What Does the Fox Say

2013video/musicdead

Also known as: WDTFS · What Does the Fox Say Meme · What Does The Fox Say · WHAT DOES THE FOX SAY

What Does the Fox Say is a 2013 novelty song by Norwegian duo Ylvis featuring an absurdly catchy earworm asking what sound a fox makes, which became a viral global hit despite widespread critical dismissal.

A viral novelty song by Norwegian duo Ylvis asking what sound a fox makes, becoming a global hit despite mixed critical reception.

Overview

What Does the Fox Say is a novelty song featuring surreal lyrics about animal sounds, with a focus on the mysterious sound a fox makes. The video features colorful visuals, creative costumes, and the Ylvis brothers performing comedically.

Created as internet content, the song unexpectedly achieved massive mainstream success. It represented a moment when web culture created content that dominated traditional media and commercial charts.

Origin & Background

Platform
YouTube
Creator
Ylvis
Date
September 2013

A novelty song that unexpectedly became a massive mainstream hit

How It Spread

The Norwegian comedy duo Ylvis released 'What Does the Fox Say' in September 2013 as a novelty song featuring animal sounds and whimsical lyrics. The video featured creative visuals and the brothers performing in various costumes while discussing what sound a fox makes.

The song became a global craze, charting worldwide and reaching the top of charts in multiple countries despite being originally intended as a comedic novelty.

Platforms

YouTubeSpotifyiTunesBillboard ChartsRadio

Timeline

2013-2014

Charts worldwide and receives massive airplay

2014+

Fades from mainstream but remains iconic novelty song

2015-01-01

What Does the Fox Say reached mainstream popularity and media coverage

2016-01-01

Brands and companies started using What Does the Fox Say in marketing

2018-01-01

What Does the Fox Say entered the broader pop culture conversation

October 2013

Song goes viral globally

September 3, 2013

Ylvis releases 'What Does the Fox Say' on YouTube

View on Google Trends

How to Use This Meme

The song was primarily enjoyed as entertainment, with the chorus becoming instantly quotable and memetic.

1

Watch the original What Does the Fox Say video to understand the format

2

Record your own version using the same concept or audio

3

Edit the video with the right timing and effects

4

Share on social media with relevant hashtags

Create Your Own

Cultural Impact

What Does the Fox Say showed how novelty songs and internet content could achieve mainstream commercial success. It influenced the production of novelty internet content aimed at viral appeal.

Fun Facts

The Ylvis brothers became international celebrities overnight

The song charted in 50+ countries

Reached top 10 on Billboard Hot 100

Spawned countless parodies and versions

Remains controversial as either fun novelty or annoying meme

The What Does the Fox Say meme has been shared millions of times across social media

You can create your own What Does the Fox Say meme using free tools like Imgflip

What Does the Fox Say first appeared in 2013

The meme is still remixed and adapted by creators

Brands and marketers have used What Does the Fox Say in their campaigns

The meme is still remixed and adapted by creators

Derivatives & Variations

Numerous song parodies changing the animal

A variation of What Does the Fox Say

(2013)

Animal sound variations

A variation of What Does the Fox Say

(2013)

Novelty song remixes

A variation of What Does the Fox Say

(2013)

Frequently Asked Questions