1. The Ice Bucket Challenge

Overview

Remember the summer of 2014 when everyone was dousing themselves with buckets of ice-cold water? The Ice Bucket Challenge started as a way to raise awareness for ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis). People would film themselves being dumped on, then challenge their friends to do the same, while also making a donation.

Impact

This viral moment not only entertained millions but also significantly contributed to ALS research funding. It raised over $220 million for the ALS Association and brought the disease into the spotlight like never before.

Celebrity Participation

From celebrities like Bill Gates to sports stars, everyone got involved. This playful yet impactful challenge created a worldwide movement that’s still remembered today.

2. The Dress Debate

Overview

In February 2015, a simple dress became a social media phenomenon. Was it black and blue, or white and gold? The debate sparked fierce discussions and creative memes across platforms like Twitter and Instagram.

Psychology Behind It

The dress illusion fascinated experts, leading to studies on color perception. The widespread engagement went beyond fashion, prompting conversations about how we perceive reality differently.

Cultural Impact

The Dress became a cultural touchstone. Its influence was so profound that it even made its way into academic discussions about perception and cognition.

3. Chewbacca Mom

Overview

In May 2016, Candace Payne, aka Chewbacca Mom, went viral after filming herself wearing a Chewbacca mask and laughing uncontrollably. The joy in her video spread like wildfire, amassing over 175 million views.

Emotional Connection

Her infectious laughter resonated with millions, providing a much-needed dose of happiness in the midst of everyday life struggles. The moment turned Candace into an internet sensation almost overnight.

Brands Taking Notice

After gaining fame, brands started collaborating with her, adding to the magic of her moment. This showcased the potential of a single viral video to change someone’s life.

4. “Yanny or Laurel” Debate

Overview

In May 2018, an audio clip began circulating, sparking a debate: did it say “Yanny” or “Laurel”? This audio illusion seized the internet, as people passionately defended their interpretations.

Social Media Frenzy

The debate quickly filled social media feeds, with users sharing their own opinions and results from various polls. It demonstrated the power of auditory perception and how differently individuals interpret sound.

Scientific Angle

Experts weighed in on the debate, explaining how age, attention, and even the quality of devices could influence what people heard. This added a fascinating layer to the viral moment.

5. The viral “Ok Boomer” response

Overview

“Ok Boomer” became a popular phrase around late 2019, capturing the generational divide between Millennials/Gen Z and Baby Boomers. It encapsulated the frustrations younger generations felt towards the older generation’s dismissive attitudes.

Memes and Merchandise

The phrase quickly evolved into countless memes and merchandise, with items ranging from T-shirts to mugs. It was a cultural moment that humorously highlighted societal differences.

Political and Social Context

Beyond humor, “Ok Boomer” served as a platform for discussing real issues–from climate change to student debt, making it more than just a fun phrase.

6. The “Woman Yelling at Cat” Meme

Overview

This meme, combining a picture of a woman yelling with a confused-looking cat sitting at a dinner table, took the internet by storm in 2019. It perfectly captured chaos and confusion in various everyday situations.

Meme Evolution

People began utilizing the meme format to convey their own funny experiences, resulting in a diverse range of interpretations. It was relatable and humorous, which contributed to its popularity.

Lasting Legacy

The meme continues to resurface, showcasing its timelessness and adaptability in capturing life’s humorous moments.

7. The milking goat video

Overview

In 2021, a simple video of a person milking a goat while singing went viral. The authenticity and randomness of the clip captured the hearts of viewers, leading to countless remixes and parodies.

Emotional Engagement

This moment resonated with many due to its light-heartedness. It drew attention to the often-overlooked charm of rural life and farming, showcasing that joy can come from the simplest of experiences.

Community Response

Inspired by the video, viewers began sharing their own moments of joy in everyday tasks. This led to a mini-movement celebrating the beauty of simplicity.

8. The “How It Started vs. How It’s Going” Trend

Overview

In late 2020, this trend exploded on social media, encouraging users to share two photos highlighting their personal or professional growth. It became a framework for storytelling and reflection.

Success Stories

From relationships to personal fitness to career advancements, people showcased their journeys, often inspiring others to embrace their paths. It was a viral moment that championed positivity and resilience.

Social Media Impact

The trend continued to evolve, inspiring others to share their own stories of transformation, creating a sense of community and connection online.

9. “Bing Bong” on TikTok

Overview

The phrase “Bing Bong” went viral amid the rise of TikTok content in late 2021. Used to signify excitement or happiness, it became a catchphrase synonymous with fun and spontaneity.

Use in Pop Culture

Whether it was featured in trendy dance videos or humorous skits, “Bing Bong” found its way into various aspects of pop culture, creating a universally recognized term among TikTok users.

Broader Engagement

The phrase traveled beyond TikTok, appearing in various memes and social media posts, showcasing the power of platforms to shape language and cultural moments.

10. The Tasty Videos

Overview

Tasty, BuzzFeed’s cooking video series, sparked a revolution in how food content is consumed. Launching in 2016, the bite-sized, visually appealing videos quickly gained traction.

Visual Appeal

The engaging format made cooking accessible and fun, attracting millions of views. The simplicity and creativity behind each recipe inspired a generation of home cooks.

Community Engagement

The Tasty brand developed a devoted following, leading to cookbook publications and expansion into various cooking-related content, proving the power of viral videos in the culinary world.