YouTube Baby Shark: The Story Behind the Viral Sensation
If you have ever spent some time with young children, you probably have heard of YouTube Baby Shark, the catchy and addictive song that has taken over the world. But what is the story behind this phenomenon? How did it become so popular and influential? And what are some of the benefits and drawbacks of this song? In this article, we will explore the history, the appeal, the impact, and the criticism of YouTube Baby Shark.
What is YouTube Baby Shark?
YouTube Baby Shark is a children's song associated with a dance involving hand movements that originated as a campfire song dating back to at least the 20th century. In 2016, it became very popular when Pinkfong, a South Korean entertainment company, released a version of the song with a YouTube music video that went viral across social media, online video, and radio. In January 2020, it became the first YouTube video to reach 10 billion views.
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The origin of the song
The original song dates back to at least the 20th century, potentially created by camp counselors inspired by the movie Jaws. In the chant, each member of a family of sharks is introduced, with campers using their hands to imitate the sharks' jaws. Different versions of the song have the sharks hunting fish, eating a sailor, or killing people who then go to heaven.
A dance version of "Baby Shark" was popularized in 2007 by a German video titled "Kleiner Hai" (Little Shark), which tells the story of a baby shark who grows up and eats a swimmer. The video quickly gained popularity and led to a record deal for the singer.
Another version of "Baby Shark" was released in 2011 by Johnny Only, a children's entertainer based in Upstate New York, who saw how engaged and animated the campers were when "Baby Shark" was performed. He claims that his version is strikingly similar to Pinkfong's version, which he believes copied his key, tempo change, melody, and rhythm.
The popularity of the song
Pinkfong's version of "Baby Shark" was uploaded on November 26, 2015, and featured two cute kids performing the dance routine. The video attracted millions of views from children all over the world, who loved the simple and catchy tune, the colorful and fun animation, and the family-friendly and positive message.
The video also inspired the hashtag #BabySharkChallenge, with people from different countries and backgrounds joining in to perform their own versions of the song and dance. Some of the most popular challenges include Indonesian farmworkers, K-pop stars, baseball players, firefighters, police officers, celebrities, politicians, and even prisoners.
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The song also broke into several music charts around the world, becoming one of the few children's songs to do so. It reached number 32 on the Billboard Hot 100 in January 2019, number six on the UK Singles Chart in August 2018, and number one on several Asian charts. It also received several awards and nominations for its viral success.
The benefits of the song
Despite its simplicity and repetition, "Baby Shark" has some educational and developmental benefits for children. According to experts in music therapy and child psychology, the song can help children learn language skills, memory skills, motor skills, social skills, emotional skills, and creativity. Why is YouTube Baby Shark so catchy and appealing?
YouTube Baby Shark is not only popular among children, but also among adults, who find themselves humming or singing the song even when they don't want to. But why is this song so catchy and appealing? There are several factors that contribute to its musical and psychological appeal.
The simple and repetitive melody and lyrics
The song has a simple and repetitive melody and lyrics that are easy to remember and sing along. The song uses only four chords (C, G, F, and A minor) and four notes (C, D, E, and G) that are common in many pop songs. The song also repeats the same words and phrases over and over, creating a sense of familiarity and anticipation. According to musicologists, repetition is a powerful tool to create earworms, songs that get stuck in your head.
The colorful and fun video and dance moves
The song is accompanied by a colorful and fun video that features animated sharks and fish, as well as real children performing the dance moves. The video uses bright colors, cute characters, and dynamic movements to capture the attention and imagination of the viewers. The video also shows the hand gestures that correspond to each member of the shark family, making it easy for anyone to follow along. The dance moves are simple and fun, involving clapping, snapping, waving, and swimming motions.
The family-friendly and positive message
The song has a family-friendly and positive message that resonates with both children and adults. The song introduces each member of the shark family, from baby shark to grandpa shark, showing their love and bond. The song also ends with the sharks and the fish becoming friends, promoting peace and harmony. The song also encourages children to explore the ocean world, learn about different animals, and appreciate nature.
How has YouTube Baby Shark influenced culture and society?
YouTube Baby Shark is not just a song, but a cultural phenomenon that has influenced various aspects of culture and society. From challenges and remixes to celebrities and fans, from merchandise and tour to education and charity, YouTube Baby Shark has left its mark on the world.
The challenges and remixes
One of the most popular ways that YouTube Baby Shark has influenced culture is through the challenges and remixes that people have created based on the song. The #BabySharkChallenge involves people performing their own versions of the song and dance, sometimes in unusual or funny situations. Some of the most viral challenges include Indonesian farmworkers dancing in a rice field, K-pop stars dancing in a studio, baseball players dancing in a dugout, firefighters dancing in a fire station, police officers dancing in a patrol car, celebrities dancing on TV shows, politicians dancing on stage, and even prisoners dancing in a jail.
