The Viral Sensation of TikTok's Dance Monkey Midi Trend and Evolution

The Origins of the Dance Monkey Midi Trend

The song "Dance Monkey" by Australian singer Tones and I has become a global sensation since its release in 2019. Known for its infectious beat and "oooh" hook, the track quickly gained popularity on TikTok as creators used the midi version in their dance videos. But what exactly spurred this midi trend and where did it originate?

Tones and I's Unexpected Success

"Dance Monkey" was written by Toni Watson, better known by her stage name Tones and I, along with her producer Adam. Uploaded to YouTube by Elektra Records in 2019, the offbeat pop song became a sleeper hit - its success was gradual at first before it ultimately topped charts in over 30 countries.

Its high energy and repetitive lyrics made it perfect fodder for TikTok, where short video clips could capture the song's highlights. Yet it was the midi version, an electronic synthesized take on the tune, that really took off as the soundtrack for dance videos on the app.

Dance Monkey Midi Joins Viral TikTok Trends

By mid-2020, TikTok was flooded with videos featuring the Dance Monkey midi. Creators danced along to the upbeat, digital tune - matching their moves to the distinctive beat drops and fluctuating tempo. The midi allowed for an energetic dance backdrop that wasn't overpowered by vocals.

Around this time, TikTok dances were continuing to gain mainstream traction. From Renegade to Out West, users were both creating and replicating fun choreography to popular songs. So when the catchy Dance Monkey midi entered the mix, it became the perfect storm - an engaging TikTok trend was born.

Popularity Explodes During Pandemic

As the coronavirus pandemic left people stuck at home in 2020, TikTok saw a surge in new users and activity. Dance Monkey already had momentum by this point, but video creation and participation skyrocketed thanks to all the boredom and free time. The upbeat midi and entertaining dance moves were a welcomed distraction for many.

What originated as a captivating hook in a pop song had now become one of the biggest TikTok phenomena. Various dance creators put their own spin on choreography to the midi, with certain moves becoming signature (like pretending to pluck a banana from a tree). People across generations joined in on the viral dance trend.

The Reasons Why Dance Monkey Midi Took Off

There are several key reasons why this catchy TikTok tune became so popular:

Familiar Song Adapted to a New Medium

By the time dance videos started appearing, Tones and I's Dance Monkey was already an award-winning global hit. So millions were familiar with its melody and lyrics. The midi rendition offered TikTokers the chance to be creative with a remix of a recognizable pop smash.

Energetic Rhythmideal for Dance Routines

The Dance Monkey midi captured the frenetic energy of the original track. Its fast 125 BPM tempo combined with fluctuating beat drops encouraged bold dance moves fitting for short videos. The stripped-back midi highlighted these rhythmic qualities - without Tones and I's vocals overpowering.

Catchy Hook Embraced By TikTok Culture

That signature "oooh" chant was made for TikTok trends. Much like the "Renegade renegade" lyric made that song go viral, Dance Monkey's hook sticks in your head instantly. Midi or not, it was perfect to lip-sync and dance along with. That simple but catchy element helped fuel the trend thanks to TikTok's culture of audio memes.

Evolution of Dance Monkey On TikTok

The Dance Monkey craze has continued evolving with new dance moves and trends keeping it relevant:

Choreography Gets Progressively Complex

Early dances to the midi were relatively simple - mostly people goofing around in their bedrooms. But choreography steadily got more complicated, with popular creators like Charli D'Amelio uploading intricate routines. Spinning, leaping and timing moves to shifts in the midi demonstrated serious skill.

Banana Dance Becomes Signature Move

In mid-2020, a signature Dance Monkey move emerged - the "banana dance." Mimicking peeling and eating a banana on the lyric "Come on and dance with me monkey," it became a fixture in videos. The quirky gesture fit the song's absurdist vibe and offered an easy move for beginners.

Dance Monkey Mashups Join Trend

In further TikTok twists, the Dance Monkey midi got mashed up with other songs like Roddy Ricch's The Box. Creators blended both songs' rhythms and lyrics, inspiring fused dance routines - existing choreography mixed with new moves. These mashups kept the trend feeling fresh.

Over 2 years since Tones and I released her breakout track, the Dance Monkey midi on TikTok continues inspiring new dance content. It's cemented its place as one of the app's most viral hits - an energetic beat that motivated millions to get up and join the dance party.

FAQs

Who created the Dance Monkey song?

Dance Monkey was written and recorded by Australian singer Tones and I, whose real name is Toni Watson. Her producer Adam also co-wrote the song.

What's the meaning behind the Dance Monkey lyrics?

Tones and I explained that "Dance Monkey" is about the experience of a street performer trying to get the attention of someone who isn't interested as crowds gather to watch them perform.

When did the Dance Monkey midi start trending on TikTok?

The Dance Monkey midi began gaining huge popularity on TikTok around mid-2020, over half a year after the song's initial release.

What are some of the signature Dance Monkey TikTok dances?

Signature moves include pretend banana eating on the "dance with me monkey" lyric and dance steps timed to the fluctuating midi tempo and beat drops.