As 2024 concludes, it reflects on vibrant social media trends that captivated users. Notable moments included the viral success of ‘Saltburn’ and its dance video inspirations, the rise of ‘Brat Girl Summer’ from Charli xcx, and humorous trends like ‘Very demure, very mindful.’ Additionally, catchy songs sparked dance challenges, while social media relationships flourished, exemplified by Nara Smith and Jett Puckett. The ‘Gen Z Marketing Script’ humorously showcased generational language, bridging gaps between audiences.
Reflecting on 2024’s Viral Social Media Trends
As we approach the end of 2024, it’s time to reflect on a year brimming with dynamic social media trends that captivated audiences. While many of these trends emerged with great fanfare, they often faded just as quickly. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most talked-about trends that defined this year.
Memorable Moments from the Year
The film ‘Saltburn’ debuted in late 2023 but truly took off on social media in January 2024, sparking extensive conversation about its standout scenes. The internet buzzed with memes and parodies, while the 2001 hit ‘Murder on the Dancefloor’ by Sophie Ellis-Bextor resurfaced as a catchy anthem of the month. Inspired by the film, users created a flurry of dance videos set in various locations, from cozy apartments to extravagant hotels.
As the year progressed, other songs also gained traction, leading to a wave of viral videos and dance challenges. Early in the year, ‘Made for Me’ became a sensation, with its relatable lyrics resonating widely. Later, in October, ‘Maps’ by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs captured attention, particularly with its memorable line that inspired countless TikTok dance routines.
Summer saw the rise of the ‘Brat Girl Summer,’ an intriguing trend launched by singer Charli xcx through her album ‘Brat.’ This movement centered around the concept of being a ‘Brat,’ leading to a unique lifestyle for many fans. The track ‘Apple’ became particularly popular, inspiring a dance that spread like wildfire across social platforms.
Contrasting sharply with the carefree vibes of ‘Brat Girl Summer’ was the humorous trend ‘Very demure, very mindful.’ Sparked by TikTok influencer Jools Lebron’s viral video on workplace decorum, this satirical phrase highlighted the absurdity of exaggerated behavior, drawing the attention of both fans and celebrities alike.
In April, another catchy trend emerged from singer Megan Boni, also known as ‘girl_on_couch.’ Her acapella rendition featuring the lyrics about seeking a partner in finance led to an array of remixes and further engagement on social media platforms.
Meanwhile, the German Football Association (DFB) entertained audiences with a light-hearted TikTok clip featuring national player Florian Wirtz ranking various potato dishes. His declaration of ‘Normal potatoes, I would even say to number one’ struck a chord, leading to widespread laughter and intrigue.
The ‘Bear or Man?’ debate was another viral phenomenon that showcased social media’s ability to spark intense discussions. Originating from a TikTok video in April, this conversation posed a thought-provoking question to women, igniting dialogues about deeper societal issues.
Social media relationships also captured the limelight in 2024. Model Nara Smith gained popularity with her creative cooking videos, often featuring her husband, Lucky Blue, who became a familiar face alongside her. Similarly, the couple Campbell and Jett Puckett drew followers with their engaging content, especially after Jett’s affectionate nickname for Campbell, ‘Pookie,’ became a trending topic.
Lastly, the ‘Gen Z Marketing Script’ emerged as a humorous trend, spotlighting the unique language and phrases of Generation Z. Brands like Hugendubel embraced this by featuring older employees in playful videos that appealed to younger audiences, effectively bridging the generational gap.