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Published on: December 20, 2024

Meme Wrapped 2024: Last Year's Most Viral Moments and How to Leverage Them

A Quick Look Back at 2024's Most Iconic Memes

Before diving into 2025, let’s take a moment to look back at the memes and viral moments that truly defined 2024. Memes didn’t just entertain last year — they reflected our collective mood, captured the essence of key events, and provided a hilarious lens through which we saw the world.

Top 10 Memes and Viral Moments of 2024

We’ve dug through the metrics and social trends, and here are some of the most viral moments that had everyone talking in 2024. So, how many of these did you share or react to?

1. Willy Wonka Experience Disaster

A poorly executed AI-generated immersive event in Glasgow became a meme goldmine. Images of sad Oompa Loompas, empty candy tables, and a creepy “Unknown” character went viral, with people mocking the event’s absurdity and low-budget execution.

X post from @Haztecamarera

2. Hawk Tuah Girl

Haliey Welch became an overnight sensation after her NSFW response in a street interview (“You gotta give ’em that ‘hawk tuah’ and spit on that thang!“). Her phrase spawned countless memes, merch, and even a podcast.

X post from @officalpostman

3. Dune: Part Two Popcorn Bucket

The sandworm-shaped popcorn bucket from Dune: Part Two became infamous for its unintentionally suggestive design. The internet couldn’t resist making jokes, and it even inspired an SNL sketch.

X post from @DiscussingFilm

4. Charli XCX’s Brat Summer

Charli XCX’s album Brat and its lime green aesthetic dominated pop culture. Memes like “I’m so Julia” (referencing Julia Fox) and the “Apple Dance” went viral, with fans embracing the album’s bold, chaotic energy.

X post from @charli_xcx

5. Four Seasons Baby

A baby confidently raising her hand to go to the Four Seasons Orlando became a viral sensation. The image was endlessly memed, with people photoshopping the baby into various scenarios.

X post from @jpbrammer

6. Elmo’s Emotional Check-In

Elmo’s innocent tweet asking, “How is everybody doing?” led to an avalanche of emotional responses from adults sharing their struggles. The moment highlighted the collective stress of 2024 and became a viral meme.

X post from @elmo

7. Kamala Harris’ Coconut Tree Quote

Kamala Harris’s cryptic quote, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” during a speech became a meme. People remixed it into songs and used it humorously in various contexts.

X post from @TODAYshow

8. Timothée Chalamet Lookalike Contests

A contest in New York for Timothée Chalamet lookalikes drew thousands of participants, including the actor himself. The surreal event became a meme, with people joking about the lengths fans would go to emulate their idol.

X post from @anthpo

9. “Very Demure, Very Mindful” TikTok Trend

A TikTok trend where users adopted a minimalist, elegant approach to life, often used humorously to describe mundane or chaotic situations. The phrase became a catchphrase for ironic self-awareness.

@joolieannie

#fyp

#demure

♬ original sound - Jools Lebron

TikTok from @joolieannie

10. Moo Deng the Pygmy Hippo

This adorable baby hippo from Thailand captured the internet’s heart. Her chaotic yet relatable antics made her a global meme star, with people comparing her to their own lives.

X post from @sighyam

The Influence of Viral Memes on Society

Memes in 2024 have taken on a deeper role beyond entertainment, serving as mirrors to some of the most important global and personal issues we face today. From climate change to the evolving work-from-home experience, memes provide a unique lens to reflect the challenges, triumphs, and realities of our times.

Climate Change Awareness Memes

  • Greta Thunberg Reaction Memes: Greta Thunberg's expressions at climate summits, like her stern looks, have been turned into viral memes to call attention to the urgency of climate action, often paired with texts like, "The planet is burning, and so is my patience."
  • Melting Iceberg Memes: Memes featuring melting icebergs or extreme weather events highlight the consequences of climate change, often with stark, ironic captions about people ignoring global warming. They became particularly poignant during heatwaves and wildfires in 2024.

Work From Home Reality Memes

  • Zoom Fail Memes: These remain a staple, with viral images of people's awkward camera angles, children crashing Zoom meetings, or unmuting struggles. In 2024, these expanded to "remote work burnout" memes, often showing exhausted individuals surrounded by coffee cups with captions like "Still working from home... for the next 8 hours."
  • Imposter Syndrome WFH Memes: These memes show workers in their pajamas or facing the chaos of their home office, accompanied by the caption "Am I really working or just pretending to be busy?" They address the ongoing tension of maintaining productivity and self-worth while working remotely.

How Brands Can Jump on the Meme Marketing Train

Let’s be real — traditional advertising just doesn’t hit the same anymore. The truth is, brands need to move fast and speak to people in a way that feels genuine and current. That’s where meme marketing comes in. A good meme doesn’t need to be polished; it just needs to be fast, funny, and relevant.

By jumping on the latest meme trends, brands can:

  • Boost engagement: People share memes — it’s just what we do. When a brand gets in on the action, it amplifies its reach in a way traditional ads can’t.
  • Create emotional connections: Memes tap into shared experiences and emotions. By using them, brands can strengthen their bond with audiences in ways that feel organic.
  • Show they’re in touch with the times: When a brand uses a trending meme, it signals that they understand the cultural moment. It’s an instant connection with the audience.
  • Stand out with memorable campaigns: Memes have staying power. When done right, they can turn a fleeting moment into something that sticks in people’s minds for a long time.

Of course, it’s not just about hopping on every trend. Authenticity is key. Brands need to make sure their meme marketing aligns with their values and speaks to their audience in a way that feels natural.

Meme Kitchen: Your Partner in Riding the Meme Wave

Looking ahead, the importance of meme marketing will only grow. Meme Kitchen Logo Meme Kitchen is here to help brands and creators stay ahead of the curve. With our AI-powered meme generator and vast library of templates, creating the perfect meme to ride the next viral moment is just a click away.

Sign up for Meme Kitchen today, and get ready to own the viral moments of 2025!