Origin

The Harlem Shake meme exploded in February 2013, based on a 30-second video format set to Baauer’s trap song “Harlem Shake” (2012). The trend became one of the fastest-spreading viral phenomena in internet history, generating 4,000+ videos daily at its peak.

Note: The meme is distinct from the actual Harlem Shake dance (1981 Harlem, NYC street dance), causing controversy over cultural appropriation.

The Format

Standard 30-second structure:

1. 0-15 seconds: One person dances alone (often helmeted/masked) while others ignore them
2. Bass drop at 15 seconds: Cut to entire group dancing wildly in costumes
3. Music: Baauer’s “Harlem Shake” (2012 trap remix)
4. Chaos: Random props, costumes, absurd settings

Viral Timeline

• January 30, 2013: YouTube user “Filthy Frank” posts proto-version
• February 2, 2013: @THSUNNYCOASTSK8 posts “Harlem Shake v1 (TSCS original)” (first viral version)
• February 7-14, 2013: 4,000 videos/day uploaded (40,000 total in first 2 weeks)
• February 23, 2013: “Harlem Shake” hits #1 on Billboard Hot 100 (first YouTube meme song to top chart)

Peak Virality

First week (Feb 2-9, 2013):

• 12,000 videos uploaded
• 44M views across all versions
• #1 trending topic globally

By March 2013:

• 1.5B views total
• Versions from military, corporations, universities, celebrities

Iconic Versions

• Norwegian Army: Soldiers in combat gear/costumes (13M+ views)
• Miami Heat: NBA team locker room version
• Underwater Harlem Shake: Scuba divers (creative setting)
• Plane Harlem Shake: Airline crew mid-flight (later investigated by FAA)
• Matt & Kim + UNC Swimming: Early influential college version

Corporate Participation

Brands jumped in (with mixed success):

• Pepsi, CNET, Maker Studios: Official versions
• Fast-food chains: Drive-thru staff videos
• Tech companies: Office culture showcased

Musical Impact

Baauer’s “Harlem Shake”:

• Released May 2012 (via Mad Decent/Diplo)
• Moderate success for 8 months
• February 2013: Meme drives it to #1 Billboard Hot 100
• Controversy: Original Harlem dancers criticized misappropriation
• Legal issues: Sampled Plastic Little’s “Miller Time” without clearance

Cultural Appropriation Controversy

Harlem community members criticized the meme:

• Actual Harlem Shake: 1981 street dance from Harlem, NYC (Al B)
• Meme dance: Random flailing, no connection to original
• Name theft: Appropriating Harlem culture without credit/respect
• Baauer’s response: Acknowledged disconnect, defended artistic license

School Bans & Backlash

By late February 2013:

• Schools banned filming on campus (disruption)
• Fire departments disciplined for on-duty videos
• Airlines investigated crew videos (safety concerns)
• “Harlem Shake fatigue” set in (oversaturation)

Decline

March 2013: Trend collapses rapidly

• Oversaturation (everyone had done it)
• Quality decline (low-effort cash-ins)
• Backlash against corporate participation
• Google search interest drops 90% in 3 weeks

Legacy

The Harlem Shake meme demonstrated:

• Speed of virality: Fastest-spreading trend pre-TikTok
• Format power: Simple template = mass participation
• Music discovery: YouTube as chart-topper pathway
• Cultural appropriation: Meme ethics and naming controversies
• Oversaturation risk: Viral trends can collapse as fast as they rise

It remains a case study in meme lifecycle: explosive rise, peak corporate adoption, rapid decline.

Sources:

• Billboard: Baauer’s ‘Harlem Shake’ Hits #1
• NY Times: The Harlem Shake Appropriation Controversy
• The Atlantic: How the Harlem Shake Went Viral