Alpha Werewolf Transformation (TikTok Filter)

About

Alpha Werewolf Transformation, also known as The Pack Is Calling and Emo Wolf Transformation, is a TikTok trend that uses a wolf TikTok filter that transforms the creator into the animal, alluding to alpha-ness, lone-ness, being a furry and being emo yet empowered. The trend predominantly uses the rock song "I'm So Sick" by Flyleaf, particularly the lyrics, "You tremble at this sound." TikToker willuzi popularized the concept in 2021, however, it took off en masse in late 2022 following the notoriety of the Sitting Wolf meme (also known as Emo Wolf or Lobo Solitario).

Origin

On May 25th, 2021, TikToker^[1] willuzi uploaded the first-known, ironic, alpha wolf transformation video, captioning it, "iykyk," and gaining roughly 244,200 plays and 45,20 likes over the course of 17 months (shown below, left). On May 28th, 2021, he uploaded a second TikTok,^[2] following the same theme and captioning it, "alpha transformation 🐺🔞." The video received roughly 4.1 million plays and 817,800 likes in 17 months (shown below, right).

Spread

Continuing into the remainder of 2021, willuzi continued to upload videos that followed the same alpha wolf transformation theme, becoming increasingly outrageous. They also started directly referencing the Emo Wolf memes. For instance, on December 30th, 2021, TikToker willuzi posted a wolf transformation video that resembled the werewolf touching a mirror meme.^[4] The video received roughly 21 million plays and 4.2 million likes in 10 months (shown below, left).

Almost a year later, on September 29th, 2022, TikToker^[5] leavingtovight posted an edit using multiple Emo Wolf meme images, set to the song "I'm So Sick" by Flyleaf. The video received roughly 115,600 likes in 18 days (shown below, right).

On October 4th, 2022, TikToker^[6] wynnsweeney posted a video in which they used leavingtovight's sound and pencils to mimic a transformation into a werewolf, gaining roughly 696,100 plays and 200,000 likes in 12 days (shown below, left). Thereafter, multiple TikTokers added to the trend and sound, with each ironic iteration becoming more dramatic. For instance, on October 7th, 2022, TikToker^[7] iloveeespideyy posted a video in which she also started transforming in class, gaining roughly 382,800 plays and 126,700 likes in 10 days (shown below, right).

Various Examples

Search Interest

Unavailable.

External References