Dancing with the Stars Season 34: When Social Media Takes the Ballroom
Dancing with the Stars Season 34 showed how completely the ballroom now intersects with social media. The competition unfolded on stage, but the real momentum lived online where influencers, reality stars, and digital communities shaped the season in real time.
This cast included Alix Earle, Dylan Efron, and Whitney Leavitt and Jen Affleck from Secret Lives of Mormon Wives. Each arrived with a dedicated audience already invested in their stories. Their followers watched, voted, shared, and kept the conversation moving long after the episodes ended. Years of creating content also gave these contestants natural ease on camera that carried into their performances.
One of the most memorable moments came from Dylan and Daniella. Their air walk sequence went viral within hours and quickly became a trend on TikTok and Instagram. Fans recreated the move, posted reactions, and helped turn a single dance into a cultural moment. It was a reminder that some performances take on a life of their own once viewers pick them up online.
The season ultimately belonged to Robert Irwin, whose growth and connection with audiences helped him win the mirrorball trophy. His rise reflected the influence of digital communities. Voting is no longer limited to a live audience. It builds throughout the week as clips circulate, and new fans discover contestants through their feeds.
Whitney’s journey highlighted this shift even further. After facing intense online criticism, she reclaimed her story by performing her freestyle dance during an appearance on the podcast, Call Her Daddy. The clip spread instantly and reshaped public perception almost overnight. It showed how quickly momentum can change when contestants use social platforms to speak for themselves.
The pros and judges also played a role. Their behind-the-scenes content, rehearsal footage, and commentary added context that viewers engaged with throughout the week. The show now exists in a continuous cycle of clips, reactions, and conversations that extend well beyond the ballroom.
Season 34 raised an important question. Does experience performing for social media give contestants an edge? Dancing for TikTok builds skills that translate well to live performance. Presence, timing, and emotional expression through the lens are all instincts that help contestants connect with viewers before they even step on stage.
This season made one thing clear. Dancing with the Stars is still a dance competition, but it has also become a social media phenomenon shaped by audiences and creators who keep the story alive long after the music ends. The ballroom sets the stage and social media carries it forward.