Besides the challenges, people have also created remixes of the song with different styles, genres, languages, or themes. Some of the most popular remixes include EDM remixes by Jauz and Steve Aoki, metal remixes by Leo Moracchioli and Slay Duggee, rap remixes by Tyga and Desiigner, classical remixes by The Piano Guys and Brooklyn Duo, acoustic remixes by Boyce Avenue and Kurt Hugo Schneider, Spanish remixes by Luis Fonsi and Rosalia, Halloween remixes by Super Simple Songs and Bounce Patrol Kids, Christmas remixes by Pinkfong and LooLoo Kids, among many others. The celebrities and fans
Another way that YouTube Baby Shark has influenced culture is through the celebrities and fans that have embraced and endorsed the song. Many famous people from different fields and backgrounds have expressed their love or hate for the song, or have participated in the challenges or remixes. Some of the most notable celebrities include James Corden, Ellen DeGeneres, Jimmy Fallon, Kylie Jenner, Cardi B, Sophie Turner, Josh Groban, John Legend, Chrissy Teigen, Ryan Reynolds, Hugh Jackman, Dwayne Johnson, Leonardo DiCaprio, Barack Obama, Donald Trump, Kim Jong-un, and Pope Francis.
Besides the celebrities, millions of fans from different countries and cultures have also shown their support and enthusiasm for the song. Some of the most loyal and passionate fans include the Washington Nationals baseball team and their fans, who adopted the song as their unofficial anthem during their 2019 World Series victory; the protesters in Lebanon and Iraq, who used the song as a symbol of unity and resistance against political corruption and violence; and the children and parents in South Korea, who used the song as a source of comfort and joy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The merchandise and tour
A third way that YouTube Baby Shark has influenced culture is through the merchandise and tour that have been created based on the song. Pinkfong has capitalized on the success of the song by producing and selling various products related to YouTube Baby Shark, such as toys, books, games, clothing, accessories, stationery, home decor, food, and more. Some of the most popular products include the singing plush toys that play the song when squeezed; the Baby Shark cereal that features marshmallows shaped like sharks and fish; and the Baby Shark phone that allows children to call and talk to the shark family.
Besides the merchandise, Pinkfong has also launched a live musical show based on YouTube Baby Shark, called Baby Shark Live!, which features actors dressed as sharks and fish performing songs and dances from Pinkfong's YouTube channel. The show debuted in October 2019 in North America and has since toured in other regions such as Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. The show has received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike, who praised its production value, entertainment value, and educational value.
What are some criticisms and controversies of YouTube Baby Shark?
YouTube Baby Shark is not without its critics and controversies. Despite its popularity and influence, some people have expressed their dislike or concern for the song. Some of the main criticisms and controversies include:
The annoyance and addiction
One of the most common complaints about YouTube Baby Shark is that it is annoying and addictive. Many people find the song irritating or unbearable because of its simplicity and repetition. They also find it hard to get rid of the song from their heads once they hear it. Some people have even reported having nightmares or hallucinations about YouTube Baby Shark. According to psychologists, this phenomenon is called involuntary musical imagery (INMI), which occurs when a song involuntarily pops into one's mind without any external trigger.
The plagiarism and lawsuits
Another criticism about YouTube Baby Shark is that it is plagiarized or stolen from other sources. Several artists have claimed that Pinkfong's version of YouTube Baby Shark copied or infringed on their original works. Some of these artists include Johnny Only, who claims that Pinkfong's version is identical to his 2011 version; SmartStudy Co., Ltd., who claims that Pinkfong's version is similar to their 2015 version; Hope Animation Studios LLC., who claims that Pinkfong's video is similar to their 2016 video; J.D. DePree III., who claims that Pinkfong's video is similar to his 2017 video; among others. These artists have filed lawsuits against Pinkfong or demanded compensation for their alleged losses.
The environmental and ethical issues
A third criticism about YouTube Baby Shark is that it is harmful or insensitive to the environment or ethics. Some people have argued that YouTube Baby Shark promotes a false or misleading image of sharks as friendly or harmless creatures, when in reality they are predators or endangered species that need respect or protection. They also argue that YouTube Baby Shark encourages children to consume shark-related products or activities that may be unethical or unsustainable, such as shark fin soup or shark fishing. They also point out that YouTube Baby Shark does not address or raise awareness about the issues or threats facing sharks or oceans, such as overfishing, pollution, climate change, or habitat loss.
Conclusion
YouTube Baby Shark is a phenomenon that has captivated millions of people around the world with its catchy and appealing song and video. It has also influenced various aspects of culture and society with its challenges and remix es and remixes, its celebrities and fans, and its merchandise and tour. However, it has also faced some criticisms and controversies for its annoyance and addiction, its plagiarism and lawsuits, and its environmental and ethical issues. Whether you love it or hate it, YouTube Baby Shark is a song that has made history and will continue to make waves in the future.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about YouTube Baby Shark:
Question
Answer
Who created YouTube Baby Shark?
YouTube Baby Shark is a version of a children's song that was created by Pinkfong, a South Korean entertainment company, in 2016.
How many views does YouTube Baby Shark have?
YouTube Baby Shark has over 10 billion views as of January 2020, making it the first YouTube video to reach this milestone.
What is the #BabySharkChallenge?
The #BabySharkChallenge is a viral trend that involves people performing their own versions of the song and dance of YouTube Baby Shark.
What are some benefits of YouTube Baby Shark?
YouTube Baby Shark can help children learn language skills, memory skills, motor skills, social skills, emotional skills, and creativity.
What are some criticisms of YouTube Baby Shark?
YouTube Baby Shark can be annoying and addictive, plagiarized or stolen, and harmful or insensitive to the environment or ethics.
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