Remember Soulja Boy, the rapper who took the internet by storm with his viral hit “Crank That”? Well, he’s back, and this time, he’s claiming to be the mastermind behind the global phenomenon that is TikTok.
During an appearance on the “It’s Tricky with Raquel Harper” podcast, Soulja Boy boldly declared that he invented TikTok, stating, “I created TikTok, it wouldn’t be no TikTok [without me].” He attributes this alleged creation to the massive success of his 2007 dance craze, “Crank That,” which quickly went viral, captivating audiences worldwide through online platforms.
This isn’t the first time Soulja Boy has made outlandish claims. Raquel Harper, the podcast host, known for playfully entertaining his antics, quickly shut down his assertion. She reminded him of a previous instance where he convinced her he had purchased a $56 million airplane, a claim that later proved to be false.
While Soulja Boy’s claim to TikTok fame is undoubtedly far-fetched, it does raise an interesting question: What exactly is the origin story of TikTok, and how much influence did early internet trends like “Crank That” have on its creation?
The Rise of Short-Form Video Content: From “Crank That” to TikTok
To understand Soulja Boy’s claim, we need to take a trip back to the late 2000s, a time when social media was still in its infancy and platforms like YouTube were just beginning to gain traction. This era saw the birth of viral internet trends, and Soulja Boy’s “Crank That” was at the forefront. The song’s infectious beat and easy-to-learn dance moves sparked a global craze, with people filming their renditions and sharing them online.
This phenomenon foreshadowed the power of short-form video content and its ability to captivate audiences worldwide. Fast forward to today, and we have TikTok, a platform entirely dedicated to short, engaging videos that users can create, share, and consume on a loop.
While Soulja Boy might not have single-handedly invented TikTok, his early influence on internet culture and the viral success of “Crank That” undoubtedly played a role in shaping the digital landscape that paved the way for platforms like TikTok to flourish.
Examining Soulja Boy’s Impact: A Catalyst for Digital Trends?
Soulja Boy’s impact extends beyond a single viral dance craze. He was one of the first artists to fully leverage the power of the internet, using platforms like YouTube and MySpace to connect with fans, promote his music, and cultivate a dedicated online following.
His innovative approach to music distribution, bypassing traditional record labels and releasing music directly online, challenged industry norms and foreshadowed the rise of independent artists leveraging the internet to reach global audiences.
Soulja Boy’s early adoption of social media and understanding of online trends positioned him as a pioneer in the digital age. He recognized the power of connecting with fans directly and building a loyal online community, a strategy that has become essential for artists navigating the modern music industry.
The Verdict: Did Soulja Boy Invent TikTok?
In short, no. While Soulja Boy’s influence on internet culture is undeniable, attributing the creation of TikTok solely to him is a stretch. TikTok, as we know it, is the result of a complex evolution of technology, user behavior, and market trends.
However, dismissing Soulja Boy’s claim entirely would be a disservice to his early contributions to internet culture. His viral dance craze and innovative use of online platforms undoubtedly played a role in shaping the digital landscape that paved the way for platforms like TikTok to emerge.
