The Smallville Method Explained: TikTok’s Latest Meme

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Discover why TikTokers want to look like Tom Welling

Co-authored by Usha Rajagopal, MD and Bailey Cho

Last Updated: April 2, 2026 Fact Checked

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What’s the ''Smallville'' method?

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Examples

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How to Look Like Tom Welling

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More Memes

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If you’ve been seeing a bunch of people post about the “Smallville method” on TikTok, you’re not alone. It’s a viral looksmaxxing meme taking over the app, and we’re here to break it down for you! In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know about the Smallville method, including what it is and example videos. We’ll also provide a guide on how to look like Tom Welling in Smallville so you can level up your looks and mog all your friends!

A Quick Overview of the Smallville Method

The Smallville method is a looksmaxxing meme on TikTok in which users aim to look like actor Tom Welling. Set to the song “What It Is” by Doechii, users post glow-up videos after following the method, which promotes working out and prioritizing self-care. The goal is to reach Tom Welling's level of attractiveness.

Section 1 of 4:

What is the Smallville method?

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The Smallville method is a looksmaxxing meme on TikTok. To many people, Tom Welling is the pinnacle of physical attractiveness, particularly when he played Clark Kent (Superman) in the early 2000s show Smallville. The Smallville method is a meme in which users aim to reach his level of attractiveness by eating healthily, working out, and prioritizing self-care, as explained by TikTok user @pierreviewed in this video. Most users post a before-and-after transformation to document their glow-up, set to the song “What It Is” by Doechii.
- It’s also a funny meme where users try to consume as much potassium as possible (via bananas and coconut water), watch Smallville, and then become attractive as Tom Welling instantly. We’ll provide examples of various memes below!

Section 2 of 4:

TikTok Examples

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From serious glow-up transformation videos to silly memes poking fun at the looksmaxxing community, lots of TikTok creators are tapping into the Smallville method (which is a testament to how beloved the show is… and how insanely hot Tom Welling is). Here are a few links to some videos that have gone viral:
- This TikTok video from @ethentrip shows a glow-up video of a guy losing weight after sticking to the Smallville method.
- This TikTok video from @lawrydo shows a before-and-after video of a guy bulking up after trying the Smallville method.
- This TikTok video from @rahel.lifts shows a transformation video of a guy getting into shape after following the Smallville method.
- This TikTok video from @only.twax shows a thirst trap edit of Tom Welling in the show Smallville with the caption “POV: life after spamming the smallville method.”
- This hilarious TikTok video from @zain_zaman7 shows a guy “before” the Smallville method and “after,” where he goes from a full head of hair to bald like Lex Luthor.
- This funny TikTok video from @ericaiscrackedatfn shows someone consuming bananas, kiwi, cucumbers, and coconut water while watching Smallville, along with the caption “this better work 🥹.”

Section 3 of 4:

How to Look Like Tom Welling in Smallville

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Ask your barber for a short, messy, and slightly layered haircut. Tell your barber you want a medium-length, layered haircut with a “messy flow.” Keep the top, fringe, and crown longer to give you that swoop effect, and ask them to avoid using clippers to create a soft, grown-in feel. Keep the sides close but not overly tight or faded.
- To be extra specific, ask them to leave 3-5 inches of hair on top and 2-3 inches on the sides.
- Show your barber reference photos of Tom Welling’s Smallville haircut that have the length, layering, and styling you like. The key to a flattering haircut is to be clear about what you want!
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Adopt his Smallville era style by wearing clean, classic clothes. Tom Welling’s style in Smallville is the epitome of “farm boy chic.” Think flannel shirts, graphic tees, rugged jeans, and his iconic red varsity jacket. The best way to achieve his look is to look up outfits from the show and recreate them using items you already have in your closet. When all else fails, you can’t go wrong with a simple tee, jeans, and boots!
- Tom famously wore brown leather Red Back boots throughout the show, as well as 6-inch Cobra boots.
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Hit the gym 3-5 times a week to build your back and shoulders. If you want to get Tom Welling’s broad-shouldered look in Smallville, lift heavier weights progressively and safely, and incorporate resistance training exercises like squats, push-ups, and pull-ups. Keep in mind that consistency is key! Work with a personal trainer if you’re new to the gym and want more individual attention, or get help from someone you know who works out regularly.
- You should also perform moderate exercise for at least 30 minutes per day, such as jogging, biking, swimming, mowing your lawn, or playing a sport.
- Focus on exercises that keep you looking healthy and athletic, rather than intense bodybuilding. Tom says he wasn’t able to work out all the time due to his filming schedule, so he prioritized functional strength training and healthy eating.^{[1]
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Eat a healthy diet with lots of protein, fats, and carbs. Cleaning up your diet can improve your skin, energy levels, and overall health, increasing your physical attractiveness (so you can look as good as Tom). Cut out as many processed foods as possible, and stick to a whole-foods diet of fresh fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean protein.^{[2]
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Research source} You might be hesitant to include fats and carbs, but fat loss will come as you lift weights consistently and boost your metabolism.
- Tom says he enjoyed a normal diet for most of Smallville, including pizza, but he would “bulk up” during off-seasons. He would then focus on heavy lifting to shed weight before returning to the set.^{[3]
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- To bulk up and cut like Tom, consume a 300-500 calorie surplus with high protein for 4-8 months to build muscle, then follow up with a 300-500 calorie deficit for 4-16 weeks to shed fat while maintaining muscle.
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Wash your face and apply moisturizer daily to keep your skin clear. Sticking to a consistent skincare routine can do wonders for your physical appearance! Use a gentle cleanser that doesn’t contain alcohol, and gently massage it over your face and neck. Rinse with lukewarm water, then apply a hydrating moisturizer to replenish and protect your skin barrier. Follow this routine every morning and night for the best results.^{[4]
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- To minimize breakouts, wash your face as soon as possible after sweating.
- If you have acne, look for skincare products that are labeled “non-comedogenic” or “oil-free,” and avoid touching your face and popping pimples.
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Consider mewing to achieve a more defined jawline. Mewing is an at-home technique that supposedly helps sharpen your jawline. While there’s no scientific evidence that it actually works, many TikTokers swear by it. To mew, close your mouth, lightly press your teeth together, then push your tongue against the roof of your mouth. Push your tongue as hard as you can for 2 or 3 minutes, then relax slightly to where you’re only using half the force. Hold this position for a few more minutes, then halve the force again.^{[5]
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- Alternatively, inject hyaluronic acid filler into the chin and jaw to improve your jawline and chin projection, advises board-certified plastic surgeon Usha Rajagopal, MD.^{[6]
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- For an at-home alternative, try gua sha to promote lymphatic drainage and tighten your skin. Scrape your skin with a stone tool to improve circulation, reduce puffiness, and relieve tension.