20 Recent and Popular Social Media Memes 2024

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Forget boring old conversations, social media memes are the new global handshake.  They offer tiny bursts of laughter, relatable moments, and inside jokes shared by millions – all wrapped up in a picture and a caption.  Need a pick-me-up? A meme’s got you. Feeling like everyone else gets it? A meme screams “Me too!”  So buckle up, internet fam, because we’re about to dive headfirst into the hilarious world of memes!

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What Is a Meme on Social Media?

Memes have really become a big part of how we talk and have fun online, and they can even make us think about important issues in a new way. At their heart, social media memes are like cultural messages passed from one person to another, changing a bit each time. This keeps them interesting and relevant to different people.

The idea of a “meme” was first talked about by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book, “The Selfish Gene.” He used it to explain how certain ideas or behaviors spread through a culture, kind of like how genes pass down traits in biology. However, unlike genes, which are passed down through families, memes are spread by people copying and sharing them, and they can change much faster.

On social media, memes are usually funny images, videos, or texts that get quickly shared around because they’re easy to understand and relate to. They often make us laugh because they touch on things many of us see or think about in our everyday lives, making them a popular way to communicate and connect with others online.

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What Is Meme Short For?

The term is derived from the Greek word “mimema,” meaning “something imitated.” Dawkins used it to explain how cultural information spreads and evolves, drawing a parallel to the biological process of genes being passed down through generations. So, “meme” is a standalone term rather than an abbreviation.

Viral Memes on Social Media in 2024

Here’s a rundown of 20 viral social media memes that have made us laugh in 2024, from the smart and imaginative to the really weird.

  1. The “Drawn On Eyebrow” Memes

    social media meme
    social media meme

    Eyebrows on fleek? More like eyebrows drawn with a shaky Sharpie after three espressos. These memes celebrate the valiant (and sometimes tragic) attempts at brow artistry with questionable results. We’re talking arches that reach for new heights, lines thicker than a toddler’s crayon masterpiece, and the occasional unibrow that would make your art teacher weep.  Hey, at least they’re out there trying, even if their brows end up looking like they’re permanently surprised by the price of mascara.

  2. The “Delulu” Memes

    social media meme
    social media meme

    Delulu memes? More like delusional!  These jokes poke fun at folks who are, well, a little out there with their crushes. We’re talking characters convinced they’re dating anime characters or celebrities – basically, lovelorn levels that would make Romeo blush.  It’s hilarious (and slightly sad) because deep down, we’ve all probably had a crush that seemed a little… unrealistic.  Hey, at least they’re following their hearts, even if those hearts seem lost in a daydream.

  3. The “Hard to Swallow Pills” Meme

    social media meme
    social media meme

    The “Hard to Swallow Pills” meme is basically the internet equivalent of that cough syrup your grandma made you take as a kid. It looks friendly with its cute bottle and all, but that first sip? Pure truth-flavored punishment.

    This meme hits you with those harsh realities of life that nobody wants to admit. Like, you might not be the main character in everyone’s story, and that’s okay. Or, your dream job might involve slightly less glitter and way more spreadsheets. It’s the “adulting” starter pack in meme form.

    But hey, at least it’s honest! And sometimes, a healthy dose of brutal truth is the only thing that can kickstart that whole “better myself” journey. So, swallow hard, folks, because these pills might be bitter, but they might just help you grow up… eventually.

  4. The “Chick-fil-A Girl” Memes

    social media meme
    social media meme

    The Chick-fil-A Sauce Girl: From slinging chicken sandwiches to becoming the queen of meme world, faster than you can say “my pleasure.” This girl’s expressions are more relatable than a lukewarm waffle on a Tuesday. We’re talking pure disappointment at the bottom of the fries bag, pure joy at snagging the last nugget, and everything in between.  Forget “eat mor chikin,” this girl’s motto is “feel all the feels (especially when the sauce packets run dry).”  She’s become a social media superstar, proving that sometimes the most lit content comes from the realest reactions.

