That One Sound on TikTok

A weekly dive into the origin of sounds on TikTok, from The Daily Dot. Join us weekly as we dive into the trending and viral noises you hear scrolling through the app — and the stories behind them. If you want to read this column before everyone else, sign up for the Daily Dot’s web_crawlr newsletter here.

TOS - This TikTok sound is about embracing your peace

‘How life sounds’: This TikTok trend is about embracing your peace—and letting go

We're in our unbothered era.

On Apr 17, 2024 by Charlotte Colombo

TOS - 'You need to kill me'

This viral trend is begging you for the sweet release of death

'Excuse me sir...'

On Apr 10, 2024 by Charlotte Colombo

TOS — Everyone's fighting, and it's all New Order's fault

Everyone on TikTok is recreating classic arcade fighting games with this classic ’80s song

Get into your fighting stance.

On Apr 10, 2024 by Charlotte Colombo

TOS - 'What's Up Brother?'

‘What’s up brother?’: Bros pay tribute to this niche celebrity with a surging new trend that’s taken on a life of its own

If you ever needed a dog whistle for a terminally online gamer bro, look no further than the "What's up brother?" sketch

On Apr 5, 2024 by Charlotte Colombo

That One Sound

‘I think of you all the time, now that you’re gone’: Dog owners are playing this song during their baby’s final hours

'Bye I'm sobbing.'

On Mar 29, 2024 by Charlotte Colombo

what are you doing texting - TOS - White Lotus

‘What are you doing?’: This ‘White Lotus’ soundbite is a little bit sus

'Texting who?'

On Mar 24, 2024 by Charlotte Colombo

that one sound from tiktok - Jenna Ortega

‘I’m actually gonna go with Jenna Ortega’: The hyper-niche quote that’s become a universal inside joke

'Me finally putting my hand up in science (I was wrong).'

On Mar 23, 2024 by Charlotte Colombo

Three split of people dancing to song

‘Nobody knows me like you do’: This slow jam has everyone posting about their twin flame—even Kevin Bacon

A recent R&B hit has us twinning on TikTok.

On Mar 14, 2024 by Charlotte Colombo

That One Sound: Elite Employee

‘You are now one of my elite employees’: The pro-workforce rallying cry that’s not just about getting in trouble with the boss

'When my sister gets old enough to help me with chores.'

On Mar 5, 2024 by Charlotte Colombo

Chris Colfer that one sound from tiktok

‘All that work and what did it get me?’: This classic ‘Glee’ cover is making us confess our deepest resentments

'Can't even get an agent.'

On Feb 27, 2024 by Charlotte Colombo

Lesley Gore with cat in a tree and clouds in the background

How a 60-year-old jazz standard became a TikTok hit

The popular sound on TikTok starts with a woman singing: 'Look at me/I’m as helpless as a kitten up a tree.'

On Jan 25, 2024 by Audra Schroeder

'North Sea' TikTok/That One Sound

How a ‘Pirates of the Caribbean’ cover became an anthem for North Sea TikTok

Are you on North Sea TikTok?

On Jan 18, 2024 by Audra Schroeder

murder on the dance floor tiktok

A 20-year-old U.K. hit gets revived, thanks to ‘Saltburn’

It’s really taken off on TikTok.

On Jan 11, 2024 by Audra Schroeder

i think i like this little life

Cordelia’s ‘Little Life’ draws out the sweet—and sour—on TikTok

There was a shift around the sound when it started being used by influencers and celebrities to show off their 'little life.'

On Jan 4, 2024 by Audra Schroeder

The top 10 viral TikTok sounds of 2023

These sounds dominated TikTok in 2023.

On Dec 28, 2023 by Audra Schroeder