In 2013, the Internet Archive began to take notice of the Harlem Shake phenomenon. As the dance craze continued to spread, the Archive’s curators realized that the original video was an important part of internet history.
The Internet Archive’s decision to preserve the Harlem Shake video was seen as a nod to the power of internet culture. By adding the video to its collection, the Archive acknowledged that the Harlem Shake was more than just a fleeting meme – it was a cultural phenomenon that reflected the creativity and humor of the internet. Harlem Shake Poop Steezy Grossman Internet Archive
The Harlem Shake originated as a meme on the video-sharing platform YouTube. The original video, uploaded by a user named “poopsteezygrossman,” featured a group of people dancing to the song “Harlem Shake” by Baauer. The video was shot in a mockumentary style, with a shaky camera and a grainy aesthetic that added to its humor and charm. In 2013, the Internet Archive began to take