  5. The “Vision Pro” Memes

    social media meme
    social media meme

    The Apple Vision Pro headset: the new status symbol for tech enthusiasts or the punchline to a very expensive joke?  This $3500 marvel of technology landed with a thud on social media, mostly because it looks like something straight out of a sci-fi B-movie.  Twitter especially has exploded with memes comparing the Vision Pro to everything from plumber’s helmets to those bulky virtual reality headsets your grandma got for Christmas then immediately regretted.  Look, at least you can flex on your friends with your very own personal Borg implant, right?  Just don’t expect them to recognize you when you’re out and about looking like a discount Darth Vader.

  6. The “Cillian Murphy” Memes

    social media meme
    social media meme

    Cillian Murphy: From brooding gangster to king of the meme world? Move over Tommy Shelby, because Cillian’s resting “rich guy lost his yacht remote” face is taking the internet by storm.  This guy can make attending a fancy awards show look like he’s waiting in line at the DMV on a Monday morning.  Seriously, his bored expressions are more relatable than your empty fridge at 3 am.  Just one look from Cillian and you know he’s thinking, “Is this the caviar line or the escape pod?”  Here’s to Cillian Murphy, the unintentional meme machine who proves you don’t need over-the-top antics to go viral – just a perfectly timed dose of existential dread on your face.

  7. The “Wholesome vs. Edgy” Meme

    social media meme
    social media meme

    The “Good Idea/Bad Idea” meme is basically your internal struggle playing out in meme format. One side is sunshine and rainbows, the other side is whispering sweet nothings like “Unaliving yourself will make your mom sad…” It’s the angel on your shoulder with a halo on fire next to the devil with a tiny chef’s hat.  This meme is hilarious because it captures that inner voice that can be both supportive and…well, a little chaotic.

  8. The “Crab Rave” Memes

    social media meme
    social media meme

    The Crab Rave meme is back, baby! Remember those rave-crabs, busting a move like they just discovered the secret stash of spilled fish flakes?  Yeah, they’re back, and they’re ready to crab rave for literally any situation. Feeling pumped?  Crab rave! Feeling like a total couch potato?  Crab rave (but maybe from the comfort of your sofa).  This meme is like the internet’s emotional support crustacean, ready to party it out (or just kinda awkwardly scuttle along)  no matter what you’re feeling.

  9. The “Siren Head” Meme

    social media meme
    social media meme

    Imagine a lamp post that decided to take a night job as a horror movie villain. That’s Siren Head in a nutshell. This lanky l boi with a head made of rusty sirens loves lurking in the woods, blending in like a creepy karaoke machine gone rogue.  People can’t resist making memes about him, probably because deep down we’re all a little terrified of what spooky noises might blare out of the random lamppost down the street at 2 am.  Hey, at least Siren Head gives a whole new meaning to the phrase “headlights required.”

  10. The “Am I a Joke to You?” Memes

    social media meme
    social media meme

    The “Side-Eye Disappointment” meme: Basically, the internet’s disappointed parent shaking their head at your bad decisions.  We’re talking about squinting like you just saw someone wearing socks with sandals.  It’s a hilarious and gentle way to say “Bruh…” online.  These memes are like our internet spirit animals, expressing disapproval with a healthy dose of humor. After all, who needs boring old words when you can judge someone with a perfectly timed side-eye?

  11. The “I’m You but Stronger” Meme

    social media meme
    social media meme

    This meme is basically the high school reunion glow-up nobody saw coming. We’re talking awkward childhood photos getting roasted by the confident, fabulous you of today. It’s a hilarious way to celebrate how much you’ve grown, even if that growth spurt involved ditching the bowl cut and questionable fashion choices. Deep down, we all know the cringe-worthy “before” version lurks within, but hey, at least you’re the strong, improved version now!

