The internet is no stranger to dance crazes, but few have captured the global attention quite like the “Zero Two Dancing” trend. Fueled by the catchy Vietnamese song “Hai Phút Hơn” and the charismatic anime character Zero Two from Darling in the Franxx, this meme has exploded across TikTok and beyond. Let’s dive into the origins, spread, and cultural impact of this viral phenomenon.
The Genesis: Zero Two Meets ME!ME!ME!
The visual foundation of the Zero Two dancing meme actually predates the “Hai Phút Hơn” song by a couple of years. In February 2018, an animator known as Anna Crowe created a Coub video featuring Zero Two performing the iconic and somewhat provocative dance from the Japanese animated music video “ME!ME!ME!”. This early mashup, which showcased Zero Two’s character with a pre-existing internet dance trend, garnered significant attention, amassing over half a million views.
Later, in December 2019, the Zero Two and ME!ME!ME! dance combination resurfaced on Reddit’s r/DarlingInTheFranxx subreddit as a GIF. This further solidified the association of Zero Two with the dance moves in the minds of anime fans and online communities.
Zero Two ME!ME!ME! Dance GIF
“Hai Phút Hơn” Enters the Stage
While Zero Two was already dancing online, the true viral explosion came with the introduction of the song “Hai Phút Hơn” by Vietnamese artists Pháo and CM1X. CM1X originally released the song on YouTube in February 2020. However, it was the remix by ATOM Official, uploaded in March 2020, that truly began to gain traction. This remix provided a more upbeat and danceable tempo, perfectly suited for the burgeoning TikTok scene.
Adding another layer to the visual aspect, a live wallpaper featuring the Zero Two ME!ME!ME! dance GIF, enhanced with animations and a darker background, was uploaded to Steam Workshop in April 2020. A preview of this wallpaper further amplified the visibility of Zero Two dancing.
TikTok Takes Over: The Birth of a Trend
The pivotal moment arrived in November 2020 when TikTok user marlenea23 combined the Zero Two dance wallpaper animation with the ATOM remix of “Hai Phút Hơn”. This video edit sparked a wildfire. Marlenea23’s TikTok quickly went viral, racking up tens of millions of views within a month. The infectious combination of the song, the dance, and the appealing anime character proved irresistible to TikTok users.
Almost instantly, a dance trend emerged. While the originator is unclear, evidence suggests it began in China. TikTokers started mimicking Zero Two’s moves to the “Hai Phút Hơn” remix, using marlenea23’s sound as a template.
Global Spread and Meme Variations
The “Zero Two Dancing” trend rapidly spread beyond its initial spark. Videos of people performing the dance flooded TikTok feeds globally. Two TikTokers, sava.schultz and laurenxburch, created particularly viral videos of themselves dancing to “Hai Phút Hơn,” garnering tens of millions of views each and further cementing the trend’s popularity.
Beyond simple dance recreations, the meme evolved. Users began incorporating the Zero Two dancing animation into humorous and ironic content. One popular meme format involved showcasing multiple screens displaying the Zero Two dance, often with captions poking fun at those perceived to be fans of the trend. A particularly viral example featured neon-lit computers displaying the animation, captioned with sardonic humor about the stereotypical viewer. Even virtual influencers like FN Meka jumped on the bandwagon, creating videos featuring Zero Two imagery and the dance, further amplifying the meme’s reach and impact.
Why Did “Zero Two Dancing” Go Viral?
The virality of the “Zero Two Dancing” trend can be attributed to a perfect storm of factors:
- Catchy Music: “Hai Phút Hơn” (ATOM Remix) is undeniably infectious, with an upbeat rhythm that naturally lends itself to dancing.
- Appealing Character: Zero Two is a popular and visually striking anime character with a dedicated fanbase. Her design and personality resonate with a large online audience.
- Established Dance Moves: The ME!ME!ME! dance, while somewhat suggestive, was already a known and recognizable dance sequence within internet culture.
- TikTok’s Algorithm: TikTok’s algorithm is highly effective at pushing trending sounds and visuals to a massive audience, creating echo chambers of viral content.
- Meme-ability: The combination was ripe for memeification, allowing for creative variations and humorous interpretations that extended its lifespan and appeal.
Conclusion
The “Zero Two Dancing” trend exemplifies how internet culture can rapidly blend different elements – music, animation, and dance – to create a global phenomenon. From its humble beginnings as a fan-made animation to its explosive spread across TikTok, the meme showcases the power of catchy tunes, appealing characters, and the viral nature of online platforms. It remains a memorable example of an internet dance craze that captured the attention of millions worldwide.
External References
[1] YouTube – HAI PHÚT HƠN | PHÁO & CM1X
[2] Reddit – Dancing zero two
[3] YouTube – 2 Phút Hơn – Pháo
[4] Steam – 原视频 Zero Two Dance 2560×1080 60FPS
[5] YouTube – Zero Two Dance [Wallpaper Engine] [LINK IN DESCRIPTION] Original Video
[6] TikTok – marlenea23
[7] TikTok – Just in case this audio hasn’t popped up on your page
[8] TikTok – Can’t escape it 🖤 get my sis to 100K!!
[9] TikTok – I really like these wallpapers 🥰
[10] Instagram – You have never felt the touch of a women
[11] TikTok – Like my setup in my car?
[12] YouTube – Phut Hon Challenge Tik Tok China
[13] Coup – Anna Crowe’s Post
