Where it started
The trend traces back to iOS 14, released in September 2020. That update introduced personal automations in the Shortcuts app — including the ability to trigger actions when a charger is connected. For the first time, iPhone users could make their phone do something custom every time they plugged it in.
Tech-savvy users figured out the trick quickly: create a Shortcuts automation that plays an audio file when the charger connects. Early adopters posted tutorials on YouTube and Reddit showing how to set it up using the "Encode Media" and "Play Sound" actions.
But it stayed niche — until TikTok got hold of it.
How it went viral
The turning point was simple: people started filming reactions.
The format was always the same — someone plugs in their iPhone near an unsuspecting friend, family member, or coworker. The phone makes an absurd sound. The reaction is priceless. The video gets millions of views.
It worked because the humor wasn't just in the sound — it was in the surprise. Nobody expects a phone to fart, scream, or say something ridiculous when it starts charging. The gap between expectation and reality is what made these videos endlessly shareable.
The TikTok algorithm effect
TikTok's algorithm amplified the trend rapidly. Reaction videos with funny charging sounds hit the "For You" page consistently because they had high watch-through rates and shares. Each viral video inspired thousands of people to set up their own charging sounds and post their own reaction clips.
The trend also benefited from seasonal spikes. Every major iOS update brought a new wave of interest as tech publications wrote about Shortcuts automations and new users discovered the feature for the first time.
The sounds that took over
Not all charging sounds are created equal — at least not for viral potential. The sounds that performed best on TikTok shared a few traits: they were short, instantly recognizable, and funny out of context.
The hall of fame
- Fart sounds — The undisputed kings of charging sound content. Simple, universal, and guaranteed to get a reaction. A well-timed fart sound in a quiet room never fails.
- Vine boom — That deep, dramatic bass hit from meme culture. It turns any ordinary moment into something cinematic and absurd.
- "Sheeeesh" — Instantly recognizable meme audio that peaked in 2021 but remains a fan favorite for its sheer energy.
- Anime voice lines — "Nani?!" and other iconic anime phrases became hugely popular, especially with younger users who grew up watching anime.
- Movie quotes — Lightsaber ignition, "I am Iron Man," and other iconic sound effects brought fandoms into the trend.
Want to see the full ranking? Check out our list of the 25 funniest iPhone charging sounds.
Why the trend keeps growing
Most TikTok trends have a shelf life of a few weeks. The charging sound trend has lasted years. A few reasons why:
It's personal
Your charging sound says something about your personality. It's a form of self-expression that's more subtle than a phone case but more noticeable than a wallpaper. People take pride in finding the perfect sound — the one that makes their friends laugh or captures their vibe.
It's repeatable
Unlike a one-time prank, your charging sound triggers every single time you plug in. That creates a constant stream of moments — at coffee shops, at work, at home — where the sound catches someone off guard. Each of those moments is a potential video.
It evolves with culture
As new memes emerge, new charging sounds follow. The trend refreshes itself naturally. When a new meme audio goes viral on TikTok, people immediately want it as their charging sound. The trend never gets stale because the content feeding it is always changing.
Setup keeps getting easier
In 2020, setting up a custom charging sound required following a multi-step Shortcuts tutorial. Today, apps like Vocalcord make it a 15-second process. Lower barriers mean more people participating, which means more content, which means more awareness.
How to join the trend
Ready to set your own charging sound and maybe film a reaction video? Here's the fastest way:
- Pick your sound. Browse the Vocalcord library for ideas, or check our funniest charging sounds list for inspiration.
- Set it up. Follow our complete guide to changing your charging sound. With Vocalcord, it takes about 15 seconds.
- Film the reaction. Plug in your phone near someone who doesn't know about the sound. Capture their reaction. Post it.
The best reaction videos are the most genuine ones. Don't tell the person what's about to happen — just casually plug in your phone and let the sound do the work.