My favorite thing of all time (read: sarcasm) is when you finally get rid of something or someone, and boom, they come back into your life again. Whether it’s a DM from your toxic ex or Red (Taylor’s Version) hitting you in the feels after you’ve been relatively stable for a while, the “Back Again” TikTok trend is all about the frustrating feelings, people, and experiences that return with a vengeance. The trend features Ludacris’ 2004 song “Number One Spot,” and it’s safe to say that the viral moment has also earned a #1 spot on my list of favorite trends this week.
Where The Trend Originated
According to my research — AKA incessant TikTok scrolling — the “Back Again” trend was born when @creeohdee posted this video a few days ago. The text overlay says, “POV: your gym bro comes back from another failed talking stage,” followed by the creator Chris wearing gym clothes and showing off some amusing dance moves. Ludacris’ “Number One Spot” plays in the background, and in case Luda is before your time, the song is from the hip hop artist’s fourth studio album, The Red Light District.
The Trending Sound
In the trending audio, you’ll hear Ludacris’ intro to the song: “Yeah, baby! Hehe, yeah. Back again! Luda! It gets meaner and meaner each time, baby.” Are these perhaps the most Ludacris-esque lyrics we’ve ever heard? Yes. Do they make the perfect backdrop for a viral TikTok trend? Also yes. At the moment, the sound has been used in just under 9,000 videos on TikTok — however, that number is growing fast and I predict the trend is going to continue blowing up (and aren’t you glad you’ll know the lyrics by heart before everyone else?).
What Is The “Back Again” TikTok Trend?
Whether your period just arrived unexpectedly or the cold, winter weather has returned to kill your houseplants, I’ll bet you can think of something (or someone) who returns time and time again to kill the mood, whether you’re ready for it or not. The “Back Again” trend is all about highlighting those pesky moments — like when you’re desperately trying to get your life together, work hard, and sleep eight hours per night but your party friend comes to town and wants to go clubbing and stay out until 4 AM.
While the “Back Again” trend is still pretty new, TikTokers are running with it, and the results will make you smile. For example, @nameless.james needs to get through his to-do list but procrastination is his middle name. No matter how much she tries to avoid them, @secondstarcollective can’t escape the post-Disney blues. TikToker @joeando is emotionally wrecked thanks to Taylor Swift, and @waywardsarah will never end her fandom obsession. I especially love this version from money expert @herfirst100k who just wants to enjoy her Starbucks in peace, and this one by @slayforeign who is forever haunted by her ex whose name begins with “J.”
How To Replicate The Trend
Fortunately, the “Back Again” TikTok trend is easy and fun to replicate. The goal is to think of an irritating, yet laughable moment where you don’t want something to happen, but alas, you cannot escape it, no matter how hard you try. Simply save the trending audio here and check out a few video examples on TikTok for inspiration. Then, use text overlay to describe the “before and after” — AKA what you’re trying to escape from, and what, inevitably, comes “back again” to haunt you. As with any viral TikTok trend, don’t be afraid to tap into pop culture moments, flex your humor, or throw in some dance moves. We all know what it’s like to get caught in a “back again” moment, and chances are, others will relate to whatever scenario you recreate.
This year alone, we’ve seen musicians like Nicki Minaj, Destiny’s Child, Tay Money, and Megan Thee Stallion spark memorable viral moments, along with singers like Miley Cyrus, Britney Spears, Taylor Swift, and most recently, Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Ludacris certainly isn’t the first hip-hop artist to inspire a TikTok trend, but it’s nice to see him “back again” (sorry, I had to) on my For You Page. Give Ludacris’ “Back Again” trend a try, have fun with it, and let us know what’s turning your day upside down. Oh, and don’t forget to laugh. Isn’t that what TikTok is all about?