Defining Moves: The Most Viral TikTok Dance Challenges of the Last Decade

Created by Jalaiah Harmon, this complex choreography to Missy Elliott's 'The Greatest' became the definitive TikTok dance of 2020. It required precise hand movements and hip-hop isolation, sparking a massive global trend that dominated the app's 'For You' page.

Popularized by Jason Derulo and TikTok creator Megan Thee Stallion, this challenge featured simple, repetitive arm waves and hip movements. Its accessibility allowed millions of users to participate quickly, making it one of the most widespread trends of 2020.

Doja Cat's retro-inspired hit was paired with a chic, flowing arm choreography that emphasized grace and style. The challenge encouraged users to recreate the video's aesthetic, blending dance with fashion and contributing significantly to the song's resurgence.

Driven by the explosive release of Cardi B and Megan Thee Stallion's track, this challenge featured confident, rhythmic body rolls and hand gestures. It pushed the boundaries of TikTok's content guidelines while becoming one of the most discussed cultural moments of the year.

The Weeknd's 80s synth-wave anthem inspired a fast-paced dance routine that mimicked running or escaping. The energetic footwork and arm swings made it a favorite for lip-sync creators, helping the song dominate charts globally through viral association.

Dua Lipa's disco-funk hit featured a playful, bouncy choreography that emphasized joy and movement. The challenge was notable for its inclusive nature, with users of all ages and abilities joining in to celebrate the song's infectious, retro vibe.

Paired with The Weeknd's music video style, this challenge involved mimicking the singer's emotional performance and specific hand gestures. It capitalized on the visual aesthetics of the era, encouraging users to adopt a dramatic, cinematic flair in their videos.

Cardi B's empowering anthem inspired a confident, swagger-filled dance that focused on attitude and strong poses. The challenge resonated with users seeking to project strength and charisma, becoming a staple for motivational and fashion-focused content.

Silk Sonic's smooth R&B track featured a sensual, synchronized choreography that emphasized smooth transitions and hip movements. The challenge highlighted the group's musical chemistry, encouraging couples and duos to perform the intricate routine together.

Lil Nas X's high-energy anthem featured a bold, theatrical dance routine that included iconic hand signs and powerful poses. The challenge allowed users to embrace their inner star, combining hip-hop moves with dramatic flair for maximum viral impact.

Harry Styles' upbeat pop track inspired a nostalgic, freestyle dance that emphasized joy and simplicity. The challenge was less about rigid choreography and more about capturing the song's emotional resonance, leading to diverse and heartfelt user interpretations.

Miley Cyrus's self-empowerment anthem featured a chic, confident dance that involved self-love gestures and graceful movements. The challenge encouraged users to celebrate independence, becoming a global phenomenon that transcended language and cultural barriers.

FIFTY FIFTY's K-pop hit featured a simple, catchy arm movement that was easy to learn and replicate. Its accessibility led to a massive global surge in popularity, bridging the gap between K-pop fandom and mainstream TikTok culture.

Doja Cat's aggressive track inspired a bold, rhythmic dance that emphasized attitude and strong beats. The challenge featured intricate hand gestures and body rolls, encouraging users to express confidence and charisma through high-energy performances.

Tate McRae's pop hit featured a sleek, modern dance routine that combined sharp movements with fluid transitions. The challenge appealed to fans of contemporary pop, offering a stylish way to showcase dance skills while engaging with the song's catchy rhythm.

Kendrick Lamar's diss track inspired a confident, street-style dance that emphasized swagger and rhythmic precision. The challenge became a cultural moment, with users adopting the beat's intensity to create high-energy videos that dominated social feeds.

Sabrina Carpenter's playful pop track featured a flirtatious, bouncy choreography that emphasized charm and confidence. The challenge's simplicity and catchy hook made it highly accessible, leading to widespread participation from users of all dance levels.

Billie Eilish's quirky track inspired an eccentric, expressive dance that highlighted her unique artistic style. The challenge encouraged users to embrace unconventional movements and dramatic flair, resulting in creative and visually striking video interpretations.

Taylor Swift's collaboration with Post Malone featured a subtle, atmospheric dance that focused on mood and expression. The challenge allowed users to engage with the song's narrative, creating videos that blended dance with storytelling and emotional depth.

Billie Eilish's emotive ballad inspired a gentle, flowing dance that emphasized connection and emotion. The challenge highlighted the power of music to bring people together, with users creating heartfelt videos that celebrated friendship and shared experiences.