Songs That Became Internet Memes: The Tunes That Took Over the Web
Music has always had the power to connect people — but in the age of the internet, it’s also become one of the biggest sources of humor, creativity, and viral trends. Some songs aren’t just hits on the charts; they become songs that became internet memes that live forever in online culture..
From TikTok dance crazes to remix-worthy classics, these meme songs dominate social media feeds and remind us how quickly the internet can turn a simple beat into a global inside joke.
In this post, we’ll explore some of the most iconic songs that became internet memes, how they went viral, and why they continue to resonate with millions worldwide.
What Makes a Song Become a Meme?
Before we dive into the playlist of viral hits, let’s look at what actually makes a song meme-worthy.
A song becomes a meme when it’s paired with a trend — like a funny video, dance, or remix — that spreads across platforms like TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
Usually, these songs share a few traits:
- A catchy beat or hook that’s easy to loop or remix
- Relatable or over-the-top lyrics
- A unique soundbite or drop that stands out
When a sound becomes the backdrop to countless videos, parodies, and remixes, it transcends music — it becomes a piece of internet culture.
Rick Astley – “Never Gonna Give You Up” (The Rickroll Classic)
We have to start with the godfather of meme songs — Rick Astley’s 1987 hit “Never Gonna Give You Up.”
This pop anthem became the foundation of one of the oldest and most beloved internet pranks: the Rickroll.
The concept is simple — someone clicks on a link expecting something else, but instead, they’re greeted by Rick Astley’s cheerful dance moves and catchy chorus.
It started around 2007 on 4chan and quickly spread to every corner of the web. Even decades later, “Never Gonna Give You Up” remains an internet staple, standing tall among the most iconic songs that became internet memes, with over a billion YouTube views and countless remixes.
Why it worked:
It’s wholesome, instantly recognizable, and the ultimate “gotcha” moment online.
Smash Mouth – “All Star” (The Shrek Anthem)
“Hey now, you’re an all-star…” — if those words instantly started playing in your head, you’re not alone.
Smash Mouth’s “All Star” became more than just a late-’90s hit; it turned into one of the most iconic meme songs ever.
While the song originally gained fame for being featured in Shrek (2001), it truly exploded online years later thanks to meme culture.
From endless remixes and ironic edits to mashups like “SomeBODY Once Told Me” played over anything and everything, All Star became the internet’s favorite nostalgic joke.
Why it worked:
It’s catchy, universally known, and perfectly balances genuine fun with ironic humor.
Darude – “Sandstorm” (The Ultimate EDM Meme)
When people couldn’t identify a song online, the default answer for years became: “Darude – Sandstorm.”
This 1999 trance hit became a running joke in the early days of YouTube and Twitch. Whenever someone asked, “What song is this?” someone would inevitably reply “Darude – Sandstorm,” no matter what the actual track was.
Even Darude himself leaned into the meme, posting playful comments about it and performing the song at gaming events.
Why it worked:
It became a universal inside joke that united gamers, streamers, and internet veterans everywhere.
PSY – “Gangnam Style” (The YouTube Revolution)
No list of songs that became internet memes would be complete without Gangnam Style.
Released in 2012, the Korean pop sensation PSY broke the internet — literally. It became the first video to hit one billion views on YouTube and turned the quirky horse-riding dance into a worldwide craze.
From politicians to celebrities, everyone was doing the dance. The song’s upbeat rhythm, funny music video, and unique choreography made it a global meme before TikTok even existed.
Why it worked:
It was funny, energetic, and irresistibly shareable — the perfect formula for virality.
Baauer – “Harlem Shake” (The 30-Second Dance Explosion)
In early 2013, the world couldn’t escape the Harlem Shake.
This electronic track by Baauer became the soundtrack for one of the fastest-growing viral trends ever. Each meme video followed the same format: one person danced alone in a scene while others ignored them — then when the beat dropped, chaos erupted, and everyone joined in.
