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TikTok Dances That Defined the Platform: 25 Iconic Moves and Their Creators

All TikTok addicts (and interested bystanders) are invited! Put on your dance shoes and get ready to experience the incredible movements that ruled the platform as we fast-forward!

Do you recall the “Renegade” who overflowed your newsfeed? Or how about the “Wellerman Sea Shanty” with its ridiculous footwork? Prepare yourself for a nostalgic journey as we relive 25 classic TikTok dances that helped to define the platform and catapult their creators into the spotlight.

We’ll get to know the gifted people who started these worldwide fads, dissect the moves step-by-step, and recall the wonderful anecdotes and humorous problems that went along with them.

This is your chance to remember the dances that brought millions of people together and made you tap your feet—or at least try them—from goofy shuffles to coordinated routines.

1. Renegade Dance – Jalaiah Harmon

Oh we bringing the renegade back??? dc: @jalaiahharmon ?

The Renegade dance, pioneered by Jalaiah Harmon, catapulted her to fame on TikTok in 2019. This intricate routine quickly became a viral sensation, captivating users worldwide with its fluid and energetic moves.

Jalaiah, a talented 14-year-old dancer, crafted the choreography to the beat of “Lottery” by K CAMP. Despite initially going unnoticed, her dance gained immense popularity after celebrities and influencers began to replicate and credit her for the creation.

Jalaiah’s story sheds light on the importance of acknowledging and crediting original creators on social media platforms, and she has since continued to showcase her dance skills on various platforms.

2. Savage Love- Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo

Savageee love ?? @jasonderulo

“Savage Love,” a global TikTok sensation in 2020, emerged from the collaboration between New Zealand producer Jawsh 685 and American artist Jason Derulo. The track features a catchy beat and infectious lyrics that took over the TikTok community, sparking a dance trend.

The dance, characterized by playful hip movements and arm gestures, became synonymous with the song. Jaws 685’s irresistible beat and Jason Derulo’s vocals combined to create an anthem that dominated social media platforms, making it one of the most iconic tracks of its time. 

3. Say So – Doja Cat

“Doja Cat’s ‘Say So'” emerged as a TikTok sensation and mainstream hit in 2020, characterized by its disco-infused pop sound and infectious energy. The song, part of Doja Cat’s album “Hot Pink,” gained immense popularity due to its catchy chorus and danceable rhythm.

The accompanying dance, created by TikTok user Haley Sharpe, aka @yodelinghaley, went viral, with users worldwide attempting to replicate its upbeat moves. “Say So” not only showcased Doja Cat’s versatility as an artist but also became a cultural phenomenon, dominating charts and influencing pop culture with its vibrant sound and the accompanying TikTok dance craze.

4. Lottery (Renegade) – K CAMP

Can you believe it’s really been that long??

“Lottery (Renegade),” a track by K CAMP, gained viral fame on TikTok in 2019 with its association with the Renegade dance. The dance, initially choreographed by Jalaiah Harmon, became synonymous with the song and took the platform by storm.

The catchy beat and Harmon’s intricate choreography turned “Lottery” into a global phenomenon, inspiring countless users to recreate the dance. Despite its initial popularity, the song found renewed success on TikTok, showcasing the platform’s ability to resurrect and amplify music trends. 

5. The Woah- Created by dancers at The Hype House

“The Woah” dance craze originated among dancers at The Hype House, a prominent TikTok influencer collective. While the exact creators may not be individually identified, members of The Hype House collectively popularized and contributed to the dance’s rise.

The Woah involves a simple yet visually impactful move, where participants make a quick, rhythmic arm motion that often syncs with upbeat music. As with many TikTok trends, the dance quickly spread across the platform, with users of all ages and backgrounds participating. 

6. Out West- JACKBOYS & Travis Scott ft. Young Thug

“Out West” by JACKBOYS, Travis Scott, and Young Thug became a TikTok sensation, inspiring a popular dance trend. Released in 2019 as part of the JACKBOYS compilation album, the track’s catchy beat and energetic vibe led to its widespread adoption on the platform.

The accompanying dance, characterized by playful and dynamic moves, was embraced by TikTok users who showcased their creativity in interpreting the song. As the dance gained momentum,

“Out West” solidified its place as a soundtrack to countless user-generated videos, contributing to the song’s cultural impact and further exemplifying TikTok’s ability to propel music and dance trends to mainstream recognition.

7. Savage – Megan Thee Stallion

“Savage” by Megan Thee Stallion became a viral sensation on TikTok, inspiring a dance challenge that took the platform by storm. Released in 2019, the song’s empowering lyrics and Megan’s confident delivery resonated with users.

The accompanying dance, featuring hip gyrations and hand gestures, became a cultural phenomenon. TikTok users, including celebrities, embraced the challenge, catapulting “Savage” to the top of the charts and introducing Megan to a broader audience.

