Unpacking the Viral “Look What That Money Make You Do” Trend on TikTok

If you’ve been on TikTok lately, chances are you’ve come across videos using the song “Look What You Made Me Do” by Taylor Swift. But with a twist – people are changing the lyrics to “Look What That Money Make You Do.” This altered version has gone viral on TikTok, sparking a dance challenge and meme trend.

In this article we’ll explore

• The origins of the “Look What That Money Make You Do” TikTok trend
• How people are using the meme in videos
• Notable examples and standout creators
• The debate and discussion surrounding the trend
• Why it has resonated so strongly with users

Whether you’re already familiar with this viral craze or are just discovering it, read on for a deep dive into the cultural significance and impact of the “Money Make You Do” meme.

The Origins of the TikTok Trend

The altered song mashup first gained traction in March 2022 when TikTok creator @niyahroyalty posted a video dancing to the remixed version of Taylor Swift’s song In the video, she changed the lyrics to “Look What That Money Make You Do” and challenged others to dance along.

The remix takes Swift’s original breakup anthem and gives it a humorous, materialistic spin. Other users quickly started making their own versions lip syncing and dancing to the modified song.

As the trend spread, more creators began posting reaction videos and meme sketches using the format. Collectively these videos have amassed hundreds of millions of views.

How TikTokers Are Using the “Money Make You Do” Meme

There are a few common ways TikTok creators utilize the viral meme:

• Dance/lip sync videos – Probably the most popular format, these showcase transitions dancing to the catchy remixed tune. Often these portray getting fancier or more over-the-top as the money increases.

• Reaction videos – Users film themselves reacting, often with exaggerated facial expressions and gestures, to the lyrics about what money can make you do.

• Sketches – More elaborate sketches feature storylines humorously exaggerating the corruptive potential of wealth.

• Discussion videos – Some use the trend to spark debate about wealth, privilege, and inequality.

• “Look what lack of money make you do” – A inversion meme format shows the struggles and limitations created by poverty.

• Absurd/humorous examples – People push the meme format to absurd extremes, like “Look what that catnip make you do” for pets.

Standout Creators Within the Trend

Certain individual creators have risen to prominence by putting their unique spin on the format:

• @nieyahnicole – Her original dance video started it all. She continues to post popular iterations.

• @kaelaxlovesyou – Known for high-energy, skilled dance/lip sync interpretations with great costumes and production value.

• @macdaddyy – His comedic videos provide hilarious reaction commentary on wealth and conspicuous consumption.

• @isaacvdq – Sketch creator who makes movie trailer-style videos with elaborate plot lines related to money’s corrupting influence.

• @positivenewslady – Uses the format to discuss wealth disparities and broader social issues with nuance.

The Debate and Discussion Around This Meme

While mostly lighthearted fun, some videos sparked debate about the meme’s commentary on money and ethics:

• Does it promote shallow materialism and consumerism? Or harmlessly satirize it?

• Does it glorify the wealthy and encourage admiration of luxury?

• Is the meme problematic in how it portrays greed and excess as goals?

• Does it bring awareness to societal inequalities in a digestible, relatable way?

• Does the inversion “lack of money” format ignore systemic issues around poverty?

• Does the meme format lend itself better to nuanced takes on wealth, privilege and inequality?

There are arguments on both sides. Some believe the meme promotes problematic values, while others see it as an accessible conduit for important conversations about money and ethics.

Why “Money Make You Do” Has Resonated so Strongly

There are a few factors that help explain this meme’s meteoric rise in popularity:

• Catchy song remix – The altered lyrics are brilliantly suited for the format and get stuck in your head instantly.

• Relatable content – Most people have complicated relationships and feelings about money and wealth accumulation.

• Reaction potential – The meme lends itself perfectly to humorous reaction videos.

• Discussion catalyst – It touches on subjects ripe for debate, like materialism in society.

• Adaptability – People can put their own twist on the template in many creative ways.

The combination of these elements has enabled the viral meme to become so widespread across the platform.

Breaking Down a Major TikTok Sensation

The “Look What That Money Make You Do” trend undeniably dominated TikTok over the past several months. While silly and light on the surface, the viral meme format also enabled substantive discourse about privilege, values, and inequality.

Looking at how one altered song lyric spawned countless videos, discussions, and views shows the power of TikTok to rapidly spread not just viral content, but also social commentary and debate. Unpacking why certain trends resonate allows us to better understand the cultural moment and what ideas most connect with audiences.