Nothing says “just graduated Magna Cum Laude” or “I’m ready for my first real job” like mouthing Slayyyter’s “CRANK” while you walk across the graduation stage. Don’t believe me? Just ask the class of 2026.
The trend features new college graduates mouthing “crank it,” as they accept their diploma, while Slayyyter’s “CRANK” plays in the background. It became popular this month after posts by users — including Nate Conklin (@nateconklin), Ryan Scarlotto (@ryanscarlotto), and Sarah Bea (@sarah.beaaaa) — surfaced on TikTok.
“CRANK” is a 2026 release by Slayyyter off her third studio album Wor$t Girl in America. A prominent figure in the contemporary LGBTQ+ music scene, Slayyyter made a name for herself with her unique sound, blending elements of hyper-pop, synthpop, dance-pop, and electropop. “CRANK,” one of the artists’ latest songs to go viral, is a wild going-out anthem, which talks about all kinds of reckless behavior. But in this case, college seniors are using it in a funny, quirky, and carefree way for them to celebrate their accomplishments.
Really, it’s just Slayyyter fans being Slayyyter fans. “Grad U Ate,” Olivia Owens (@oliviagowenss) says in her post. “Happy Crankulation,” Bea writes across hers. “Wor$t Grad in America,” puts Alejandro Sanchez (@444lejandro) on his, a reference to the name of Slayyyter’s album.
The comment sections of these posts seem to love it too. “U cranked that babe,” says one commenter beneath Owens’s post. “MOTHER CRANQUETTE,” writes another. “This is exactly as iconic as you think it is,” puts one person on a post by Grace Marnon (@graceizm). And another adds, “You just graduATED.”
If you’re graduating this month, and this trend has piqued your interest, participation is fun — and easy — to pull off. Just mouth “Crank it” as you graduate, whether it be on the stage, on the stairs after walking across the stage, or in your seat as you wait for the ceremony to end — and of course, make sure it’s caught on video. Just add Slayyyter’s song to the video, and you’re done. You just graduated, and you just cranked it.