  12. The “People You May Know” Facebook Meme

    social media meme
    social media meme

    Facebook’s friend suggestions are like your grandma trying to set you up on a date. You get options like Genghis Khan, a blurry picture of someone you kinda recognize from high school, and that creepy talking cat from YouTube.  It’s a hilarious reminder that Facebook’s algorithm is about as accurate as a dartboard blindfolded. Who knows, maybe you DID steal Napoleon’s hat in a past life – Facebook isn’t judging.

  13. The “You vs. the Guy She Told Me Not to Worry About” Memes

    social media meme
    social media meme

    The “Girlfriend’s Best Friend vs. Me” meme is basically a competition between you and a guy who looks like he could bench press your car. You’re the chill pebble by the pool, while he’s Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson about to erupt a volcano.  It’s a hilarious (and slightly insecure) way to picture yourself next to your significant other’s best bud.  Hey, at least you bring a good sense of humor, right? (Unless you also happen to be dating The Rock’s chill pebble doppelganger, then this meme might need a rework.)

  14. The “Life Gives You Lemons” Meme

    social media meme
    social media meme

    Life gives you lemons? More like life gives you the world’s sourest lemons, the kind that make furniture cry. But hey, at least you can make lemonade! Or, you know, throw them at pigeons and yell “THIS IS FOR 2023!”

  15. The “Crypto Crash” Memes

    social media meme
    social media meme

    These memes are basically the online diary of someone who just discovered their “moon ticket” to wealth turned into a bus pass to Discount Den. We’re talking people checking their crypto app, then reenacting Leonardo DiCaprio’s pointing meme at the sinking Titanic – except it’s their bank account sinking faster than a rock with clown shoes.  It’s a hilarious reminder that the crypto world is wilder than a rodeo clown on a sugar rush.  One minute you’re dreaming of Lambos, the next you’re re-mortgaging your house for a happy meal. Buckle up, it’s a bumpy ride!

  16. The “Gender Reveal Device” Meme

    social media meme
    social media meme

    The “Overkill Gender Reveal” meme is basically the party planning committee after they snuck a bag of fireworks into the cake. We’re talking cannons bigger than a Volkswagen, paint jobs that’d make a Smurf jealous, and enough confetti to launch a ticker-tape parade for a hamster.  It’s a hilarious (and slightly terrifying) reminder that maybe a balloon with streamers would’ve done the trick.  Sure, it’s a cause for celebration, but let’s not turn the neighborhood into a Jackson Pollock painting, eh?

  17. The ‘’Stanley Cup’’ Meme

    social media meme
    social media meme

    Stanley Cup memes? More like Stanley Cup OBSESSION memes! It’s all thirst traps for these giant water bottles and hilarious jabs at fans who’d fight a yeti for the latest color.  Think “Friends” reruns stuck on repeat, but for tumblers that keep your drink ice cold… for a lifetime.

  18. “Never Gonna Give You Up” Ricks Astley Meme Variations

    social media meme
    social media meme

    The Rickroll: The internet prank that’s older than your flip phone, but somehow never gets old. You think you’re clicking on a link for the secret cure for hiccups, but BAM! Rick Astley’s giving you up, never gonna let you down appears (or you see that cure for hiccups).  This meme pops up in TV shows, live streams, and even your grandma’s forwarded emails.  Just when you think you’re safe, Rick Astley’s pearly whites blindside you. You gotta respect a prank that’s been rickrolling us for this long.

  19. The “In My Feelings” Drake Meme

    social media meme
    social media meme

    Remember Drake crying in Hotline Bling? That’s basically the entire Drake meme industry.  It’s all about taking Drake’s emotional rollercoaster of lyrics and turning them into captions for when you stub your toe or accidentally hit ‘reply all’ on an email. We’ve all been there, right? Deep down, we’re all just one spilled latte away from a full-on Drake breakdown.  These memes hit you hard because they remind you that even celebrities are emotional wrecks,  just with better outfits.

