Social media dance challenges have become an undeniable force in online culture. From TikTok to Instagram, viral challenges like the #ItDependsChallenge featuring Chris Brown and the #TouchOnMeChallenge with October London have taken over timelines, bringing together millions of fans, influencers, and creators. These challenges do more than just get us moving—they spark trends, create viral moments, and become full-blown cultural phenomena. As a graphic designer, you don’t want to miss out on the chance to tap into this excitement and turn these viral moments into visual gold for your merch.
The Power of Dance Challenges
Social media dance challenges are a brilliant way for artists and influencers to engage with their audiences in a fun and interactive way. For example, when Chris Brown dropped the #ItDependsChallenge, his fans didn’t just watch the video—they became the video, sharing their own versions with personalized moves and creativity. Similarly, October London’s #TouchOnMeChallenge had a whole different vibe, but its addictive beat and easy-to-follow moves got fans to embrace the rhythm and post their takes. These challenges create a sense of community, making fans feel directly connected to the artist and to each other.
When something goes viral on social media, it’s not just the video itself—it’s the energy around it that fuels the buzz. People want to be a part of the trend, to wear it, to represent it, and, most importantly, to share it with others. That’s where graphic designers can cash in.
How Graphic Designers Can Tap into the Trend
1. Design Custom Merch Featuring Challenge Themes
As people embrace viral dance challenges, many want to show off their participation in the form of merchandise. This is where you come in! By designing shirts, hoodies, hats, and accessories that incorporate the language, moves, or catchphrases of these challenges, you create an opportunity for fans to wear their pride. Imagine a t-shirt with a simple phrase like “I Did the #ItDependsChallenge” paired with an abstract graphic inspired by the rhythm or steps of the dance. Such designs are not just merch—they’re a way to be part of the cultural conversation.
2. Create Interactive Designs That Celebrate Dance Moves
Graphics that visually represent popular dance moves or iconic moments from a specific challenge (like the way the #ItDependsChallenge has a signature move) can resonate with fans. Think of a hoodie with line art showing a popular dance pose, or a limited-edition poster that commemorates a dance’s peak moment. When your design reflects the pulse of the challenge, it makes the merch even more exciting.
Hashtags play a pivotal role in dance challenges. A graphic design that incorporates the hashtags, like “#TouchOnMeChallenge” or “#ItDependsChallenge,” can turn an ordinary product into something fans of the trend will want to purchase. You can combine the hashtag with playful or bold graphics, making it both a piece of wearable art and a reminder of the viral fun.
4. Collaborate with Influencers
The best way to ensure your designs get attention is by collaborating with influencers who are already participating in the dance challenges. If you can design a custom line of merch for a well-known dancer, influencer, or artist who’s riding the wave of these challenges, you’ll have direct access to their fan base. Your designs could quickly go viral alongside the influencer’s video posts.
5. Offer Limited-Edition Drops
The viral nature of these dance challenges means they often have a shelf life. To capture the fleeting buzz, release limited-edition products tied to a specific challenge. A timed release makes the merchandise feel exclusive, and the scarcity can drive demand. Think of a “Chris Brown 2025 Edition” t-shirt that’s available only while the #ItDependsChallenge is trending.
6. Incorporate Pop Culture and Nostalgia
The beauty of viral dance challenges is that they often play off of nostalgia, pop culture, or shared experiences. As a designer, you can take advantage of this by blending iconic elements from past dance trends, music videos, or throwback styles with modern twists. A design that mixes old-school ‘90s dance vibes with modern typography could appeal to both younger audiences and those who miss the classics.
Why Now Is the Time to Create Viral Merch
Social media dance challenges are a golden opportunity for graphic designers to tap into trends that are constantly evolving and expanding. They are a cultural moment that can drive traffic to your store, build your brand recognition, and potentially turn your design into the next viral hit. With the right mix of creativity and timing, you can offer designs that become more than just merchandise—they become a statement.
How to Market Your Challenge-Inspired Designs
To maximize your merch sales, think about how you can engage with your audience on social media. Promote your products by encouraging fans to share their dance challenge videos while wearing your designs. Collaborate with influencers or TikTok creators to get the word out, or even create your own fun challenge surrounding your designs.
It’s about more than just making a quick buck. By getting involved in these viral trends, you’re part of the larger conversation, engaging with a community, and elevating your design work to a new level of exposure.
The viral nature of social media dance challenges isn’t just a fleeting moment—it’s a golden opportunity for graphic designers to create fun, timely, and relevant merch. It’s time to get your creative juices flowing and turn those viral challenges into your next best-selling designs.
