What Is the Keke Challenge?

The Keke Challenge (also called the In My Feelings Challenge) is a user-generated dance trend inspired by Drake’s hit song “In My Feelings.” People film themselves dancing to a specific verse, usually at street curbs or in moving cars (though driving variants are risky). It went viral in mid-2018 and still resurfaces whenever brands or influencers tap into its catchy moves.

Origin and Evolution

- July 2018: Comedian Shiggy posts the first known clip of the dance on Instagram.

- Viral spread: Celebrities like Will Smith and Mariah Carey join in, igniting millions of posts across platforms.

- Branded spin-offs: Companies like Beats by Dre and Pepsi run their own Keke-inspired campaigns to drive awareness.

Over time, the trend morphed. Some communities put safe, stationary twists on the dance, while others integrated props or local landmarks.

How Brands and Influencers Use the Keke Challenge

1. User-Generated Content (UGC) Campaigns

- Invite followers to film their own Keke routine with a branded hashtag (e.g., #BrandKeke).

- Repost top entries on your feed to encourage more participation.

2. Influencer Partnerships

- Sponsor micro- or nano-influencers to showcase your product in a Keke dance.

- Provide a unique dance twist that highlights a feature (like a sneaker drop or a smoothie blend).

3. In-Store or Event Activations

- Host pop-up dance stations with branded backdrops and phone mounts.

- Offer prizes for best performances, boosting foot traffic and shareable moments.

Why the Keke Challenge Matters

- High Engagement: Dance challenges drive likes, comments, and shares, thanks to their visual and participatory nature.

- Broad Appeal: From Gen Z on TikTok to Millennials on Instagram, it taps across demographics.

- Cost-Effective: You leverage organic creativity rather than expensive ad budgets.

- Cultural Relevance: Shows your brand is in touch with social media trends.

Common Misconceptions and Variations

- Misconception: It’s Dangerous

Yes, filming from a moving car can be unsafe. Always prioritize safety by filming on stationary ground or using creative edits.

- Variation: The ‘Safe Keke’

Many creators do the full routine from a sidewalk or in front of a branded mural. It’s equally engaging without the risk.

- Name Confusion

Some call it the “Kiki Challenge.” Both refer to the same trend, though “Keke” aligns more closely with Drake’s lyrics.

Practical Tips for Your Next Keke Campaign

1. Set Clear Guidelines

- Emphasize safety (no moving vehicles!).

- Define submission rules and hashtag requirements.

2. Incentivize Participation

- Offer product giveaways, discounts, or feature winners on your main channel.

3. Collaborate with the Right Creators

- Choose influencers whose style matches your brand voice.

- Provide them with creative freedom to keep content authentic.

4. Leverage Multiple Platforms

- Post snippets on Instagram Reels, TikTok, and YouTube Shorts for maximum reach.

5. Analyze and Iterate

- Track engagement metrics (views, likes, shares).

- Ask participants for feedback—what parts of the challenge resonated most?

By understanding the Keke Challenge’s roots, applications, and best practices, your brand or creator profile can ride the wave of viral dance trends—safely, authentically, and with maximum impact.