  20. The “No Thoughts, Head Empty” Meme

    social media meme
    social media meme

    The ‘No Thoughts, Head Empty’ meme is basically a yearbook photo for people who forgot to bringr lunch money that day. It’s pictures and videos of folks with all the brainpower of a houseplant staring at a ceiling fan.  Why’d it blow up? Because deep down, we all know the blissful state of having zero thoughts rattling around in your empty noggin.  It’s the universal language of ‘Can someone else deal with this for a sec? My brain is on vacation in Hawaii.

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Things Need to Know about Memes

Before you go on publishing memes on your social media platforms, there are some things you can keep in mind.

Exploring Memes on Instagram

You might be wondering if memes are allowed on Instagram. Instagram is a popular place for memes, but not all social media memes might fit well due to its rules. It’s important to know these rules well so your memes can be shared without issues.

Understanding Copyright With Memes

Most people ask, ‘Do memes have a copyright?’ Sharing memes can sometimes lead to copyright concerns. It’s often tricky to tell when it’s okay to share a meme or when it might be breaking copyright laws, so learning about these laws is key for anyone making or sharing memes.

Is Sharing Memes Legal?

Is it legal to copy memes? Copying and sharing social media memes is common, but whether it’s legal can get complicated. This depends on whether the meme is seen as a new creation or just a copy.

Social Media Memes on Different Platforms

When sharing content on social media, memes have become a staple for engagement and entertainment. Specifically, if you’re wondering, “Can you post memes on Facebook?” the answer is yes, but with specific things to consider. Facebook is another big place for social media memes, but just like Instagram, you must be careful about your sharing to avoid problems. YouTube also offers a space for memes, especially in videos, but copyright rules apply here, too.

Making Memes Go Viral

Do you ever think how do you make a popular meme? Creating a social media meme that gets really popular involves knowing what people like being timely, and adding something new. Getting this mix right can make a meme spread widely.

Earning From Memes on Instagram

Many creators ask the question: Can you make money from Instagram memes? If you’re good at making memes, Instagram can be a way to make money. Partnering with brands and understanding your followers can help turn memes into a source of income.

By keeping these points in mind, you can better explore the world of memes on Instagram and other platforms, from creating and sharing to possibly making money from your creations.

Conclusion

This year has been a lively year for Social media memes, giving us plenty to laugh about and think over. Memes have touched on everything from big events at the Oscars to funny moments like the Naked Bass Pro Shops Man, showing just how quickly they catch on and spread joy.

These Social media memes tell us a lot about what’s going on in the world and how people feel about it, all while keeping things light and funny. They show how creative and quick to react the internet community can be, turning almost anything into a shared joke that brings people together.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can You Post Memes on Social Media?

Definitely! Social media platforms are the perfect places to share memes as they thrive on user-generated content. Just ensure that the meme is appropriate for the platform and community guidelines.

2. How Are Memes Used on Social Media?

Memes can be used for a variety of purposes on social media, from simple entertainment to fan expression, political satire, and social commentary.

3. What Are the Benefits of Posting Memes?

Memes can foster engagement with your content, showcase your personality, and make a striking addition to your online presence. They add a human element to your brand or personal page and are a great way to connect with others.

4. Why Do We Post Memes?

Memes encapsulate relatable, funny, or thought-provoking ideas in an easily shareable manner. They express complex emotions or social dynamics through cultural references and shared context.

5. Can You Use Any Photo for a Meme?

You can, but it’s important to be mindful of copyrights and permissions. Using images that you have the right to use – whether through original creation, free-to-use platforms, or purchased licenses – is crucial for legal and ethical reasons.

6. Where Can I Post My Memes?

You can post your memes on any social media platform, but tailor them to the platform’s culture and audience. Some platforms are more meme-friendly than others, such as Reddit, Twitter, and Instagram.
Picture of Daniel Clark

Daniel Clark

Daniel is a guru of B2B marketing and professional networking. His in-depth knowledge of LinkedIn's unique environment has paved the way for business success.

20 Recent and Popular Social Media Memes 2024

Picture of Daniel Clark

Daniel Clark

Daniel is a guru of B2B marketing and professional networking. His in-depth knowledge of LinkedIn's unique environment has paved the way for business success.

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