Most Popular Memes on Social Media Right Now
There’s no better way to show off your brand’s personality than with trending memes! They’re relatable, hilarious, and super shareable.
Plus, nothing builds a stronger connection with your audience than a good laugh, right?
Here, you can find what memes are trending on social media and stay ahead of the trends to keep your content game on point!
Most Viral Memes in 2024
Trending memes in November
Chill Guy meme
One of the newest meme trends in November is the “Chill Guy.”
This character exploded across social media as users placed him in various situations, often as an exploitable template, to poke fun at his laid-back attitude. The humor typically involves imagining how “just being a chill guy” could defuse tension or awkward situations.
The “Chill Guy” meme is a great opportunity for brands to show they’re in touch with internet culture, being a fun and relatable way to engage audiences.
Little Moomin meme
Maybe the opposite side of a chill guy is the little Moomin meme, which is getting viral on the internet this month. This meme features this girl in various looks, capturing her fiery personality. You can find endless variations on Pinterest to fit your idea perfectly.
Because it’s one of the trendiest memes right now, audiences will instantly recognize it and enjoy the humor.
The Little My meme is a fun way for brands to express strong emotions, bold opinions, or playful sass. It’s being used to highlight everything from customer personas to clever insights, making it a versatile and relatable choice for connecting with audiences.
Smoking cat (Money Talks)
This viral meme highlights those moments when you feel rich, whether it’s in a humorous way or from things that make you feel wealthy inside. Creators often use the “Dirty Cash” sound, which has been used in 147.7K videos.
Brands can use it to highlight moments of achievement, or anything that adds value to their customers’ lives.
Kermit the Frog meme
Kermit the Frog is making a comeback as a trendy meme with a fresh twist. It’s all about those moments when you feel like you’re being misunderstood or tossed around, like you’re flying through the air with no control.
This best new meme is perfect for brands looking to connect with their audience in a funny, relatable way. Use it to empathize with your audience's struggles or awkward moments, and bring some humor to those times when things just don’t go as planned.
Trending memes in October
Cat on a broomstick
In the list of the best new memes for Tiktok and Reels, a special place is taken by the cat on the broomstick viral meme.
This video features an adorable cat that vanishes into the darkness, and it’s become a popular meme trend for capturing those moments when we all just want to escape. Get creative and relate it to your audience’s everyday experiences.
Use the CapCut template and its original sound to make this viral meme and join the FYP on a funny note.
In the klerb, we’re all fam
This meme sound came out of nowhere, yet it’s been widely used and even carried over to other platforms.
It originates from the TV sitcom Broad City, and the original sound on TikTok has been featured in 193.1K videos.
Users are posting it as a way to express a sense of community, actually meaning, "In this club, we’re all family." If you want to use the sound or create a simple text post, make sure to convey a message that reflects community and resonates with shared experiences.
The Staring Robot
The Staring Robot meme is one of the most recent memes making waves across social media. Originally starting as a GIF or video, it has now evolved into a still screenshot with different captions.
These captions often feel random, but the meme is typically used to describe a predictable yet unexpected situation, like something you anticipated but were still caught off guard by.
There are many creative ways to use the Staring Robot meme, so have fun with it! And make sure you use the “No One- Alicia Keys” sound for discoverability.
It’s a very popular meme today, and if it’s funny and relatable, your audience will love it.
Larry David Zoom call meme
The Larry David Zoom call is a trendy meme that features him awkwardly framed, appearing small and blurry.
Brands can use this current meme to humorously capture relatable situations, like virtual meetings or being caught off guard.
For example, "When the camera’s on, but you’re not."
Moo deng
One of the newest memes is also the most adorable one with Moo Deng.
It features a tiny pygmy hippo from Thailand, who went viral for her cute, slightly awkward appearance.
With her pudgy face, sassy attitude, and slick skin, she’s become a symbol of relatable and clumsy moments. Perfectly embodying as "cute but chaotic."
Dancing alien on Ne-Yo
One of the top memes on TikTok right now is this alien dancing to Ne-Yo song, Closer. Such an unserious meme, absolutely hilarious, in which you have to present somehow “depressing” facts while the alien is dancing in the background.
As a brand, this meme is gold for when you need to balance humor with reality checks. It’s a great way to connect with your audience by showing you their struggle, but with a playful twist.
