Exploring the ‘Work Doppelgänger’ Trend: The Viral ‘I Am Drew, I Am Danny’ Song

TikTok users have revived a nostalgic social media phenomenon known as the ‘work doppelgänger’ trend, where individuals showcase a coworker who bears a striking resemblance to them.

This ‘work doppelgänger’ trend initially emerged in January 2021, but it has been experiencing a resurgence since September 2024.

A doppelgänger refers to a “ghostly counterpart,” and while these non-biological twins exist in reality, their uncanny similarities can leave viewers feeling unsettled.

To join in on this trending challenge, TikTok users and their doppelgängers pose together in front of the camera while lip-syncing to the audio clip, “I am Drew, I am Danny, and we are not the same person.”

This audio clip is from the song ‘We Are Not the Same Person’ by Danny Gonzalez and Drew Gooden, released in May 2019.

Many participants also perform a simple criss-cross dance move with their arms while looking humorously into the camera, aware that their astonishing resemblances will astound others.

TikTok user ‘jordanlitzz’ successfully tricked numerous viewers with her ‘work doppelgänger’ video, as she and her coworker showcased their incredible similarities. She even had to assure viewers that she wasn’t being deceitful.

@jordanlitzz
love this trend @Ansley Veals #server #crackerbarrel #jokes #twin #dopleganger #coworkers

♬ Drew Gooden and Danny Gonzalez – Bats

One viewer asked, “Wait, y’all are twins, right?” to which the TikToker replied, “No.”

“How long did it take your coworkers to tell you apart?” inquired TikTok’s official account.

Another TikTok user, ‘irelandklee,’ also gained popularity with her take on this doppelgänger trend, stating, “Work doppelgänger (all the customers and coworkers think we’re the same person).”

@irelandklee
work doppelgänger #serverlife

♬ Drew Gooden and Danny Gonzalez – Bats

“Coulda fooled me!” exclaimed another viewer.

User ‘sinnersinnerchxdinner’ also had her followers convinced with her ‘work doppelgänger’ video, where a viewer remarked, “I know you confuse the customers on the daily.” She humorously responded, “We sure do!”

“These are getting scary,” noted yet another bewildered viewer.

@sinnersinnerchxdinner
I think it’s the dark hair and tattoos forrrreeeaaallll. 😂 #work @Abigail Denise Williams

♬ Drew Gooden and Danny Gonzalez – Bats

In addition to the ‘work doppelgänger’ trend, TikTokers are also engaging in “rejection therapy,” where they place themselves in uncomfortable situations to enhance their confidence in the long run.

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