Hundreds of thousands of versions flooded YouTube in weeks. Even brands, universities, and sports teams jumped on the trend.
Why it worked:
It gave everyone a chance to join the fun, no dancing skills required — just energy and creativity.
Ylvis – “The Fox (What Does the Fox Say?)”
This 2013 novelty song from the Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis was created as a joke — but it quickly became a worldwide meme.
“What Does the Fox Say?” combined absurd lyrics, bizarre animal noises, and a catchy beat. The result? A viral masterpiece that took over YouTube and radio alike.
With over a billion views, the song became both a children’s favorite and a meme goldmine.
Why it worked:
It embraced absurdity, making it both funny and surprisingly memorable.
Toto – “Africa” (The Internet’s Favorite Nostalgia Trip)
Toto’s 1982 classic “Africa” found new life decades later when it became a meme of pure nostalgia and irony.
People started sharing remixes, covers, and jokes about how the song “slaps” in any situation — from road trips to rainy nights.
Its emotional lyrics and epic melody made it a perfect soundtrack for everything from memes to movie moments. Even Weezer covered it in 2018 after a fan campaign went viral.
Why it worked:
It’s sincere, emotional, and timeless — qualities the internet loves to remix with humor.
Lil Nas X – “Old Town Road” (TikTok’s First Mega-Meme Song)
In 2019, Lil Nas X turned a simple country-trap song into a viral phenomenon.
“Old Town Road” started gaining traction on TikTok, where users made creative videos featuring cowboy themes, transformations, and lip-syncs. It soon became the longest-running #1 song in Billboard history.
The song’s viral success was driven by memes, remixes, and the artist’s own social media mastery.
Why it worked:
It blended genres, had meme-worthy lyrics, and thrived on TikTok’s creative energy.
Rebecca Black – “Friday” (So Bad It’s Good)
Rebecca Black’s “Friday” became famous for all the wrong reasons — but that’s exactly why it turned into a meme.
Released in 2011, the song went viral for its overly simple lyrics and auto-tuned vocals. People mocked it at first, but over time, Friday became a cult classic in meme culture.
Rebecca herself embraced the humor, turning what started as ridicule into resilience.
Why it worked:
It’s the definition of “so bad it’s good,” and its sincerity made it unforgettable.
Lady Gaga – “Bloody Mary” (The Wednesday Addams Revival)
Fast forward to 2022, when Wednesday — Netflix’s hit show — brought back Lady Gaga’s “Bloody Mary.”
Although the song wasn’t new, a TikTok trend featuring Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday dance paired with the Bloody Mary beat reignited its popularity.
Millions of users recreated the dance, transforming a decade-old track into a new viral moment.
Why it worked:
It merged nostalgia, pop culture, and creativity — the holy trinity of meme songs.
The Role of TikTok in Meme Songs
Platforms like TikTok have completely changed how songs become memes.
A single clip or sound can launch a track from obscurity to global fame overnight. Songs like Doja Cat’s “Say So”, Megan Thee Stallion’s “Savage”, and Coi Leray’s “Players” show how short-form content shapes music trends today.
TikTok rewards catchy hooks and danceable beats, making it the ultimate incubator for viral music moments.
Why Meme Songs Matter in Pop Culture
Meme songs aren’t just funny clips — they’re cultural snapshots.
They reflect our humor, creativity, and shared experiences online. Whether it’s through remixes, dance challenges, or ironic nostalgia, these songs bring people together in a unique way.
Plus, they show the power of the internet to revive old hits and give new artists a massive platform.
From Rickrolls to TikTok trends, the internet has proven that music and memes are inseparable.
A single catchy tune can travel across the globe in hours, turning into dances, remixes, and jokes that define entire eras of online culture.
So next time you find yourself humming a familiar meme song, remember — you’re not just listening to a track. You’re part of an internet legacy.
Ready to discover more viral hits?
Keep exploring, keep sharing, and maybe one day, your favorite song will become the next big meme.