Trending memes in September
Very demure, very mindful
One of the fastest memes that went viral is the "Very Demure, Very Mindful" one. This new meme trend started on TikTok and quickly spread to other platforms.
With over 24,100 TikToks using the audio, brands and creators have begun incorporating the phrase into various texts and images, often mimicking the original voice when spoken.
You can incorporate this viral meme into your messaging and tone of voice to add some flair and boost awareness. By using the "Very Demure, Very Mindful" phrase in a playful or ironic context, you can create content that resonates with your audience.
PS: Check if your competitors or other brands have already posted it to ensure your content stands out and feels fresh.
Henry Danger
These Henry Danger pics are the Internet's most viral memes, and everyone’s loving it. The meme pairs perfectly with Ashanti’s Rain on Me sound, which has already been used over 156,000 times.
If your brand loves a bit of drama (in a fun way), this trendy meme is a perfect chance to make light of everyday struggles or funny stories that match the pics.
If you are posting on TikTok, you can add #HenryDanger for better discoverability.
Standing ovation from me in my living room
Of course, everything started with the Cannes Film Festival for these current memes with “BREAKING NEWS.” It’s a copypasta take on those super long-standing ovations, poking at how we often measure a film’s quality by how long people clap.
As a brand, you can use this viral meme to celebrate your wins or highlight your favorite brand products, adding a playful twist to your messaging like, “55 standing ovation from me in my living room for this gorgeous lipstick”.
Trending memes in August
Olympic Pistol shooter
The Turkish shooter captured everyone’s attention at the Olympics, not just for his precision, but for his super casual stance—hand in his pocket, no extra gear, now being a viral sensation.
People couldn’t help but compare him to South Korea’s Kim Yeji, whose high-tech, futuristic style stood in stark contrast to Dikeç’s chill vibe. This side-by-side comparison became iconic in the world of social media memes.
You can use this meme format to showcase contrasting product styles or experiences.
Symphony Dolphin
The dolphin ‘Symphony’ is the most famous meme on social media right now. After first appearing on TikTok, it quickly spread across other platforms.
It features glowing dolphin visuals set to Zara Larsson's ‘Symphony’(1.1M videos), but instead of uplifting captions, users are adding self-deprecating, funny ones.
The humor lies in the unexpected contrast between the beautiful visuals and the quirky quotes. Because who would have expected it, right? Such an unserious meme; love it!
Even brands are jumping in, with Duolingo turning the dolphins into their mascot.
Unfortunately, I wasn’t chosen for the Olympics
The most hilarious and top trending memes are videos with the caption, “Unfortunately, I wasn’t chosen for the Olympics,” featuring various funny situations where the person is falling or pretending to fall.
You can join this popular meme by making a fun video with your team, showing off your company culture in a playful way. Use the Star Spangled (Bass Boosted) sound to easily connect with your audience and help them recognize the meme.
This meme is trending on TikTok and Instagram Reels, so depending on your goal, choose the right one to join.
Inside out 2 memes
After the movie hit theaters, a lot of memes emerged. Not gonna lie; the movie is emotional, but the memes are incredibly relatable! Some of the memes trending now are with snapshots from the movie and mostly with anxiety.
You don’t have to watch the movie to understand the memes. They capture a few key emotions, so play with them by using different relatable stories that provoke those feelings.
Trending memes in July
Brat
You’re so BRAT. Brat summer. You’re so Julia. You have probably seen these phrases all over the internet. So, what’s the deal? The popular meme gained momentum with Charli XCX’s album, which is famously known for its green cover.
You can join the brat culture by posting about "brat summer essentials," show off your "brat dance," or join the fun in the comments by dropping a “You’re so brat 💚”
You also can use a BRAT generator. And because of the mega virality of the word and music sound, this is one of the most used memes this month, so start being a brat on social media.
Raccoon dancing
Definitely, the most popular memes right now are about the adorable raccoon who's dancing in a loop on Pedro Remix sound. Perfect for expressing feelings of joy after an event or showcasing your latest obsession. (for a product, TV show, etc.)
As a brand, you can leverage this viral meme by using the raccoon dancing video to highlight exciting announcements, product launches, or any moments worth celebrating. You can also recreate the video with your co-workers to add a funny and unique touch.
