Inside the Viral '90 in a 30' TikTok Trend

If you've scrolled through TikTok recently, you've likely encountered videos captioned with some variation of "This is my 90 in a 30" followed by a clip of someone looking intensely into the camera while a specific song plays. But what exactly does this phrase mean, and how did it become one of social media's most popular ways to share musical obsessions?

The Origin Story

Unlike many internet phenomena whose origins are lost to time, the "90 in a 30" trend has a relatively clear starting point. In late 2023, TikTok user @madibrooks_ posted a video with the caption "This is my 90 in a 30," referring to Mötley Crüe's "Kickstart My Heart" – a song so energizing it makes her want to drive 90 mph in a 30 mph zone.

The concept immediately resonated. Within weeks, thousands of users were sharing their own "90 in a 30" songs – those tracks that make them forget speed limits and embrace main character energy.

More Than Just Speeding

While the phrase literally references driving too fast, it quickly evolved into something more nuanced. A "90 in a 30" song isn't just about tempo or energy – it's about emotional impact.

"It's that song that makes you feel something so intensely that you lose awareness of everything else," explains music critic Damon Williams. "The driving metaphor is perfect because it's about losing yourself in the moment, feeling invincible or deeply moved to the point where everyday rules don't register."

The trend has expanded to include songs across all genres and tempos. While high-energy tracks like "Numb/Encore" by Jay-Z and Linkin Park remain popular choices, slower, more emotional songs like Lorde's "Ribs" or Sade's "Kiss of Life" have also been embraced as "90 in a 30" anthems.

The Perfect Format for Musical Nostalgia

What makes the trend so compelling is its simplicity. Unlike dance challenges or elaborate skits, "90 in a 30" videos typically feature just a person, often in their car, experiencing a profound moment with music. This stripped-back approach puts the focus entirely on the emotional connection between person and song.

"It's one of the purest music trends we've seen on social media," notes digital culture researcher Dr. Amina Patel. "There's no barrier to entry, no choreography to learn. It's just about sharing that visceral reaction to a song that hits differently for you."

The trend has become particularly popular for sharing nostalgic musical moments. Millennials have embraced it as a way to introduce younger generations to songs from the 90s and 2000s, while Gen Z users have used it to highlight their own musical discoveries and emotional connections.

Creating the Perfect "90 in a 30" TikTok

If you're looking to join the trend, users have developed some unspoken rules for the perfect "90 in a 30" video:

1. Authenticity is key – Your expression should capture genuine emotion, whether it's joy, nostalgia, or intensity

1. Timing matters – Most videos start just before the most impactful part of the song (the drop, chorus, or a particularly powerful lyric)

1. Location adds context – Many popular videos are filmed in cars, reinforcing the driving metaphor

1. Less is more – Simple captions like "This one" or "IYKYK" (if you know, you know) often accompany the most powerful videos

The Songs Dominating the Trend

While personal taste drives most selections, certain songs have emerged as frequent choices across the platform:

1. "Kickstart My Heart" by Mötley Crüe – The original inspiration for the trend

1. "Ribs" by Lorde – A surprisingly popular choice that captures youthful nostalgia

1. "Numb/Encore" by Jay-Z & Linkin Park – The ultimate crossover hit that resonates across generations

1. "A-O-K" by Tai Verdes – A newer track that's found its audience through the trend

1. "Murder on the Dancefloor" by Sophie Ellis-Bextor – Recently rediscovered thanks to its use in the film "Saltburn"

Beyond TikTok: The Broader Cultural Impact

What started as a simple TikTok trend has expanded beyond the platform. Spotify reported a surge in user-created playlists titled "90 in a 30" or "Songs that make me speed," and several music publications have published their own lists of songs that qualify.

The phrase has even entered everyday conversation, with people describing powerful songs as their "90 in a 30" even outside of social media contexts.

"It's rare that we get new, widely understood terminology for describing our relationship with music," says Williams. "But '90 in a 30' perfectly captures that specific feeling when a song overwhelms you with emotion or energy. I think it's going to stick around in our cultural vocabulary."

The Psychology Behind the Wheel

Psychologists have taken note of the trend as well, pointing out that it taps into something fundamental about how we experience music.

"Music that creates a 'flow state' – where you're completely absorbed in the moment – is exactly what this trend celebrates," explains music psychologist Dr. Leah Winters. "That state can make time feel altered and external awareness diminish, which is precisely what happens when people describe their '90 in a 30' experience."

The driving metaphor works on multiple levels: the physical sensation of speed, the emotional rush of breaking rules, and the cinematic quality of a perfect soundtrack moment.

Your Turn: Finding Your Anthem

The beauty of the "90 in a 30" trend is that it's entirely personal. Your anthem might be a chart-topper or an obscure track, a classic rock staple or a cutting-edge electronic piece.

What's your "90 in a 30" – that song that makes you feel like the main character in your own movie? The one that makes you forget the speed limit and surrender to the moment?

Share it in the comments below, or better yet, create your own TikTok and join the conversation. Just remember to keep the actual speeding to the metaphorical realm – no song is worth a ticket or worse!