8. Oh Na Na Na – Bonde R300

oh na na na Q

“Oh Na Na Na” by Bonde R300 gained immense popularity on TikTok, particularly for its catchy chorus and danceable rhythm. The song’s infectious beat and Brazilian funk influence made it a perfect fit for the platform’s dance challenges.

TikTok users embraced the “Oh Na Na Na” challenge, creating diverse dance routines that often incorporated playful and expressive movements. The simplicity of the dance, combined with the song’s upbeat vibe, contributed to its widespread adoption. 

9. WAP- Cardi B ft. Megan Thee Stallion

“WAP” by Cardi B featuring Megan Thee Stallion became a cultural phenomenon on TikTok and beyond. Released in 2020, the song’s explicit lyrics and bold, unapologetic nature ignited conversations and dance challenges.

TikTok users embraced the #WAPChallenge, creating diverse and often elaborate dance routines set to the song. The dance, characterized by confident and empowering movements, went viral, with users of all ages participating.

“WAP” not only dominated charts but also became a symbol of female empowerment, challenging societal norms. 

10. Blinding Lights – The Weeknd

we did it for the mems ?

“Blinding Lights” by The Weeknd, released in 2019, became a global sensation on TikTok. The song’s synth-pop sound and infectious melody inspired a dance trend that resonated with users worldwide.

TikTok creators embraced the #BlindingLightsChallenge, choreographing dances that often mirrored the song’s retro-futuristic vibe. The dance typically featured dramatic hand movements and rhythmic footwork, perfectly complementing the track’s energetic rhythm.

11. Cannibal – Kesha

“Cannibal” by Kesha, released in 2010, found a resurgence on TikTok, captivating a new generation of users with its catchy and rebellious spirit. The song’s empowering lyrics and Kesha’s unapologetic style made it a perfect fit for the platform’s trends.

TikTok users embraced the #CannibalChallenge, creating dance routines and lip-syncing videos that celebrated individuality and bold self-expression. The song’s resurgence highlighted TikTok’s ability to revive and popularize older tracks, introducing them to a younger audience. 

12. Circles- Post Malone

“Circles” by Post Malone, released in 2019, gained immense popularity on TikTok for its melodic sound and relatable lyrics. The song’s soulful and introspective vibe resonated with users, leading to the creation of diverse content on the platform.

TikTok creators utilized “Circles” for a variety of videos, from dance challenges to emotional storytelling moments. The song’s versatility allowed it to become a soundtrack for a wide range of user-generated content. 

13. Supalonely – BENEE ft. Gus Dapperton

“Supalonely” by BENEE featuring Gus Dapperton became a TikTok sensation, resonating with users for its catchy beat and relatable lyrics. Released in 2019, the song found renewed popularity on the platform as users embraced it for dance challenges, lip-syncing, and humorous content.

The “Supalonely” dance, characterized by playful and expressive movements, quickly went viral, contributing to the song’s global success. TikTok creators ingeniously incorporated the track into a variety of creative scenarios, transforming it into a cultural phenomenon. 

14. Vibe (If I Back It Up)- Cookiee Kawaii

“Vibe (If I Back It Up)” by Cookiee Kawaii became a viral sensation on TikTok, celebrated for its energetic beat and catchy chorus. Released in 2019, the song found widespread popularity on the platform due to its danceable rhythm, making it a favourite for dance challenges.

The “Vibe (If I Back It Up)” dance, marked by dynamic hip movements and playful choreography, quickly gained traction, with TikTok users around the world joining the trend. 

15. Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa

with @Bertrand Tio ig: kennseolni15

? Don’t Start Now – Dua Lipa

“Don’t Start Now” by Dua Lipa, released in 2019, became a TikTok sensation, celebrated for its empowering lyrics and infectious disco-pop sound. The track inspired a multitude of dance challenges on the platform, with users showcasing their creativity through diverse choreography.

The dance routines often mirrored the song’s upbeat and energetic vibe, featuring expressive movements and playful gestures. As the “Don’t Start Now” challenge gained momentum, it solidified the song’s status as a TikTok anthem and contributed to its continued success on global music charts. 

16. Tap In – Saweetie

“Tap In” by Saweetie became a TikTok sensation, known for its catchy beat and empowering lyrics. Released in 2020, the song quickly found its way into numerous dance challenges on the platform.

The “Tap In” dance, characterized by confident and sassy movements, became a popular trend, with TikTok users creating their interpretations of the choreography. Saweetie’s track seamlessly blended hip-hop and pop elements, making it a perfect fit for the diverse range of content on TikTok. 

17. Obsessed – Mariah Carey

dc:me song:Obsessed (Sped Up) – Mariah Carey @Mariah Carey

“Obsessed” by Mariah Carey, released in 2009, experienced a resurgence on TikTok, captivating a new generation of users with its iconic lyrics and catchy beat. The song became a popular choice for lip-syncing and dance challenges on the platform.