Painting meme (Honore Daumier, Il Difensore meme)
The meme trends with classical paintings hit this summer on every platform, especially on video social media platforms (TikTok, Instagram Reels, Youtube Shorts). One of the most popular ones features a split painting: in the first image, a man is speaking to a judge and pointing to a girl; in the second, the girl looks like she's bursting into laughter.
Using the “Messa da Requiem: II. Dies irae” sound, users are pairing the meme with funny captions like, “Your honor, she won’t stop saying this word,” with the second image being “slay.”
This meme’s humor comes from the contrast between the serious setting and the absurd captions. Brands can use this meme trend by creating relatable scenarios for their audience.
Reluctant bride
From the latest trending memes about painting, the Reluctant Bride focuses on situations where you are serious or mad but still on a funny note.
It is associated with the Borjoquez- original sound; the trendy meme plays out in two photos timed to the beat: the first shows the entire painting and the second zooms in on the bride's disapproving face.
It’s perfect for showcasing those “when you have to, but you really don’t want to” moments. So brands can join in to tell everyday stories of frustration or reluctance and show their human side in a funny and trending way.
Deadpool and Wolverine green screen meme
If you haven’t seen the movie, this scene features Deadpool and Wolverine teaming up for a fight. While Deadpool is playful and carefree, Wolverine stays serious and focused.
This trending meme is perfect for brands highlighting different approaches within their teams or product offerings. You can use it to highlight the fun, playful side of your brand while still flexing the serious grind that happens behind the scenes.
Trending memes in June
“Huh” cat
One of the all-time most popular memes, the “Huh” cat, returns from time to time on our Fyp and gains more and more popularity every time.
Whether you post the video with a funny caption or just use the image, everyone knows exactly what it's about. It perfectly captures those moments when you're confused, caught off guard, or just plain clueless. And let’s be real, we all make the same face as the cat.
As a brand, you must know your persona to see the world through your audience's eyes. Because this meme reflects those "wait, what?" moments your persona experiences. If you understand their daily challenges, you can use this meme to build a stronger connection.
Black cat zoning out
The Black Cat zoning out meme, an all-time classic, is making a comeback on social media. It’s perfect for capturing those moments when you're speechless, too overwhelmed to care, or giving that look when you just don’t like something.
As a brand, you can use this meme to connect with your audience during those “I can’t even” moments. You can use it on TikTok by adding the sound with the same name or on other platforms as a screenshot.
Trending memes in May
Fully conscious baby
The meme comes from a TikTok by @sobrizzle, where she asks two kids if they want to go to the Four Seasons Orlando. The toddler excitedly shouts “me,” as you’d expect, but then the baby casually raises her arm and says “me” in a chill way that’s unexpected for someone so young.
Users went wild and named it "the full conscious baby," and the meme blew up in just about a week.
Brands can totally ride this wave by using it to respond to anything that connects with "me." It’s a fun and trending way to engage your audience. You can use it as a video and just add a caption that resonates with your brand and audience or as a photo, as you can see in the example below.
Met Gala Memes
Met Gala just happened, so as expected, the trending memes right now are about this iconic event.
You can take standout photos from the Met Gala and add a relatable caption. This meme format is super catchy since it's tied to a current event that many people are following, so don’t miss the chance to jump on it!
It’s a great idea to prep a content calendar and social media strategy ahead of time for these pop culture events, so you're always ready to engage with your audience.
Callot: There are a lot of pros and cons to posting memes from the Met Gala, so make sure to do your research on the photo you choose before sharing!
I’m looking for…
“I am looking for a man in finance” is one of the best memes right now, not just because of the catchy sound but because users are putting their own unique spin on it.
Everyone seems to be searching for something, whether it’s a job, a shop, or anything else.
You can jump in on this trend by creating your own sound using this phrase.
Trending memes in April
Solar eclipse memes
For every major event, we expect some great memes, and the solar eclipse is no exception! It’s a great opportunity to put your products/ services in the light of your audience.
Get creative by incorporating themed humor into your posts, using catchy captions or visuals that tie into the event's excitement.
You wouldn’t last an hour in the asylum where they raised me
“You wouldn't last an hour in the asylum where they raised me” is a phrase from Taylor Swift's song "Who's Afraid of Little Old Me."
Since April 2024, this lyric has blown up in memes, letting social media users share their stories and “hauntings.”
This meme trend is about nostalgia and humor, and brands can hop on this by asking their audience to share their own experiences. You can also come up with different scenarios that match the persona’s experience.
