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Entity addresses the Mannequin ChallengeScreenshot via YouTube/@Nexus

Sorry Ice Bucket Challenge, there’s a new trend in town.

The Mannequin Challenge has gained momentum in and outside of Hollywood, and people are loving it. It has gone viral among celebrities and everyday people alike.

It seems simple to stand still and blast a hot track for a video, but some videos show serious creativity. Are you interested in doing one of these trendy videos, but are not sure what it is and where to start?

Here are the answers to all your Mannequin Challenge questions.

What is it?

The Mannequin Challenge is a viral video craze where people act out scenes without actually moving at all. The people in the video stand still like mannequins while the camera jumps from one person to the next. There is no dialog, but the song “Black Beatles” by Rae Sremmurd is typically playing in the background.

Click here to watch the Top 15 Best Mannequin Challenge videos.

How did it all start?

It was reported by NPR that the Mannequin Challenge was first done in a video made by a group of high school students and from there it took over the internet.

Even Rae Sremmurd joined in and stood frozen as “Black Beatles” played during his concert back in 2016.

How is it done? Here’s a how-to guide.

1 Bring a bunch of friends

Entity talks the Mannequin Challenge

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The more the merrier! If you create a scene with less than three people it could look a bit awkward, depending on the context.

2 Location, location, location!

If you’re filming in a crowded area or next to a busy street, things can get a bit tricky. Random people walking in and out of your scene kind of defeats the whole mannequin thing.

Entity explores the Mannequin Challenge

Photo via Giphy

3 Play some bumping tunes.

“Black Beatles” must be blasting in the background if you want to stay true to the tradition. However, you can play with other soundtracks to add some creativity to your video.

4 Make sure that the backstory is clear.

Entity explores the Mannequin Challenge

Photo via Giphy

If you want your video to go viral, it’s not enough to have people doing random activities in place. Unless you are a famous sports player or Michelle Obama, then it is essential that your video tells a story. If your video doesn’t tell a story, then there should at least be a central theme.

5 Don’t create a mannequin overload.

If there are too many actions going on at one time, then the scene can get confusing. Make sure to zoom in on just one or two mannequins at one time so that the message doesn’t get jumbled.

Mannequin Challenge videos typically last 40 to 80 seconds. By focusing on only a few people at a time, that gives everyone else a chance to blink and catch their breath.

Entity explores the Mannequin Challenge

Photo via Giphy

6 Channel your creativity into some fun poses.

If you can’t stand on your head long enough to make a video or jump in the air, that’s understandable. However, there should be enough implied movement going on so that it’s entertaining for viewers.

Who is doing it?

The Mannequin Challenge is a social media trend that anyone and everyone can participate in. Even sports stars and celebrities are joining in the fun.

Sports teams are showing off their incredible balance in difficult action poses.

Entity explores the Mannequin Challenge

Photo via Giphy

Athletes are even posing under water for goodness sakes. How does that even work?

Entity explores the Mannequin Challenge

Photo via Giphy

Sports teams are having an absolute blast with the trend. Some viral Mannequin Challenge videos have been done by the Pittsburg Steelers, the Dallas Cowboys and the New York Giants, to name a few.

Entity talks the Mannequin Challenge

Photo via Giphy

However, the challenge videos that have blown up the most tend to involve celebrities.

Who can forget the beloved former first lady bringing out her silly side next to Lebron James? Not to mention, the Mannequin Challenge brought Destiny’s Child back together for a reunion!

At the end of the day, just have fun.

The Mannequin Challenge is a fun video craze that has taken the internet by storm. Plus, it is something people in and out of the spotlight can participate in.

Basically, if you have a video camera and a good idea for a scene, then you could potentially become YouTube famous. Round your friend up, get the camera and have fun playing with this hot trend.

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