There’s a TikTok Prank That May Inspire You to Buy a New Front Door (Even if You’re Not a Victim)

Once upon a time, kids would ring your doorbell and run away. Was it annoying? Sure…but it was usually in broad daylight, and the worst that came of it was a barking dog or someone muttering under their breath after finding an empty porch.

But these days, a new version of the “ding-dong ditch” prank is trending—and it’s far more disruptive, and potentially dangerous. It’s called the “TikTok door-kicking challenge,” and it’s happening across the country at night, when people are asleep and far less likely to take it lightly.

What Is the TikTok Door-Kicking Challenge?

The challenge, as seen on TikTok and other social media platforms, involves groups of teens running up to random homes and delivering a full-force kick to the front door while recording their actions to post online—usually in the dead of night.

The challenge has been around for a while now, but it seems to resurface in waves—especially during the summer months when school is out and idle time is abundant. And while the odds of it happening to your home may be low, the impact is significant for those who experience it.

It’s Not Just Scary…It Can Cause Serious Damage

Getting startled awake at 2 a.m. by a loud crash at your front door isn’t just “kids being kids.” It’s terrifying. In some cases, homeowners think it’s a break-in—or worse. And that kind of adrenaline spike doesn’t exactly lead to a restful night of sleep.

Even if it only happened once, it could leave a homeowner feeling rattled for nights to come. But after it happened to one home in Chandler, AZ eighteen times, they were so terrified and afraid that someone was trying to break in, they decided to move.

Aside from the psychological impact, there’s the very real risk of someone getting hurt. A homeowner who feels threatened might respond defensively, and a teen trying to impress their friends could end up in a situation no one wants.

And of course there’s the damage…

These kicks are hard enough to splinter wood, dent steel, and in some cases, break through the door. That means time, money, and hassle to get it fixed—in addition to the vulnerability you feel until it’s replaced or repaired.

A New Front Door Can Be a Great Investment…

Hopefully, this “trend” fizzles out like most others do. And chances are, your home won’t be randomly targeted. But still—this isn’t a bad excuse to take a fresh look at your front door. Not just for safety reasons, but for financial ones too.

Many homeowners don’t give much thought to their door once they’ve moved in. It opens. It closes. It does what it’s supposed to do. So maybe it gets the occasional paint touch-up. But unless a major renovation is happening (like new siding or a porch overhaul), doors tend to stay on the back burner.

However, a new front door is one of the best home improvements you can make in terms of return on investment.

According to the annual 2024 Cost vs. Value report, installing a new steel front door delivers a whopping 188.1% ROI. In fact, it’s one of the only improvements that increases the value of your home more than it costs to do—the average cost to install is $2,355, and adds an average of $4,430 to the resale value.

And if you want to add even more to your home’s value, paint it charcoal, smoky, or jet black. A Reader’s Digest article recently noted that homes black front doors sold for $6,271 more than expected, on average.

Of course, there’s no guarantee a new front door (or a coat of paint) will bump your value by a specific amount—but still, that’s a pretty solid case for giving your entryway a refresh even if you’re not the victim of the TikTok challenge.

…And Give You Some Peace of Mind

Beyond the resale math, there’s another compelling reason to upgrade your front door: peace of mind.

Your front door is your home’s first line of defense. Not just against teens playing TikTok daredevils—but against actual threats, too. It’s what separates your family from the outside world. And depending on its condition, it could be the weak link in your home’s security.

If you haven’t looked at the materials and construction of your front door lately, now’s the time. Solid steel and fiberglass doors tend to offer the best mix of durability, insulation, and security. Wood doors can be beautiful—but they’re more prone to warping and damage over time, especially if they’re hollow-core or poorly sealed.

While you’re at it, consider upgrading your hardware. A strong deadbolt lock, a reinforced strike plate, and heavy-duty hinges can all make a big difference. Some doors even come with built-in multi-point locking systems—great for both security and weather-sealing.

Yes, it’s an expense. But it’s not just a cosmetic one—it’s an investment in your safety, and potentially your future resale value.

The Takeaway:

It might seem like an overreaction to spend money replacing a front door because of a silly TikTok challenge. But the truth is, it serves as a good reminder that your front door deserves some careful consideration.

A new door not only improves your home’s appearance—it can add value to your home, strengthen your security, and give you some peace of mind. So if your door has seen better days—or you’re just looking for a smart improvement that checks multiple boxes—this might be the nudge you need.

Because whether it’s pranksters, rising home values, or simple peace of mind…your front door plays a bigger role than most people realize.