Viral TikTok Dance Trends: The Most Popular Moves of All Time
The Birth of TikTok Dance Trends
TikTok, originally launched as Douyin in China in September 2016, quickly expanded globally as TikTok in 2017. It became a platform where users could create and share short-form videos, often set to music. One of the most notable aspects of TikTok is its ability to make music and dance trends go viral almost overnight. This phenomenon can be attributed to the platform's algorithm, which pushes content to a broader audience, allowing even lesser-known creators to achieve fame through their creativity and catchy moves.
The Most Viral TikTok Dances
1. "Renegade"
Origin: The "Renegade" dance, one of the most iconic TikTok dances, was created by 14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon in 2019. Set to the song "Lottery" by K CAMP, this dance quickly gained traction and was performed by countless TikTok users, including celebrities and influencers.
Why It Went Viral: The "Renegade" dance's popularity can be attributed to its catchy rhythm and complex moves, which challenged users to master the choreography. Additionally, the dance became a cultural milestone when mainstream media and celebrities like Charli D'Amelio performed it, further boosting its visibility.
Impact: The "Renegade" dance highlighted the importance of crediting creators, as Jalaiah Harmon was initially not recognized for her choreography. Her eventual recognition sparked discussions about the ethics of social media and the importance of giving credit where it's due.
2. "Savage"
Origin: Megan Thee Stallion's hit song "Savage" became the soundtrack for this viral dance trend, which was created by TikTok user Keara Wilson in March 2020.
Why It Went Viral: The dance gained popularity during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic when users were looking for ways to stay entertained during lockdowns. Its sassy, confident moves resonated with users, and the challenge to replicate the dance quickly spread across the platform.
Impact: The "Savage" dance not only boosted Megan Thee Stallion's song to the top of the charts but also solidified TikTok as a platform where music and dance trends could explode in popularity, influencing mainstream culture.
3. "Say So"
Origin: The "Say So" dance was created by TikTok user Haley Sharpe, who choreographed moves to Doja Cat's song "Say So." The dance became immensely popular in late 2019 and early 2020.
Why It Went Viral: The "Say So" dance's appeal lay in its simplicity and catchiness. Unlike more complex dances, this one was easy for users of all skill levels to pick up, making it highly shareable. Doja Cat herself acknowledged the dance's role in the song's success and even included elements of the choreography in her official music video.
Impact: The "Say So" dance exemplifies how TikTok can catapult a song to mainstream success, with Doja Cat's track reaching the top of the Billboard charts, partly due to the dance's viral status.
4. "Blinding Lights"
Origin: The "Blinding Lights" challenge, set to The Weeknd's hit song, became a sensation on TikTok in 2020. The dance was often performed with a group, featuring a sequence of jumping and coordinated arm movements.
Why It Went Viral: The "Blinding Lights" dance became popular because of its nostalgic 80s vibe and the fact that it was a fun, family-friendly activity that people could do together during the pandemic lockdowns. Its simple yet energetic moves made it accessible to a wide audience.
Impact: This challenge was one of the first TikTok trends to be embraced by people of all ages, from children to grandparents, highlighting the platform's wide demographic appeal. The song itself became one of the most-streamed tracks of the year, in part due to its TikTok success.
5. "WAP"
Origin: Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's provocative song "WAP" inspired a dance that quickly went viral in 2020. The choreography, created by TikTok user Brian Esperon, featured a mix of twerking and other bold dance moves.
Why It Went Viral: The "WAP" dance was controversial due to its explicit content, but this controversy only fueled its virality. The challenge became a way for users to showcase their dance skills, push boundaries, and generate reactions from their followers.
Impact: The "WAP" dance trend highlighted the power of TikTok to drive music sales and streams, as well as the platform's role in sparking debates about appropriateness and censorship in digital content.
6. "Cannibal"
Origin: The "Cannibal" dance trend originated from Kesha's 2010 song "Cannibal," which experienced a resurgence on TikTok in late 2020. The dance was popularized by TikTok user @ya.girl.bri.bri, whose choreography quickly spread across the platform.
Why It Went Viral: The dance's mix of quirky and dramatic moves, along with the unexpected revival of an older song, made it a hit among TikTok users. It also tapped into the platform's love for nostalgic content.
Impact: The "Cannibal" trend showcased TikTok's ability to revive older songs and introduce them to a new generation, demonstrating the platform's influence on music consumption.
7. "Supalonely"
Origin: New Zealand artist Benee's song "Supalonely" became the backdrop for a viral dance trend in 2020, thanks to choreography created by TikTok user Zoi Lerma.
Why It Went Viral: The "Supalonely" dance resonated with users due to its fun, lighthearted moves, which contrasted with the more serious tone of the song's lyrics. It became a popular way for users to express their feelings of isolation and boredom during the pandemic.
Impact: The "Supalonely" trend helped Benee's song gain international recognition, turning it into a global hit. It also underscored TikTok's role as a platform for discovering and promoting emerging artists.
The Mechanics Behind Viral TikTok Dances
TikTok dances go viral for a variety of reasons, including the catchiness of the choreography, the relatability of the content, and the influence of popular creators. The platform's algorithm plays a significant role in this process, as it promotes content based on user engagement rather than follower count, allowing dance trends to spread rapidly.
Another key factor is the community aspect of TikTok. Users often collaborate on dances, remix existing choreography, or create duets with others, further amplifying the reach of a particular dance trend. Challenges associated with these dances also encourage participation, as users are motivated to join in on the fun and share their own versions.
Cultural Impact and Criticisms
Viral TikTok dances have had a significant cultural impact, influencing music trends, fashion, and even language. However, they have also been the subject of criticism, particularly regarding issues of cultural appropriation and the lack of credit given to original creators, many of whom are young Black dancers. The case of Jalaiah Harmon and the "Renegade" dance brought these issues to the forefront, leading to calls for greater recognition and respect for the creators behind these viral trends.
Conclusion
TikTok has undeniably changed the way we consume and interact with content, with viral dances playing a central role in this transformation. These trends not only showcase the creativity and talent of TikTok users but also highlight the platform's power to shape popular culture. As TikTok continues to evolve, it will be fascinating to see what new dance trends emerge and how they will continue to influence the digital and real-world landscapes.
Whether you're a seasoned TikTok user or just a casual observer, there's no denying the impact of these viral dances. They bring people together, provide a platform for creativity, and, most importantly, remind us of the joy that can be found in movement and music. As the world of TikTok dances continues to grow, it's clear that these trends are here to stay.
Get ready to dance, because TikTok isn't slowing down anytime soon.
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