A nostalgic curation of the viral dance challenges that shaped TikTok's early cultural landscape before 2020, highlighting the tracks and choreographies that defined Gen Z social interaction and internet fame.
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Choreographed by Jalaiah Harmon, this complex routine to K-camp's 'Lottery' became the platform's most iconic dance. It emphasized isolation and energy, requiring significant coordination and setting a high bar for viral challenges.
Doja Cat's disco-infused track sparked a smooth, groovy dance trend that spread across all social platforms. The choreography featured fluid arm movements and hip sways, making it accessible and incredibly popular among users.
Created by TikTok user Hailie Baker, this dance to Megan Thee Stallion's anthem featured sharp, rhythmic hand movements and body rolls. It was widely adopted by celebrities and brands, becoming a massive cultural moment.
This meme-inspired dance trend featured exaggerated, robotic movements mimicking someone checking their phone. It was characterized by its humorous, stiff choreography and became a staple for comedic content on the platform.
A chaotic, high-energy dance set to Twenty One Pilots' hit song. It involved rapid, flailing arm movements and jumping, capturing the anxiety and humor of teenage life. The trend was characterized by its sheer intensity and relatability.
While released in late 2019, this dance trend peaked in early 2020. It featured sharp, 80s-inspired moves, often mimicking the music video's aesthetic. The dance required precision and became a global phenomenon.
A playful dance trend featuring quick, synchronized hand gestures and facial expressions. It was often used for comedic effect or to show off coordination, with users lip-syncing to the catchy audio clip.
Set to Kesha's 'Cannibal,' this dance involved dynamic, expressive movements that matched the song's upbeat tempo. It was popular for its fun, carefree vibe and allowed for creative individual interpretation within the trend.
Inspired by Dua Lipa's disco revival hit, this dance featured smooth, groovy steps and hair flips. It capitalized on the retro aesthetic of the song, encouraging users to incorporate stylish outfits into their videos.
Although released in late August 2020, its choreography originated in late 2019 and exploded just before the full pandemic lockdowns. It was highly provocative and sparked significant discussion about artistic expression on the platform.
A smooth, low-effort dance trend set to Drake and Future's track. It involved subtle hip movements and hand gestures, making it easy for users to participate without complex choreography skills.
A variation of the main trend that focused on the retro synth-wave aesthetic. Users often incorporated props or costumes from the 1980s to enhance the nostalgic feel of the dance performance.
Drake's self-choreographed dance featured simple, sliding steps and arm movements. It was designed for mass participation, leading to widespread adoption by celebrities and average users alike due to its ease of learning.
A dark, moody dance trend set to The Weeknd's 'Heartless.' It involved slow, deliberate movements and often featured dramatic lighting and outfits, creating a stark contrast to other upbeat trends.
Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo's collaboration sparked a smooth, rhythmic dance. It featured flowing arm movements and hip sways, fitting perfectly with the tropical house vibe of the track.
Dua Lipa's upbeat track inspired a fun, energetic dance that emphasized footwork and arm waves. It was often performed in groups, creating a sense of community and shared enjoyment among users.
Lady Gaga and Ariana Grande's anthem featured a dance trend that incorporated dramatic, rain-themed props. The choreography was powerful and emotive, matching the intensity of the vocals and the song's themes.
24kGoldn's hit song spawned a simple, catchy dance involving hand gestures and steps. It was easy to replicate and became a favorite for quick, engaging content that required minimal setup.
DaBaby's track inspired a confident, swagger-filled dance trend. It involved stylized hand movements and poses that exuded coolness, allowing users to project a rockstar persona in their videos.
Ariana Grande's final pre-pandemic single featured a dance with fluid, circular arm movements. The choreography was elegant and matched the song's R&B vibe, encouraging graceful and expressive performances.