Ruby Franke, a convicted child abuser and former YouTube family vlogger, was the mastermind behind a popular TikTok sound. Alongside her business partner Jodi Hildebrandt, Franke had been sentenced to a maximum of 30 years in prison for admitting to four counts of aggravated child abuse involving two of her own children. These shocking revelations came to light once a recent Hulu three-part series, titled Devil in the Family: The Fall of Ruby Franke, delved into the case.
The viral TikTok sound features a snippet from Franke’s vlog where she is heard on the phone, sounding distressed as she exclaims, “30,000?” This soundbite took TikTok by storm in 2022, gaining traction even before Franke’s subsequent arrest the following year. The clip has since been used in TikTok videos nearly 90,000 times, with users expressing their astonishment over exorbitant prices of various items.
### The Rise of the Trend
For instance, a video that went viral in 2022, amassing over 4.9 million views, utilized the sound with the caption: “POV: You pick out a shirt in Urban Outfitters and check the price tag.” The user, @prestonisoverparty, humorously highlighted the shock of discovering the cost of trendy clothing. Similarly, another TikTok creator, @shordietok, incorporated the sound in a 2023 video with the caption: “Me at work scared to tell everybody their total for 4 meals.” This lighthearted take on the sound resonated with viewers who related to the apprehension of revealing expensive bills.
Recently, TikTok user Aisha (@arbacn.net) went viral for unveiling Franke as the voice behind the trend. In a video that quickly garnered 9.8 million views, Aisha shared her newfound knowledge about the infamous sound. Commenters flooded the post with their reactions and musings on Franke’s unexpected involvement in the viral trend.
### Unveiling the Creator
Some users were taken aback by the revelation, with one individual commenting, “Apparently she left beans on the stove and it ruined her cabinets, and this is her finding out how much it would be to replace them lol.” Another user humorously remarked, “Why do TikTok audios always have diabolical lore to them?” The element of surprise and intrigue added an extra layer of fascination for TikTok enthusiasts.
As the news spread, some users expressed their disbelief that others were just discovering Franke’s background, with one person stating, “How are you guys just now finding out about her? I’ve known about this whole thing for years.” The interconnected nature of online platforms allows for a continuous flow of information that may surprise or enlighten different segments of the audience.
In the vast landscape of TikTok trends and challenges, the revelation of Franke’s involvement in the viral sound added a twist to the platform’s ever-evolving content. The fusion of real-life events with digital trends creates a unique dynamic that captures the attention of users from various backgrounds and interests. Franke’s unexpected role in this trend serves as a reminder of the complexities and surprises that can emerge in the realm of social media.
This captivating saga of discovery and revelation showcases how a seemingly innocuous TikTok sound can lead to a deeper exploration of the individuals behind the content. The interconnected nature of online platforms and real-world events adds layers of intrigue and complexity to seemingly straightforward trends. As users continue to engage with TikTok and other social media platforms, they may find themselves uncovering unexpected stories and connections that broaden their understanding of the digital landscape. The fusion of personal narratives and viral content creates a rich tapestry of experiences that captivates audiences and sparks conversations across various online communities.
