Harlem Shake

About

The Harlem Shake meme is a viral internet phenomenon that emerged in early 2013. It originated from a video uploaded by YouTube personality George Miller, known as Filthy Frank, on January 30, 2013. The meme typically features a group of people dancing to a short excerpt from Baauer's song "Harlem Shake." The video format involves one person dancing alone for 15 seconds, followed by a sudden transition to a wild dance party when the bass drops. Participants often wear outlandish costumes and use unexpected props, adding to the meme's humor and appeal. Despite its name, the meme does not involve the original Harlem Shake dance, a hip-hop style created in the 1980s by Al B. in Harlem, New York. The meme's popularity spread rapidly, with thousands of videos uploaded daily, and it became a cultural phenomenon across many countries. Its influence can be seen in later viral dance trends, showcasing the power of internet memes in shaping popular culture. The Harlem Shake meme is remembered for its playful and easy-to-replicate format, which contributed to its widespread success and enduring impact on internet culture.