Harlem Shake, a cultural phenomenon that swept across the globe in 2013, originated from a lesser-known dance style and music track by the same name. The viral sensation began with a video created by a YouTube user named Filthy Frank, which quickly inspired countless others to create their own versions. These videos typically featured a single person dancing wildly to the song's opening, followed by a sudden shift where everyone in the room joined in the chaotic dance.

The craze was not just about the dance itself but also about the creativity and humor people infused into their renditions. Schools, companies, sports teams, and even world leaders participated, making it a worldwide cultural event. Despite its massive popularity, the trend also faced criticism for trivializing the original Harlem Shake dance, which has deep roots in African-American culture and history.

Nevertheless, the Harlem Shake phenomenon highlighted the power of social media in spreading culture and trends rapidly around the globe. It demonstrated how digital platforms can transform niche interests into mainstream phenomena, often leading to discussions on the nature of cultural appropriation and the importance of understanding the origins of such cultural expressions.