The Influence of TikTok on Modern Dance Trends

Khoshnaw Rahmani, JadeTimes Staff

K. Rahmani is a Jadetimes news reporter covering Culture.

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Image Source: Matt Cardy

It started with a swipe, a beat, and a move. In less than 15 seconds, TikTok turned bedrooms into dance studios and casual movers into viral sensations. Suddenly, everyone—from shy teenagers to professional choreographers—was joining the dance craze, setting trends that reverberate across the globe.

TikTok didn’t just democratize dance—it revolutionized it. With every challenge and hashtag, dance on the app evolved into a new universal language, breaking barriers between cultures, generations, and even professional dance spaces.

This article explores how TikTok became the epicenter of modern dance trends, reshaping choreography, elevating creators, and turning simple moves into movements that define pop culture itself.

The TikTok Formula: What Makes Dance Trends Viral

TikTok dances aren’t just random movements—they’re carefully crafted social phenomena. Here’s how they become global sensations:

1. Simplicity is Key

The choreography of viral TikTok dances is designed to be accessible to everyone. Moves like “Renegade” by Jalaiah Harmon, created in 2019, became a global phenomenon with over 30 million attempts on TikTok2.

2. Music That Strikes a Chord

Tracks paired with viral TikTok dances consistently dominate streaming platforms. For example, Doja Cat’s “Say So” gained massive popularity with its TikTok dance challenge significantly boosting the song’s streaming numbers4.

3. A Sense of Community

Hashtags like #SavageChallenge, tied to Megan Thee Stallion’s hit song “Savage,” garnered over 7.5 billion views on TikTok, creating a cultural moment that connected users worldwide6.

TikTok’s Influence on Professional Dance

TikTok’s democratization of dance has had ripple effects far beyond the app:

1. Bridging Amateur and Professional Worlds

TikTok dances have influenced professional choreography in music videos and live performances. For example, Doja Cat included the creator of the “Say So” dance, Haley Sharpe, in her official music video.

2. Empowering Creators

TikTok dancers like Charli D’Amelio, with over 155 million followers, have transitioned into mainstream fame, collaborating with major brands like Dunkin’ and Kate Spade8.

3. Collaboration Across Platforms

Creators have partnered with artists like Megan Thee Stallion to integrate TikTok dances into official music releases, demonstrating TikTok’s far-reaching impact on pop culture.

Dance as Cultural Connection: A Global Phenomenon

TikTok’s ability to celebrate and share dance traditions is unmatched:

1. Breaking Cultural Barriers

Dances like Jerusalema, originating from South Africa, became global sensations, uniting people across cultures during the pandemic.

2. Inspiring Creativity

Challenges often reinvent traditional moves, inspiring new interpretations. The Blinding Lights Challenge, based on The Weeknd’s hit song, became a viral sensation with millions of participants.

3. Universal Accessibility

TikTok welcomed creators of all abilities and ages, breaking stereotypes in the dance world. Dance moves like “The Woah” became favorites among users ranging from 5 to 75 years old, proving inclusivity is at the heart of TikTok trends.

In just a few short years, TikTok has transformed modern dance culture from an exclusive art form into a global phenomenon. Its statistics tell a story of influence: millions of videos, billions of views, and creators turned into stars. The app has blurred boundaries between amateur and professional dance, celebrated cultural diversity, and made movement an accessible expression of creativity.

As TikTok continues to evolve, so too will its role in shaping dance trends—proving that in the age of social media, every move matters.