The Harlem Shake

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About this sound

A clip of the Harlem Shake song by Baauer, best known from the 2013 viral dance meme and used in chaotic reveals, party edits and throwback videos.

This sound is the famous beat drop from Harlem Shake, the electronic track most people know from the sudden-cut meme videos of 2013. It starts with a tense build and then slams into a heavy, bouncy drop that instantly turns a normal scene into pure chaos. The sound works because viewers recognize the setup and expect the hard switch from calm to absurd. It is often used for group jokes, surprise costume changes, old internet meme compilations and any edit that needs a fast, explosive energy shift.

Harlem Shake is a 2012 electronic track by producer Baauer that became a huge viral meme in early 2013. Short videos followed a simple format: one person dancing during the intro, then a smash cut to a crowd going crazy at the drop. The trend spread across YouTube, Facebook and news coverage, and it became one of the defining internet crazes of the era. Even now, the song is used as shorthand for sudden chaos, often alongside an air horn in older meme edits.

Use Cases

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Harlem Shake sound from?

It is from the song Harlem Shake by Baauer, released in 2012. Most people recognize it from the 2013 viral video trend built around the song's dramatic drop and sudden shift into chaotic dancing.

Why is the Harlem Shake clip so popular in memes?

The sound has an obvious buildup and a huge drop, which makes it perfect for before-and-after joke edits. Creators use it to turn a calm scene into instant mayhem, surprise dancing or a ridiculous visual reveal.

How do people usually use the Harlem Shake audio?

They usually place the intro over a normal or serious moment, then cut right on the drop to a crowded, over-the-top scene. It works especially well with group choreography, costumes, masks and deliberately messy comedy.