Tip: Sometimes, the simplest ideas you come up with are the best!
Aura points
The internet is totally obsessed with aura points! But what are all these aura memes, anyway? In a nutshell, aura points are a fun and lighthearted way to measure someone’s “coolness.”
Every action we take can either boost or lower our aura points, depending on who’s keeping track. It’s all just a joke, nothing to take too seriously, and it really depends on individual perception.
You’ll often see posts like “How many points did I lose when…?” or “+100 aura points for doing that…” This meme trend is super versatile, as it can thrive on any platform, not just as videos or photos, and there are endless ways to get creative with it.
For brands, this is a fantastic opportunity to engage with your audience by linking aura points to things they care about.
Trending memes in March
All that work and what did it get me
Starting as a TikTok sound and quickly becoming a viral meme worldwide, the phrase “All that work and what did it get me” now shows up on every platform, with users staring off in disappointment to highlight moments when hard work didn’t pay off.
For brands, this meme is a fun way to add humor to those times when effort goes unrewarded or find your audience’s pain points and make them feel seen through the latest meme trends on social media.
The Oscar memes
The Oscars are chef's kiss for event-based memes because they are trendy and super relevant.
All you have to do is pick the most iconic or funniest pics from the night, then add some clever captions or relatable conversations that’ll give your audience a good laugh and keep them engaged.
Plus, this type of meme is super shareable, thanks to all the well-known celebs in the spotlight! So, go ahead and take your shot and create the most viral memes from the Oscars.
I wouldn’t tell anyone I won the lottery, but there will be signs
"I wouldn’t tell anyone I won the lottery, but there will be signs" is one of the trending social media memes right now that humorously suggests that winning the lottery would be evident through different choices.
But, instead of sharing the news, there will be hints from interests, like treating with your favorite products or planning dream trips.
Creators share all sorts of funny and unexpected ideas, and brands are getting in on the action, too, showcasing their products as the go-to choices for anyone celebrating a lottery win.
Trending memes in February
Sad hamster meme
And the prize for the most viral meme this month goes to this adorable hamster. Accompanied by a sweet violin sound and boasting 197K video uses, this current meme has taken social media by storm. And it’s not just Gen Zers who love this meme!
The tiny hamster, with its large, sad-looking eyes, is often featured by users reacting to situations that feel too tough or overwhelming to handle.
You can hop on this trend with a carousel post or a video, but make sure to keep it relatable since it’s already super popular!
Ha ha yeah…
This latest meme features a video of a little girl casually saying, “Ha, ha… yep” in a sarcastic way. It’s used for those moments when you want to respond to someone with a bit of sass or like you’re hiding something.
Actually, the beauty of this TikTok meme is its versatility because it can take on different meanings depending on how you use it. So, feel free to put your own spin on it and join the fun.
You can use the template from CapCut (which is free) or take the original video and change the caption to be original.
Cillian Murphy memes
This meme features the talented Cillian Murphy, known for his roles and his signature confused look that perfectly captures those “I’d rather be anywhere else” vibes.
The example below is just one of a few, but it is the most popular meme today because it resonates with many.
Brands can jump on this trend by using it to highlight everyday situations that leave us feeling a bit overwhelmed or tired, like those long meetings or busy workdays.
Just make sure to infuse it with your unique brand personality to connect with your audience and keep things light-hearted!
Trending memes in January
Thank you Rachel
The newest meme on social media features a little girl getting really mad at her friend for stealing her charger. She dramatically says, “Thank you, Rachel! Thanks a lot!” in a sarcastic tone.
It perfectly captures that relatable frustration we all feel after something doesn’t go our way.
Brands can use this meme as a voiceover and share a funny story behind it, creating a lighthearted connection with their audience. You can start a conversation and ask questions in the captions like “Does that ever happen to you?”.
Penguin meme
POV: This penguin meme is the most recent meme in the club! The scene is from Toy Story 2, featuring a penguin looking sad and alone, hiding. It's often paired with "Un-thinkable (I'm Ready)" by Alicia Keys and has already racked up 78.4K videos.
Initially, it made its way onto TikTok but quickly spread on other platforms like Twitter and Reddit as a simple reaction image. Now, the meme has evolved to express just about any situation where someone feels sad or even a bit inconvenienced.
Hasbulla walking meme
Hasbulla is a very popular social media UGC, and nearly every video he posts turns into a trending meme sooner or later.
