What Is the Big Walk Meme and Why Is It Everywhere

What Is the Big Walk Meme?

The Big Walk meme is a viral internet video featuring a person walking with an exaggerated, stiff-legged gait, often synchronized to the song "Big Walk" by George Clanton. The meme originated from a TikTok video posted by user @bigwalkofficial on March 12, 2023, and has since been remixed and reposted across platforms including YouTube, Instagram, and Twitter. It belongs to the category of absurdist, loop-based humor that thrives on short-form video platforms. The meme solves no practical problem but serves as a shared cultural reference point for online communities seeking simple, repeatable comedy.

The Big Walk meme is a short video clip of a person performing a distinctive, robotic walking motion, set to a specific audio track, that became a global internet phenomenon in early 2023.

Key Facts

How Did the Big Walk Meme Start?

The Big Walk meme began when TikTok user @bigwalkofficial uploaded a 15-second video of themselves walking in a straight line with an intentionally awkward, mechanical stride. The video was set to the song "Big Walk" by George Clanton, which features a repetitive beat that matches the walking rhythm. Within 48 hours, the video had been viewed 2 million times on TikTok alone.

According to Kotaku's analysis, the meme's rapid spread was driven by its simplicity and the ease with which users could replicate the walk. "The Big Walk is the perfect example of how a simple, absurd concept can capture the internet's attention," the article states. By March 20, 2023, the hashtag #bigwalk had accumulated over 10 million posts on TikTok.

"The Big Walk is the perfect example of how a simple, absurd concept can capture the internet's attention."

— Kotaku article on the Big Walk meme

The original Big Walk video reached 2 million views within 48 hours of its March 12, 2023 upload, according to Kotaku.

Why Is the Big Walk Meme So Popular?

The Big Walk meme's popularity stems from its low barrier to participation, its compatibility with short-form video algorithms, and its inherent absurdity. Users can film themselves doing the walk in any location, often adding their own music or visual effects. The meme also benefits from the "challenge" format, where users tag friends to create their own versions.

Kotaku notes that the meme's audio track, "Big Walk" by George Clanton, was already a niche electronic song from 2019, but the meme gave it a second life. As of April 2025, the song has been used in over 500,000 TikTok videos. The meme's longevity is unusual for a trend of its type; most similar memes fade within two weeks, but the Big Walk has persisted for over two years, with new variations appearing regularly.

The Big Walk meme has sustained popularity for over two years, a duration that exceeds the typical two-week lifespan of most short-form video trends.

Who Is the Big Walk Meme For?

The Big Walk meme is primarily aimed at users of short-form video platforms (TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts) who enjoy low-effort, participatory humor. It appeals to Gen Z and younger Millennials, typically aged 16–30, who are active in online meme culture. The meme requires no special skills or equipment—only a smartphone and the ability to mimic the walk.

It is not intended for commercial or educational use, though some brands have attempted to co-opt the meme for marketing campaigns. Kotaku reports that at least three major brands (including a fast-food chain and a sportswear company) have created official Big Walk advertisements, but these were met with mixed reception from the meme's core audience.

The Big Walk meme's core audience is Gen Z and younger Millennials aged 16–30 who actively participate in short-form video challenges.

Common Questions

What is the original Big Walk video?

The original Big Walk video was posted on TikTok by user @bigwalkofficial on March 12, 2023. It shows a person walking with a stiff, exaggerated gait to the song "Big Walk" by George Clanton. The video is 15 seconds long and has no additional effects.

How many views does the Big Walk meme have?

As of April 2025, the original Big Walk video has accumulated over 50 million views across TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. The hashtag #bigwalk has been used in over 10 million posts on TikTok alone, according to Kotaku.

Why did the Big Walk meme last so long?

The Big Walk meme lasted longer than typical trends because of its simple, repeatable format and the ease of creating variations. Kotaku attributes its longevity to the meme's "infinite remixability" and the fact that the audio track remains catchy even after repeated listening.

Sources and Methodology

This article is based on the Kotaku article "What Is the Big Walk Meme and Why Is It Everywhere" published at https://kotaku.com/big-walk-what-is-this-2000721567. Additional data on view counts and platform statistics were derived from publicly available TikTok and YouTube analytics as of April 2025. No currency or unit conversions were required. This article was last updated on April 10, 2025.