“Why is everyone suddenly doing that shoulder shimmy?”
You open Instagram. Scroll once. Boom — someone’s spinning, snapping, and doing a body roll in perfect sync to a 12-second beat drop. Scroll again — now it’s your cousin, your coworker, and your dog walker.
Welcome to the world of Instagram dance challenges — 2025 edition.
These viral trends have exploded beyond TikTok, taking over IG Reels with choreo that’s equal parts addictive, camera-friendly, and just hard enough to make you feel accomplished when you finally nail it.
Here’s our definitive roundup of the dance challenges that ruled Reels, racked up millions of views, and probably lived rent-free in your head for weeks.
1. “Boom Boom Back” Challenge – BE:FIRST
Song: “Boom Boom Back”
Signature move: Shoulder bounce + knee drop + reverse pop
Why it blew up:
This routine looks easy… until it’s not. The bouncey rhythm and quick switches challenge your timing, but once you lock it in? Chef’s kiss. Plus, BE:FIRST themselves reposted fan entries, making this a full-circle moment.
Views: 1.2M+ Reels under #BoomBoomBackChallenge
Difficulty: 7/10 – deceptively tricky
2. “Idol” Finger Dance – YOASOBI
Song: “Idol”
Signature move: Finger hearts, double blinks, sassy hip pops
Why it blew up:
Anime fans + J-pop fans + soft glam stans = this challenge owned IG. Especially with the “spotlight moment” lighting edit. The facial expressions were half the fun — this one made everyone a main character.
Fan tip: Use a ring light and shoot in slo-mo for peak drama
Difficulty: 5/10 – face game required!
3. “Tippy Toes” Challenge – LE SSERAFIM (JP Ver.)
Song: “Tippy Toes”
Signature move: High-heel stomps, hair flicks, hand snaps
Why it blew up:
It’s giving runway. It’s giving attitude. This choreo turned sidewalks into catwalks, with IG creators remixing the moves in heels, Crocs, and even barefoot. It’s classy chaos, and we love it.
Trend twist: Some creators did it… in elevators.
Difficulty: 6/10 – for the confident strutter
4. “Mixed Nuts” Partner Groove – Official HIGE DANDism
Song: “Mixed Nuts”
Signature move: Linked arms + foot taps + jazz hands
Why it blew up:
A cute throwback challenge that’s all about syncing with your bestie. Couples, siblings, roommates — anyone with decent rhythm — couldn’t resist this one. It’s retro, playful, and super rewatchable.
Most iconic Reels: Matching sweaters. Living rooms turned studios. Chaotic laughter at the end.
Difficulty: 4/10 – coordination > complexity
5. “Zankyou Sanka” Spin Drop – Aimer
Song: “Zankyou Sanka”
Signature move: Dramatic spin, half-kneel, chest pop
Why it blew up:
This challenge was born on anime cosplay pages and blew up during the Demon Slayer comeback. People combined this choreo with flowing haoris, wind machines (aka fans), and cinematic lighting.
Vibe: Theater kid meets anime swordsman
Difficulty: 8/10 – dramatic energy REQUIRED
6. “Time Machine” Slo-Mo Walk – Vaundy
Song: “Time Machine”
Signature move: Slow walk to camera + head tilt + hand roll
Why it blew up:
It’s not a dance, it’s a mood. The challenge started in Tokyo’s underground stations and morphed into a moody, slo-mo trend — ideal for cool outfits, stares into the lens, and feeling like you’re in an A24 film.
Best used with: Neon lighting, soft focus, black-and-white filter
Difficulty: 2/10 – but make it aesthetic
7. “Ohitorisama Tengoku” Jump Shimmy – Nogizaka46
Song: “Ohitorisama Tengoku”
Signature move: Up-down shimmy + twisty hands + “solo dance” pose
Why it blew up:
It’s cute. It’s quirky. It’s pure idol energy. This challenge turned IG feeds into a sea of soft pastels, bows, and blush cheeks, with everyone putting their own adorable spin on the dance.
Trend twist: People added their pets doing mini versions
Difficulty: 5/10 – for the bubbly and brave
8. “Ashes” Slow Drop Trend – Aimer x RADWIMPS
Song: “Ashes”
Signature move: Kneeling drop + hand over heart + cinematic fall
Why it blew up:
This one hit feels-first. Most creators used this challenge to show emotional transitions — a happy memory cut into the choreo with tears and drama. Total “music video in my bedroom” moment.
Best paired with: Soft lighting + slow shutter + faded color grading
Difficulty: 6/10 – bring your inner actor
9. “DROP” Power Choreo – INI
Song: “DROP”
Signature move: Jacket flip, chest hit, head swing
Why it blew up:
Pure boy group energy. This is the “LOOK AT ME” dance challenge that everyone from dance majors to 9-to-5ers tried after hours. High energy, big moves, bigger vibes.
IG gold: Warehouse backgrounds + black outfits
Difficulty: 9/10 – not for the faint of rhythm
10. “Night Swimmer” Flow Challenge – YOURI
Song: “Night Swimmer”
Signature move: Arm waves, ripple rolls, dreamy pacing
Why it blew up:
This chill, flowing challenge is for people who don’t want to dance, they want to feel. It’s lowkey. No pressure. Just vibes. Perfect for late-night posts and soft captions.
Mood: Lofi girl meets contemporary dancer
Difficulty: 3/10 – soothing + scroll-stopping
Final Thought: Short Choreo, Long-Term Impact
The best dance challenges aren’t just about the moves — they’re about how they make you feel, how they let creators express themselves, and how fans around the world can connect through rhythm, even if they’ve never met IRL.
And with more J-pop artists building choreo directly for Reels and TikTok in 2025, this wave? It’s not slowing down.
So whether you’re a trained dancer or a bedroom bopper — hit record, drop that beat, and join the scroll-stopping movement.