In the chaotic universe of TikTok, where trends rise and fall faster than you can say “algorithm,” one viral moment can change the game. Hailey Welch, the 21-year-old factory worker from Tennessee, did exactly that with a single, unapologetically bold phrase: “You gotta give him that hawk tuah and spit on that thang!” The internet latched onto this wild gem with the enthusiasm of a dog finding a bone, and suddenly, Welch was catapulted into the world of viral stardom, armed with nothing but her Southern drawl and a sense of humor.
Now, while you might be sitting there wondering how a phrase about spitting turned into a full-fledged TikTok movement, let me tell you—it wasn’t just the phrase. It was everything around it: the perfect storm of unpredictability, relatability, and the ever-hungry TikTok algorithm. And Welch, the unexpected star of the moment, set off a chain reaction that revolutionized how influencers—and would-be influencers—approach the art of going viral.
The Power of One Spit: Why Welch’s Moment Went Nuclear
There are a few golden rules to TikTok virality, and Welch unintentionally checked every box. First up, the element of shock and humor. Let’s be real: her phrase was so unexpected that it instantly hooked viewers. It’s bizarre, a little outrageous, and completely unpredictable—exactly the kind of content that TikTok craves. According to a report from Forbes, content that evokes extreme reactions—whether laughter, surprise, or even confusion—is 60% more likely to be shared (Peoplemag).
Welch’s delivery, full of Southern charm and sass, was the perfect complement to her outlandish words. Internet culture thrives on moments that feel genuine, off-the-cuff, and—most importantly—relatable. Welch wasn’t trying to be a viral star; she was just being herself. And that authenticity is worth its weight in gold.
The TikTok Algorithm: Making or Breaking Stars
Here’s the thing: TikTok’s algorithm is an unpredictable beast, but it has a soft spot for content like Welch’s. According to The New York Times, TikTok’s algorithm prioritizes videos with high engagement early on—meaning if people are liking, commenting, and sharing, the video’s visibility skyrockets (VT). Welch’s viral moment was like chum to sharks in the chaotic waters of TikTok, and the engagement exploded. It wasn’t just a video anymore; it became a movement.
But here’s where it gets interesting. Welch didn’t just benefit from the algorithm; she changed it. Viral stars often follow a familiar pattern: they blow up, cash in on their fame, and fade away. Welch, however, managed to break that cycle. She leaned into the chaos, launched her own merchandise line, and continued to grow her platform. She showed the world that going viral isn’t a fluke—it’s an opportunity.
The Influence Ripple: How ‘Hawk Tuah’ Inspired a Wave of Copycats
Once the internet sees something that works, it tries to copy it. Fast. And Welch’s viral success led to a surge of TikTok creators jumping on the Hawk Tuah bandwagon. Remixes, parodies, and even some strangely artistic interpretations flooded the platform, with users across the globe recreating her infamous phrase in their own unique ways.
TikTok’s remix culture thrives on this kind of content. According to Influencer Marketing Hub, trends that can be easily replicated and reinterpreted by different users are far more likely to gain traction (The Direct). Welch’s moment wasn’t just a viral hit—it was a blueprint for anyone trying to make their mark in the TikTok world.
And if you need proof, look no further than the numbers. Welch’s video alone has inspired over 100 million views across related TikTok content, not to mention the 65,000 dollars she’s raked in from her merchandise line (VT). By allowing people to join in on the fun, she turned her one-liner into an internet-wide inside joke.
From Accidental Star to Marketing Genius
Welch didn’t just ride the wave of virality—she paddled that sucker straight into a thriving business. Within weeks of her video blowing up, Welch had trademarked “Hawk Tuah” and was selling everything from t-shirts to coffee mugs. It’s the kind of entrepreneurial pivot that many influencers dream of but rarely execute so smoothly.
But beyond the merch, Welch’s rise also marks a shift in how influencers are made. In an era where so many people meticulously curate their online personas, Welch showed that spontaneity and authenticity are the real currency of the internet. This is a world where scripted content often feels flat, and overly polished influencers are easy to scroll past. Welch, with her no-filter attitude, became the antithesis of that.
The TikTok Revolution: What This Means for Future Influencers
Welch’s viral moment wasn’t just a flash in the pan—it marked a fundamental shift in how we think about influencers and online fame. It used to be that you had to work hard, curate a perfect online persona, and hope for that big break. Welch’s success has thrown that rulebook out the window. Now, it’s clear that the key to viral fame is embracing the unpredictable, leaning into the weird, and, most importantly, staying authentic.
This shift has rippled out into the influencer world at large. Influencers are no longer expected to be polished perfection; in fact, TikTok’s biggest stars often thrive on raw, unfiltered content. And Welch’s success proves that you don’t need a million followers to make a splash. All it takes is one viral moment—and, apparently, a little spit.
Final Thoughts: Welch’s Legacy on TikTok
As Hailey Welch continues to ride the wave of her viral fame, her impact on the TikTok world is undeniable. She didn’t just have a moment; she created a movement. From copycats to merch sales to stage appearances, Welch has shown that TikTok virality is no longer a fleeting, 15-second brush with fame. It’s a launchpad.
Welch’s journey from a Nashville street interview to a national sensation is more than just a quirky internet story—it’s a testament to the power of spontaneity, the unpredictability of virality, and the importance of staying true to yourself. And if her continued success is anything to go by, the revolution she started on TikTok is far from over.
So next time you find yourself on the receiving end of a random street interview, remember: it might just be your Hawk Tuah moment.
