Origin
Released September 3, 2013 by Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis (Bård and Vegard Ylvisåker) as promotional joke for their talk show. The intentionally absurd song questioned what sound a fox makes.
Viral Explosion
Hit 100 million YouTube views in 30 days. Reached #6 on Billboard Hot 100. The bizarre fox sounds (“Ring-ding-ding-ding-dingeringeding!”) and surreal music video became cultural phenomenon.
Cultural Impact
Became elementary school obsession - kids everywhere repeated the nonsense fox sounds. Featured on Ellen, Today Show, performed at MTV EMAs. Spawned countless parodies and covers.
Peak Saturation
September-December 2013 completely dominated. So overplayed it triggered backlash by early 2014. Ylvis achieved international fame from what they intended as Norwegian inside joke.
Legacy
One of the most successful comedy songs of 2010s. Over 1 billion views by 2023. Introduced Ylvis to global audience, though they remained primarily Norwegian TV personalities.
Source: YouTube - Ylvis The Fox