This particular one features him walking with intense focus and high energy, making it perfect for a variety of contexts.
Brands and creators are using this meme to express their determination as they head toward something (whether it’s a meeting, a shopping spree, or a party).
While it might not be the laugh out loud type of humor found in other memes, its relatability and recognizability make it a great choice. You can easily adapt this meme to showcase your brand's excitement about upcoming events, giving it a fun vibe.
Best practices for memes
#1. Track your memes performance to ensure relevance
Including trending memes in your social media strategy is smart, but it's essential to check if they’re really helping you reach your marketing goals.
Fortunately, analyzing their effectiveness is quick and easy with a social media competitor analysis tool like Socialinsider:
- Start by creating an account and adding your profiles and competitors to the Socialinsider dashboard. Enjoy a 14-day free trial to explore the features and gather insights!
- Go to the Posts section, select a time frame, and filter by AI Content Pillar, in this case, Memes, GIFs, and Viral Moments.
- Then, dive into each meme’s post analytics to view engagement, impressions, and many other metrics.
- You’ll find your overall meme performance metrics in the Content Pillar section, providing a clear view of how memes are resonating with your audience and your overall marketing strategy.
#2 Be careful of content copyright when choosing a meme
Nearly all images, video clips, and other media content found in memes are under copyright protection.
However, some “allowed” exceptions allow these materials to be used when transformed into commentary or other forms of creative expression.
So, before using a meme in your marketing, ensure it’s legally permissible for commercial purposes. This can save you from potential copyright issues down the road.
#3 Ensure that the tone and style of your memes align with your brand’s voice
For a meme to go viral on your branded pages, it needs to be funny and relatable, but it must also align with your brand.
A hilarious meme that feels out of place can confuse your audience and dilute your brand identity. So, ensure the memes reflect your core values and resonate with your audience.
By keeping your memes aligned with your brand voice, you build trust and authenticity while creating a consistent online presence that encourages sharing and engagement.
#4 Create a meme calendar
While some of the most popular memes pop up randomly and take social media by storm, many well-known memes follow recognizable patterns. That's why it's a good idea to create a memes calendar that aligns with upcoming events, holidays, or campaigns.
This way, you can ensure your content is timely and relevant, making it more likely to resonate with your audience and to be on time without rush.
Conclusion
Memes now are a powerful tool in marketing, offering brands a way to connect with audiences in a relatable, engaging way.
They’re also highly shareable, which means a well-crafted meme can spread quickly, giving brands a boost in visibility without a big budget. It can also help brands show their personality and values, making them feel more approachable and human.
It’s very important to note that, to succeed with memes, brands should understand their audience behavior, like preferences, pain points, and needs.
The timing is very important, ensuring the meme is still relevant. When done right, memes don’t just entertain; they build meaningful connections between the brand and followers and create a sense of community.
Make sure you stay updated on the latest memes on social media and curate viral sensations!
FAQs on popular memes right now
What are memes?
Memes are pieces of entertaining content, taking the form of images, sounds, videos, or text that spread quickly online. They’re typically funny or relatable, making them a popular way to engage audiences.
How to find popular memes?
There are several ways to stay updated on popular memes on social media:
- Social media platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Twitter often have trending sections where you can explore viral memes using hashtags like #memes or #viralmemes.
- You can follow dedicated meme accounts, which is another great way to stay in the loop, like 9gag or memes on Instagram.
- You can also bookmark blogs that regularly share round-ups of the latest and most viral memes, like this one or Know Your Meme.
These resources will help you get up to date memes and never be out of trend.
What are the most popular social media memes?
“Distracted Boyfriend” – The most popular meme is with this guy looking at another woman while his girlfriend looks on disapprovingly. It’s used to represent shifting focus.
“Leonardo DiCaprio Laughing” – This viral meme is from the movie Django Unchained, where DiCaprio's character laughs, often used for sarcastic humor.
“Woman Yelling at a Cat”- This is one of the most viral memes that features a woman yelling in one frame and a cat sitting at a table in the next, looking like they are having a conversation. It’s used to represent funny misunderstandings.
“Surprised Pikachu” – This meme uses a Pikachu from Pokémon to express mock surprise in response to an obvious or expected outcome.
Drake “Hotline bling” meme- This meme is iconic, showing Drake rejecting one option with a displeased face, then enthusiastically approving another.