There’s something about DJ Khaled and his entire essence that tickles me. Between his iconic lyrics, admiration for his son, and over-the-top yet perfectly motivating pep talks, the hip hop musician is equally endearing, entertaining, and the ultimate hype man for every scenario. Now, we have the artist to thank for the “Major Bag Alert” TikTok trend, in which creators poke fun at moments when they’ve either gained money or majorly splurged on something. The trend is comical, easy to execute, and in true DJ Khaled fashion, it’s giving “major key” energy (which, according to the man, is the most essential kind).
While we don’t always get what we ask for in life, the “Major Bag Alert” trend is all about getting after what you desire (and growing that bank account, while you’re at it). Like DJ Khaled famously said in 2016: They don’t want you to win. They don’t want you to prosper. They don’t want you to succeed. So, if you’ve been seeing the trend all over your For You Page, it’s time to secure the bag. Here’s what you need to know about the “Major Bag Alert” TikTok trend, where it originated, and how to replicate it yourself.
What does “major bag alert” mean?
Bestie, if you’re getting the “bag,” it means you’re getting money. The term “bag” has long been used in hip hop music, and has evolved to mean anything from money and material wealth to your larger goals in life. In short, by saying “major bag,” you’re implying that someone has a lot of cash, owns a fancy thing, or has accomplished something noteworthy. Think: Are you interviewing for a new job? Time to secure the bag. Just learned about Olivia Rodrigo’s new album? Major bag alert.
In 2016, DJ Khaled released the hit song “I Got The Keys” featuring Future and Jay-Z, which included the lyrics “Major key alert!” and “Major bag alert!” (The song was also used in a Wendy’s commercial to advertise the “biggie bag,” which you truly love to see). In 2017, the “major bag” phrase resurfaced on another DJ Khaled song featuring Migos called, of course, “Major Bag Alert,” on which the group raps about driving nice cars and dropping “major bag” on clothes (hey, it’s called self-care).
Now, the song “Major Key Alert” is a viral soundbite on TikTok, and the tune has already been used in over 70,000 videos on the app.
In the “Major Bag Alert” trend, TikTokers celebrate moments when they scored big.
The premise of the trend is to celebrate a “major bag alert” moment — AKA a time in which you earned cash, got an awesome deal, or when luck was generally on your side. For example, maybe you shockingly made a half-court shot and won $10,000, or a university bus accidentally swiped your car (free tuition, anyone?). TikToker @jenniedaley gets excited about her first engineering paycheck while others celebrate payday by hitting up Target, Marshall’s, TJ Maxx, Ross, and HomeGoods — which sounds like a major bag(s) alert to me.
Of course, there are many comical versions of the trend, like @_jacxie’s version which says “16-year-olds when they can finally work at McDonald’s” or this adorable version where a chinchilla gets hype about eating Cheerios. Regardless of your angle, be sure to use the “Major Bag Alert” song in the background, add plenty of dramatic flair, and capture that oh-so-sweet moment when you somehow secured the bag.
You can also use the trend to poke fun at yourself.
While the “Major Bag Alert” trend is ideal for moments when you’re stacking cash, you can also use the trend to call yourself out on your spending habits — AKA when the “major bag” moment is for someone else, not you. For example, TikToker @lilly’s version says, “The sales associate when I ask where the shampoo aisle is” before revealing her undeniably gorgeous, long hair. Creator @emilyhunt099’s video says, “When my credit card company sees that it’s going to be 60 degrees on a Saturday in February.” Olympic gold medalist Hilary Knight even hopped on the trend and said, “Any restaurant that sees our team walk in after a game” and creator @chinesebeefgoop’s hilarious version says, “spray tan salons in a predominantly white suburb before a hs dance.”
Whether you’re poking fun at Harry Styles’ merch team or you can’t stop buying posters of Timothée Chalamet, think of a moment when someone else is about to get rich, and don’t be afraid to joke about yourself.
To try the trend yourself, save the viral soundbite by DJ Khaled and Migos.
First, be sure to bookmark this trending audio file and brainstorm a clever way to celebrate your “major bag” moment. Then, record yourself either engaging in the activity, doing a celebratory dance, or otherwise, and don’t forget to save! Then, add text overlay, a witty caption and the optional hashtag #MajorBagAlert.
Remember, this is TikTok after all, so your version — however random — is 100% acceptable. Maybe you just realized you’re living in Mitski’s old apartment and suddenly have zero chill, or you’re a bartender who’s about to make bank because the Artizia girls and finance bros just walked in. Maybe you’re poking fun at Kylie Jenner’s $1.2 million dollar baby announcement on Instagram, or you blatantly asked your boyfriend for a purse for Valentine’s Day but got a Ziploc bag instead. Whatever your situation, give the “Major Bag Alert” TikTok trend a try, and in the words of D! J! Khaled! Remember: You da best.