Wed Sep 25 10:55:13 UTC 2024: ## “Monkeys Spinning Monkeys”: The Song That Took Over TikTok and Became a Soundtrack for the Internet

**LOS ANGELES -** A decade-old song titled “Monkeys Spinning Monkeys” by composer Kevin MacLeod has become an unlikely internet sensation, serving as the background music for millions of TikTok videos and racking up billions of plays across various platforms. This seemingly simple tune has become a viral phenomenon, embodying the unique interplay between music and social media in the digital age.

MacLeod, a prolific composer who started his career as a computer programmer, created the song as part of his “library music” collection, a stockpile of royalty-free tunes available for content creators to use in their videos, films, and video games. He deliberately chose to release his music under a Creative Commons license, making it freely available and accessible, a decision that has catapulted him to internet fame.

The song’s rise to prominence coincides with the rise of TikTok, a platform that heavily relies on user-generated content and encourages remixing and repurposing existing material. The platform’s ease of use, featuring tools for splicing videos and reusing sound, made it possible for countless users to easily adopt “Monkeys Spinning Monkeys” as their own, creating a snowball effect that propelled the song to viral status.

While the song itself is musically unspectacular, it possesses a unique blend of classic musical references that subtly evoke a playful and lighthearted mood. Its booming bass line, reminiscent of Mozart’s comic relief, coupled with a melody reminiscent of a calliope, instantly conjures associations with joy and silliness, making it an ideal accompaniment for the lighthearted and humorous content found on TikTok.

“Monkeys Spinning Monkeys” has transcended the confines of a single platform and cemented itself as a universal soundtrack for the internet, a testament to the power of music and social media to create and amplify cultural trends. Its legacy will likely endure for years to come, reminding us of the surprising and enduring power of a simple, yet effective, song.

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