What is the Slickback Challenge on TikTok? How to do the Slickback Challenge on TikTok?
by Aishwarya R
Updated Nov 08, 2023
What is the Slickback Challenge on TikTok?
The "Slickback" challenge on TikTok is the latest internet sensation that originated in South Korea in October. Participants, including teenagers and K-pop celebrities, attempt to create the illusion of floating or gliding across the ground while performing a specific dance move. This challenge is set to the tune of DJ and producer Lakim's single "A Pimp Named Slickback."
The trend began with a TikTok video posted on October 15 by a South Korean teenager named Lee Hyo-cheol. The original video gained immense popularity, accumulating over 225 million views, 25 million likes, and more than 144,000 comments. Viewers were amazed by the seemingly gravity-defying move, with some commenting that they thought the person was actually floating.
While Lee Hyo-cheol did not invent the move, he modified a dance move previously created by YouTuber and TikTokker Jubi2fye in early 2022, known as the "Jubi Slide." The Slickback challenge emphasizes striking out the heels rather than the sliding, moonwalk-like movement seen in the Jubi Slide.
The hashtag #slickback has since taken on a life of its own on social media, with users attempting the challenge on various surfaces, including football fields, to enhance the smooth gliding effect. Some individuals have even incorporated the challenge into team-building activities, while others have humorously overlaid the viral tune onto videos of their pets running on slippery floors.
Although the move seems straightforward in many tutorials, involving striking a foot out, jumping back, and switching to the other foot, mastering it requires practice. Even K-pop idols, such as members of the groups Le Sserafim and Twice, have been seen struggling with the challenge, emphasizing the need for dedicated practice to achieve the illusion of effortless gliding.
How to do the Slickback Challenge on TikTok?
To perform the "Slickback" challenge on TikTok, follow these steps:-
Start by standing upright with your feet slightly apart.
Begin by striking one foot out, kicking it forward while keeping the other foot firmly planted on the ground.
After the initial kick, swiftly jump back onto the planted foot while simultaneously lifting the other foot off the ground.
As you land back on the planted foot, strike the opposite foot out in a similar manner, repeating the process.
Focus on emphasizing the striking of the heels rather than sliding the feet, as this creates the illusion of floating or gliding.
Maintain a smooth and rhythmic motion, ensuring that each kick and jump back is executed with precision and fluidity.
Practice repeatedly to perfect the move, as achieving the appearance of effortless gliding requires dedication and refinement of the technique.
While various tutorials simplify the instructions with phrases like "strike a foot out, jump back, and switch to another foot," mastering the Slickback challenge may take time and perseverance. Emulate the movements of the individuals who have successfully created the illusion of floating, and remember that even K-pop idols have faced challenges in mastering this viral trend.
Why is the Slickback Challenge So Famous on TikTok?
The Slickback challenge on TikTok has gained significant popularity due to its visually captivating and seemingly gravity-defying nature. Participants performing the challenge create the illusion of floating or gliding across the ground, which has captured the attention of audiences worldwide. Additionally, the challenge's association with catchy music, specifically DJ and producer Lakim's track "A Pimp Named Slickback," has further contributed to its widespread appeal.
The challenge's widespread fame can be attributed to several factors, including the initial viral TikTok video that garnered millions of views and likes, sparking widespread interest and participation. Furthermore, the challenge's incorporation of elements from the "Jubi Slide," a previously popular dance move, adds to its appeal, as it builds upon an already established trend within the online dance community.
The social media buzz surrounding the Slickback challenge has also been fueled by the participation of various demographics, including teenagers and K-pop celebrities. As individuals and groups across different social media platforms continue to partake in the challenge, the trend has only amplified in popularity, with users finding creative ways to incorporate the challenge into their content, such as filming it on different surfaces or integrating it into team-building activities.
The Slickback challenge's combination of intriguing visual effects, a catchy soundtrack, and widespread participation has contributed to its rapid rise to fame on TikTok and other social media platforms.
About TikTok
TikTok is a widely popular social media platform known for its short-form, engaging video content. Launched in 2016 by the Chinese company ByteDance, TikTok quickly gained global recognition, particularly among younger generations. The platform allows users to create and share short videos ranging from 15 seconds to 3 minutes, often featuring lip-syncing, dancing, comedy skits, challenges, and various creative content.
TikTok's user-friendly interface and an extensive library of filters, effects, and soundtracks enable creators to produce entertaining and visually appealing content easily. The platform's algorithm also plays a crucial role in its success, as it personalizes users' content feeds based on their preferences, browsing history, and interactions, promoting a highly engaging and tailored user experience.
The app's "For You" page, which displays a curated feed of videos tailored to individual users' interests, has been instrumental in propelling lesser-known creators to internet stardom. This has fostered a diverse and inclusive environment, allowing individuals from various backgrounds to showcase their talents, creativity, and unique perspectives to a global audience.
TikTok has also been influential in shaping popular culture, propelling viral challenges, dance trends, and memes that often transcend the app itself and spread to other social media platforms. Its impact on music, fashion, and internet culture has been substantial, with many artists, businesses, and influencers leveraging the platform to reach a vast and engaged audience.
Despite its immense popularity, TikTok has faced scrutiny and controversy, particularly regarding data privacy concerns and issues related to content moderation. However, the platform continues to evolve and adapt, implementing various measures to ensure user safety and privacy while maintaining a vibrant and dynamic space for content creators and consumers alike.
TikTok has solidified its position as a leading social media platform, fostering a global community of creators and consumers who contribute to its vibrant and ever-expanding digital landscape.
What is the Slickback Challenge on TikTok - FAQs
The Slickback challenge on TikTok is a viral dance trend where participants perform a specific set of movements that create the illusion of floating or gliding across the ground. It gained prominence after a South Korean teenager's TikTok video went viral, showcasing the gravity-defying dance move set to the tune of DJ and producer Lakim's single "A Pimp Named Slickback."
To perform the Slickback challenge, start by standing with your feet slightly apart. Strike one foot out, kick it forward, and then swiftly jump back onto the planted foot while lifting the other foot off the ground. Continue this motion, emphasizing the striking of the heels to create the illusion of floating. Practice the sequence repeatedly to achieve the smooth and gliding effect.
While the Slickback challenge gained traction through the TikTok video of Lee Hyo-cheol, a South Korean teenager, the dance move itself was modified from the "Jubi Slide," created by YouTuber and TikTokker Jubi2fye in early 2022. The Slickback challenge, however, emphasizes striking the heels rather than the sliding, "moonwalk" movement seen in the Jubi Slide.
The Slickback challenge stands out on TikTok due to its visually captivating nature and the perception of defying gravity. The illusion of floating or gliding, combined with the catchy music and widespread participation, has captured the interest of a diverse audience, including teenagers and even K-pop celebrities.
While the basic concept of the Slickback challenge appears simple, achieving the illusion of effortless gliding requires practice and precision. Many participants, including K-pop idols, have struggled to perfect the move. Emphasizing the striking of the heels and maintaining a smooth, rhythmic motion are key factors in mastering the challenge.