song of the summer

The term predates 2021 but became popularized as a TikTok trend. (See usage notes)

song of the summer (plural songs of the summer)

1. (US) A popular, upbeat, or catchy hit (song) that dominates culture and airwaves between Memorial Day and Labor Day, characterized as an inescapable anthem, defined by its high energy, danceability, and shared cultural resonance.

   Near-synonym: earworm

   1. (by extension) (sarcastic, Internet slang) A trend mocking musicians who used the term to market their content.

      I think I wrote the song of the summer...

This term is a subjective concept that media outlets track using charts, streaming, and cultural buzz.

While the term's usage predates 2021, the term became popularized as a TikTok marketing strategy for artists to claim the "song of the summer" title. The term later shifted into a viral joke; in 2023, the phrase was being used in cynical memes to mock creators for their self-promotional efforts on the app. (See further reading)

• 2017. McIntyre, Hugh. "What Exactly Is The Song Of The Summer?" Forbes.
• 2023. Mateus. "I Think I Wrote The Song Of The Summer". Know Your Meme.
• 2024. Kaur, Harmeet. "How the ‘song of the summer’ became a cultural phenomenon". CNN.