If you're a consumer of either online culture or rap culture, you've likely heard the following phrase before: "I did my dance one time on TikTok and went viral with it."

You might not remember why you remember it, or in what context you know it from, but this particular little catchphrase has managed to make itself into a viral meme twice only two years apart, with very little actual connection between the two uses.

Confused? Don't be, just read this guide one time on Know Your Meme and you'll understand how this went viral with it.

What does 'I did my dance one time on TikTok and went viral with it' mean?

Now while it's true that songs can often be full of different double entendres or thought-provoking metaphors, this bit is meant to be taken at literal face value. The artist, Lil Dirk, is saying that he went on TikTok, did a dance, and went viral, explaining what he's doing as part of a feature on a Drake song. However, the way that this part of the song was originally used, is actually a bit different.

@quintymirjam

106M views.. 🤯

♬ original sound – Caramel Express

How is it used?

When it first came out in September of 2021, it was used on TikTok in a similar way to how you would expect. The song was instantly adopted by a larger variety of TikTokers, who instead of showing off their dances, would instead use the audio as background noise while showing off a previous TikTok they had that went viral, and talking about what happened with it.

@libbyy.jane 10 months later and people still comment on it, my fame still lives on ☺️#greenscreenvideo #tomholland #viral ♬ original sound – Caramel Express

Fast forward to 2024, and the meme has returned. This time, however, it has taken a drastic turn away from any semblance of its former self. In 2024, the big thing isn't to use the audio as a way to retrospectively look back at previous TikToks and actions you've done that went viral. Instead, the audio is being used by thousands who are simply recording themselves, often in a public or socially damaging situation, loudly singing the phrase. Videos of this newer trend often show teenagers performing the act while in school, but any social setting counts.

@querichhh

I did my dance one time on tiktok and went viral with it

♬ original sound – querichhh

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For the full history of the phrase "I did my dance one time on TikTok and went viral with it," be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.