What were you doing in the summer of 2009? In case that feels like a lifetime ago, let’s recap: Facebook was all the rage, Drake’s “Best I Ever Had” played on every radio station, and the world was up in arms about Kanye interrupting Taylor’s speech at the VMAs. Feeling old yet? Personally, in the summer of ‘09, I had side bangs, made highly questionable fashion choices, and was shamelessly open about being on “Team Jacob.” Now, the “Do You Remember Summer ‘09” TikTok trend is making me feel nostalgic for simpler times — even if they were slightly (OK, very) cringe.
In the TikTok trend, creators utilize this fun soundbite which features a snippet from the One Direction song “Rock Me.” The song was originally released in 2012 on the band’s album Take Me Home. The song’s opening lyrics, “Do you remember summer ‘09,” form the perfect backdrop for TikTokers to remember their embarrassing moments from the iconic year, whether it was their bold, yet mismatched outfits or funny vacation pics. And whether you’re a former 1D fan, a Harry Styles stan, or you ride-or-die for Niall, you’ll love the One Direction-inspired trend that forces you to take a trip down memory lane.
Like many popular TikTok trends these days, “Do You Remember Summer ‘09” is all about poking fun at yourself — in all of your 2009 glory. For example, TikToker @gwizzle_ takes a moment to remember her sassy younger self, and creator @seananthonyv is grateful for the glow-up over the years. Creator @neeenzs can’t figure out why she used to hang out at TGI Friday’s for fun, and @danielle_carolan questions her formerly plaid wardrobe and brightly colored sunglasses. TikToker @zamiralikesfood recalls her nerdy stage and creator @meganbcall shares hilarious photos from dramatic 2009 photoshoots with the caption “rumor has it I’m still flexing.” Whether you’re tickled by 2009 fashion trends or simply can’t deal with cringe photos from when you were younger, “Do You Remember Summer ‘09” is the perfect trend to try.
Recreating the trend is simple — all you need to do is save the viral audio on TikTok, then find an old photo of yourself that’s nostalgic, nerdy, or downright mortifying. Whether it’s documentation of your first-ever MySpace profile pic, a series of cringe-worthy concert photos, or a memory of when you were obsessed with Sillybandz (does anyone else remember when those were banned in schools?!), don’t be afraid to dig into the archives. Then, film a video of yourself lip-syncing the lyrics “Do You Remember Summer ‘09?” and when the music cuts out, show the picture of yourself from back in the day. The trend is quick and straightforward, and if you need an example, there are plenty on TikTok to get ideas from!
2009 may have been a questionable year for many of us, but don’t worry — it’s OK to laugh at yourself sometimes! And if you’re one of the many TikTokers who are too young to remember the iconic era — which makes me feel way too old — don’t worry, your nostalgic chapter will reveal itself someday. Maybe you’ll even look back on your TikTok someday and think, “Wow, what an era.” And when you do, I hope it’s filled with hilarious, trend-worthy content and not a series of dorky pictures from your middle school dance.