The song “Anxiety” by American artist Doechii is currently at the heart of an explosive TikTok trend. Initially recorded in 2019, this track is experiencing a spectacular revival thanks to a viral choreography inspired by the famous character played by Will Smith in the iconic series “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Here’s a closer look at this viral trend.
How Did the Song “Anxiety” Become Viral on TikTok?
The Origins of the Song
“Anxiety,” originally recorded in 2019 by Doechii (Jaylah Hickmon), had been quietly available on streaming platforms before being rediscovered in early 2025. Initially, Doechii had uploaded this song to YouTube as part of a personal music project titled “Coven Music Sessions.” The track notably includes a sample from “Somebody That I Used to Know,” the iconic song by Gotye and Kimbra released in 2011.
Despite its undeniable artistic quality, “Anxiety” hadn’t gained significant attention until TikTok unexpectedly spotlighted it five years after its creation.
TikTok: The Catalyst for Musical Success
TikTok has once again demonstrated its unique power to bring forgotten or lesser-known tracks to prominence. In early 2025, the platform suddenly turned “Anxiety” into a global phenomenon. Users started creating viral videos based on a dynamic, appealing, and accessible dance.
This dance quickly became essential on the platform. Each day, new users adapted and shared the choreography, further amplifying the song’s reach. “Anxiety” became a global trend within just a few weeks.
The Viral Dance Inspired by “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air”
An Effective Nostalgic Reference
The explosive popularity of the “Anxiety” dance is primarily due to a nostalgic reference that resonates directly with audiences: the iconic character portrayed by Will Smith in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” The choreography replicates Smith’s famous dance moves from an episode that has become legendary.
This nostalgic nod significantly boosts the popularity of the challenge. The reference to a beloved 1990s series appeals both to younger audiences and nostalgic older generations. Thus, the trend quickly transcended TikTok’s borders, becoming a broader cultural phenomenon.
Immediate Impact on Social Media
Within weeks, the hashtag #DoechiiAnxiety accumulated millions of views on TikTok. The virality even prompted Doechii herself to respond personally to the trend, rapidly releasing the song officially on streaming platforms in response to overwhelming user demand.
This quick response further accelerated the song’s dissemination, rapidly pushing it up international charts and capturing the interest of an even larger audience.
TikTok’s Impact on Doechii’s Career
Commercial Success Driven by TikTok Virality
The viral exposure on TikTok had an immediate commercial impact on “Anxiety.” Shortly after its official release in March 2025, the song entered major international music charts, notably reaching the 7th position in New Zealand and the 7th position in other international rankings, such as New Zealand and elsewhere.
This virality underlines the growing importance of TikTok as a critical platform for modern music marketing, significantly expanding artists’ audiences worldwide.
TikTok’s Influence on Doechii’s Career
Thanks to this unexpected TikTok trend, Doechii experienced a remarkable boost in her career. Her credibility among recognized artists increased, leading to several high-profile collaborations that significantly expanded her global audience.
This TikTok trend also allowed her to build credibility among other renowned artists, leading to numerous high-profile collaborations that significantly expanded her international audience.
Why is the TikTok Anxiety trend so popular?
A Dance Accessible to Everyone
One major reason the “Anxiety” TikTok trend resonates so strongly is because the choreography is easy and accessible to everyone. Users don’t have to be expert dancers to join the challenge, enhancing the sense of community that characterizes the platform. Its simplicity encourages widespread participation.
A Universal and Relatable Message
Another factor behind the trend’s popularity is its emotional appeal. Doechii authentically addresses the topic of anxiety, making it easy for TikTok’s young audience to relate to. As a result, the song has become a powerful medium for emotional expression and personal identification, further amplifying its virality.
TikTok’s Long-Term Impact on the Music Industry
New Opportunities for Doechii
This TikTok trend has turned Doechii’s previously overlooked song into a global phenomenon. Today, the artist enjoys significantly increased international visibility, opening numerous doors in the music industry.
The TikTok trend has also strengthened her credibility among other established artists, leading to several high-profile collaborations and greatly expanding her global audience.
TikTok: A Key Lever for Music Marketing
The “Anxiety” phenomenon further confirms TikTok’s major role as an essential tool for music marketing. Nowadays, a track’s virality on TikTok can drastically influence its commercial success, proving how vital the platform has become for the global music industry.
Conclusion: Towards Sustainable Evolution Thanks to TikTok?
The TikTok trend around Doechii’s “Anxiety” underscores a lasting shift in the music landscape. This trend exemplifies how emerging artists can leverage digital trends and platforms to quickly gain worldwide recognition.
Doechii perfectly illustrates this evolution, having boosted her career significantly thanks to the choreography inspired by “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Her success underlines the opportunities that arise for artists who effectively engage with new digital trends.
The viral trend around “Anxiety” highlights an ongoing transformation in how artists interact with audiences, pointing toward a lasting shift in the music industry driven by digital platforms like TikTok.
