The internet’s fascination with captivating movement has led to numerous online sensations. However, only a select few truly explode into global phenomena. These captivating viral dance videos not only entertain but also leave a lasting mark on internet culture. So, let’s revisit some iconic moments. We’re counting down the top 7 viral dance videos that genuinely captured global attention with their infectious energy and widespread appeal.
1. The Dawn of Internet Dance Crazes: “Evolution of Dance”
Back in 2006, Judson Laipply’s “Evolution of Dance” emerged as a foundational piece of internet culture. This simple yet brilliant performance, showcasing the history of popular dance styles, paved the way for countless engaging viral dance videos that followed. Its charm and relatability were key factors in its widespread success online.
2. When the World Shook: The “Harlem Shake” Phenomenon
The year 2013 will forever be linked with the “Harlem Shake.” This internet dance craze, a specific type of viral dance video, typically began with a solo dancer before an abrupt shift to a chaotic group. Indeed, it was replicated millions of times across various online platforms. From offices to classrooms, this particular viral dance video became a defining internet meme, illustrating the power of simple, repeatable dance trends to spread rapidly and become true viral dance videos. You can learn more about its impact on internet culture at Know Your Meme – Harlem Shake.
(Outbound Link: Know Your Meme – Harlem Shake [https://knowyourmeme.com/memes/harlem-shake])
3. Catchy Tunes and Moves: Silentó’s “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)”
Silentó’s 2015 hit “Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)” transcended the music charts. Moreover, its accompanying choreography became a global sensation within the realm of popular viral dance videos. This catchy tune inspired countless tutorials and recreations, especially among younger audiences eager to participate in this easily replicable viral dance video trend.
4. Spreading Joy Online: The “Running Man Challenge”
In 2016, the “Running Man Challenge” took over social media feeds. Set to the nostalgic beat of Ghost Town DJ’s “My Boo,” this feel-good viral dance video often showcased people performing the signature running man dance in unexpected and often humorous settings. Furthermore, its organic spread was notable, with athletes and celebrities enthusiastically participating, sometimes even for charitable causes, making it one of the more memorable viral dance videos. For more details on this challenge, you can check out Billboard’s coverage of the Running Man Challenge.
(Outbound Link: Billboard – Running Man Challenge [https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/7353788/running-man-challenge-history])
5. Dancing Beside Cars: Drake’s #InMyFeelingsChallenge
Drake’s 2018 track “In My Feelings” ignited a global dance phenomenon that went beyond simple imitation. The #InMyFeelingsChallenge, or #KikiChallenge, became a risky yet captivating viral dance video trend, featuring people daringly dancing alongside moving vehicles. Undeniably, this particular viral dance video captured the internet’s imagination on a massive scale, generating an extraordinary amount of user-created content and solidifying its place among the top viral dance videos. To understand the reach of this challenge, you might find The Verge’s article on the In My Feelings Challenge insightful.
(Outbound Link: The Verge – In My Feelings Challenge [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.theverge.com/2018/7/24/17611994/in-my-feelings-challenge-kiki-drake-instagram-viral])
6. The TikTok Dance Revolution: The “Renegade” Story
Emerging from the burgeoning platform of TikTok, the “Renegade” dance, popularized by the talented Jalaiah Harmon, marked a significant shift in how viral dance videos were created and disseminated. This intricate TikTok creation became a defining moment for the platform’s dance community and highlighted the immense influence of young creators in shaping contemporary internet culture through these engaging viral dance videos. Teen Vogue offers a great piece on Jalaiah and the Renegade dance.
(Outbound Link: Teen Vogue – Jalaiah Harmon Renegade Dance [https://www.teenvogue.com/story/jalaiah-harmon-renegade-tiktok-dance])
7. Expressing Yourself Through Movement: The “Savage” Challenge
Megan Thee Stallion’s empowering anthem “Savage” took TikTok by storm in 2020, and its accompanying dance challenge became a powerful form of online expression. This particular viral dance video encouraged confidence and self-expression, with its sharp and sassy moves being widely adopted and creatively adapted by millions of users. Clearly, it demonstrated the strong connection between music, movement, and the formation of online communities around popular viral dance videos. For a deeper dive into the “Savage” challenge, Vulture’s article on the TikTok phenomenon is a good resource.
(Outbound Link: Vulture – Savage Challenge TikTok [https://www.vulture.com/2020/04/savage-challenge-tiktok-explained.html])
(Outbound Link: Vulture – Savage Challenge TikTok [Insert relevant link to a Vulture article about the Savage Challenge])
These top 7 viral dance videos offer just a glimpse into the captivating and ever-evolving world of internet dance crazes. They vividly illustrate how a simple piece of choreography, combined with the unparalleled reach of online platforms, can bring immense joy, foster connection, and occasionally lead to truly internet-breaking moments. So, which of these iconic internet dance moments got you moving? Share your experiences in the comments below!