TikTok creators embraced the humorous and sassy elements of “Obsessed,” creating content that showcased their playful and confident sides. Mariah Carey’s track became a cultural touchpoint once again, illustrating TikTok’s ability to breathe new life into older songs and introduce them to a younger audience. 

18. Runway- Stunna Girl

Brown in 2023 for Baddies Premiere.jpg , , via Wikimedia Commons

“Runway” by Stunna Girl became a TikTok sensation, celebrated for its bold lyrics and energetic beat. Released in 2019, the song found renewed popularity on the platform as users embraced it for dance challenges and lip-syncing videos.

The “Runway” dance, characterized by confident and fierce movements, quickly went viral, with TikTok users putting their spin on the choreography. Stunna Girl’s track exemplifies how TikTok serves as a powerful platform for propelling relatively unknown artists and songs into the spotlight.

19. Fergalicious- Fergie

“Fergalicious” by Fergie, a hit from 2006, experienced a resurgence on TikTok, captivating a new generation of users. The song became a popular choice for dance challenges, lip-syncing, and comedic content on the platform.

TikTok creators embraced the iconic and sassy vibes of “Fergalicious,” showcasing their creativity through various interpretations of the song. Fergie’s track became a cultural touchstone once again, illustrating TikTok’s ability to revive and celebrate nostalgic songs, introducing them to a younger audience and rekindling appreciation for classic hits. 

20. Lottery (K CAMP) – Jalaiah Harmon

Disney in the rain – y/n?? Just loving this new dance trend! dc: @jalaiahharmon

Jalaiah Harmon, a talented 14-year-old dancer, choreographed a dance routine to “Lottery” by K CAMP in 2019, which later became known as the “Renegade” dance.

Jalaiah’s intricate and rhythmic choreography quickly gained popularity on social media, particularly TikTok, where users around the world began replicating her moves.

Despite initially not receiving proper credit, the dance’s recognition soared when celebrities acknowledged Jalaiah as the original creator. 

21. Roxanne – Arizona Zervas

“Roxanne” by Arizona Zervas became a TikTok sensation, catapulting the song to global recognition in 2019. Known for its infectious beat and catchy chorus, “Roxanne” inspired a widespread dance trend on the platform.

TikTok users embraced the #RoxanneChallenge, creating diverse and creative dance routines set to the song. The challenge’s popularity helped propel Arizona Zervas to mainstream success, with “Roxanne” eventually topping charts worldwide. 

22. Laxed (Siren Beat)- Jawsh 685

“Laxed (Siren Beat)” by Jawsh 685 gained global fame on TikTok, becoming the soundtrack for the wildly popular dance challenge known as the “Savage Love” dance. Released in 2019, the instrumental track’s catchy melody and Polynesian-inspired beats provided the perfect backdrop for creative dance routines on the platform.

The dance, which involved a combination of smooth hand movements and hip sways, became a cultural phenomenon with millions of users participating worldwide.

23. Get Up (Superstar) – Ciara

“Get Up (Superstar)” by Ciara, featuring Chamillionaire, served as a dynamic soundtrack for dance challenges on TikTok. Released in 2006, the song experienced a resurgence on the platform, captivating users with its upbeat tempo and Ciara’s empowering vocals.

The “Get Up” dance challenge involved energetic choreography, often incorporating playful and confident movements that resonated with TikTok’s diverse user base. 

24. Stunnin’ – Curtis Waters ft. Harm Franklin

“Stunnin'” by Curtis Waters featuring Harm Franklin gained immense popularity on TikTok for its infectious chorus and catchy beat. The song became a sensation on the platform, inspiring a vibrant dance trend.

TikTok users embraced the #StunninChallenge, showcasing their creativity through diverse choreography set to the song’s lively rhythm. Curtis Waters’ fusion of pop and hip-hop elements, coupled with Harm Franklin’s energetic vocals, created a perfect storm for TikTok’s success. 

25. Surrender- Natalie Taylor

“Surrender” by Natalie Taylor found resonance on TikTok, captivating users with its emotional and soul-stirring sound. Released in 2015, the song gained a new life on the platform, becoming a favoured choice for emotional and heartfelt content.

TikTok creators embraced “Surrender” for videos expressing vulnerability, self-reflection, and poignant storytelling. Natalie Taylor’s evocative vocals and the song’s poignant lyrics provided a powerful backdrop for users to share their narratives. 

TikTok dances are a creative and rhythmic frenzy that has left its influence on popular culture. Every motion, from the Renegade to Savage Love, narrates a tale of internet fame and camaraderie. Let’s honour the renowned artists who brought these dances to life and shaped the colourful fabric of the platform.