What’s #Trending: Viral Moments That Shaped 2024

Viral trends and virality, in general, have become a powerful force in helping to shape not only social media but the far broader space of consumer behavior and brand perception. The constant evolution of social media platforms makes them ground zero for these moments and offers brands opportunities like never before to connect and engage with their audience in real time.

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Whether it’s a trending meme, viral challenge, or just a new dance move, these moments can either make or break a brand’s digital presence. Getting a clear understanding of what’s trending and why, as well as how to leverage it, is critical for any brand seeking to maintain relevancy and influence in a lightning-fast digital world.

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2024’s Viral Moments: A Recap

Social media platforms were ablaze in 2024 with trends that made waves globally, influencing everything from pop culture to political discourse. Here are 15 of the most impactful viral moments of the year:

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1. Brat Summer — The summer of 2024 was dubbed “Brat Summer,” a movement inspired by fashion and attitude trends reminiscent of 2000s “brat” style. Its rebellious yet stylish tone resonated across TikTok and Instagram, sparking countless fashion recreations.
2. The Rise of Chappell Roan — Indie-pop singer Chappell Roan surged to fame this year. Her unapologetically bold aesthetic and powerful live performances went viral on social media, with fan edits of her shows helping her amass a dedicated following.
3. The Olympics — The 2024 Paris Olympics saw countless viral moments, but none bigger than breakdancer Rachael “Raygun” Gunn. Her unconventional and humorous moves captivated the internet, turning her into a meme sensation.
4. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour & Travis Kelce — Taylor Swift’s monumental Eras Tour intersected with NFL star Travis Kelce, generating memes and theories around their supposed romance. This crossover of pop culture and sports led to massive fan engagement.
5. Israeli-Palestinian Conflict — The ongoing conflict took center stage on social media, where discussions and viral footage brought global attention to the humanitarian crisis. Platforms were instrumental in shaping public opinion and awareness.
6. Solar Eclipse — A total solar eclipse in April 2024 became a viral spectacle. Millions shared photos and videos of the phenomenon, with brands seizing the moment to align their campaigns with this celestial event.
7. Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake — Hip-hop heavyweights Kendrick Lamar and Drake’s rap battle set the internet ablaze. Their freestyle face-off at a high-profile event in July 2024 became the subject of heated debates and memes across platforms.
8. Nara Smith — Nara Smith, a young influencer known for her candid, mental health-focused content, became a breakout star this year. Her vulnerability and humor inspired a wave of authenticity in online conversations.
9. 2024 U.S. Election — The buildup to the U.S. election sparked countless viral debates, memes, and content related to campaign rallies and political mishaps. Social media once again proved critical in shaping electoral discourse.
10. Super Bowl Madness — The 2024 Super Bowl broke records—not just for its on-field moments, but also for its viral commercials. Particularly, the humorous and nostalgic ads took off, becoming talking points long after the game ended.
11. TikTok “Ban” Controversy — Talk of a TikTok ban in the U.S. ignited widespread concern, particularly among creators. Memes and protest videos flooded the platform, with users discussing potential alternatives and the future of social media.
12. The Willy Wonka Experience — A whimsical Willy Wonka attraction opened in Los Angeles and quickly went viral. Attendees shared their experiences online, sparking envy and driving traffic to the immersive, candy-themed adventure.
13. Stanley Cup Fever — The 2024 Stanley Cup Finals became a viral moment in sports, not just for the thrilling games but for the social media reactions to the emotional post-game interviews and celebratory fan antics.
14. Jett & Pookie — This TikTok duo captured hearts with their comedic skits, often featuring unexpected plot twists. Their 2024 rise to fame symbolized the potential for everyday creators to become viral sensations.
15. Mindful, Demure — A trend toward “mindful, demure” living, focused on simplicity and mindfulness, swept through social platforms this year. Influencers promoted quieter lifestyles, reflecting a collective shift toward balance in an otherwise chaotic online world.

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These viral moments dominated trending topics on social media in 2024, driving conversations and shaping the digital landscape. Brands and influencers alike capitalized on these top social media trends, proving that tapping into the right cultural moment can lead to widespread engagement and visibility.

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Key Trends Changing the Social Media Scene

1. The Rise of Authentic Content

One of the most significant trends of 2024 is the growing demand for relatable, authentic content. With the spike in AI-generated content, users are growing increasingly focused on finding real, unfiltered experiences from creators and brands. This can be seen in trends like the "No Filter" movement and the popularity of apps like BeReal, where authenticity is prized above highly curated content.

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2. AI’s Growing Influence on Content Creation

Some love it, and some hate it, but like it or not AI continues to shape the digital landscape with more and more brands leveraging AI tools to generate creative elements and content. From AI-generated memes to completely AI-generated influencers, 2024 has seen a surge in machine-made content. While AI can help automate content creation at scale, the biggest challenge for brands is balancing AI content with human authenticity to help cultivate the maximum level of trust with, and value for, their audiences. 

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3. The Blending of Pop Culture and Brands

A growing trend in 2024 is the fusion of pop culture and brand messaging. This can be seen in Taylor Swift’s crossover with the NFL and viral collaborations with luxury brands and fast food. Marketers are only scratching the surface of the power of pop culture trends to drive engagement. This blending allows brands to reach new audiences and generate buzz through partnerships and cultural events, often leading to widespread virality.

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4. The Power of Edutainment

Entertaining content that also maintains educational value is known as edutainment, and it’s becoming another trend. One prominent example from 2024 is the Meta Horizon Worlds virtual concert series. These concerts not only entertained millions of users but also introduced them to the expanding possibilities of virtual reality and immersive experiences. Leveraging engaging content that informs as well as entertains can help brands forge deeper connections with their audiences. 

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Riding the Viral Wave

The viral trends of 2024 are the perfect illustration of how social media is constantly evolving, and why brands need to maintain agility to be effective. Key drivers like AI-driven creativity, authenticity, and pop culture mashups are behind some of the most impactful moments this year. As these trends continue to shape the behavior of users, staying connected to what’s #trending is critical for marketing efforts across all sectors and industries. 

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Brands must embrace the fast-paced and often chaotic nature of social media, and find ways to build engagement with crucial audiences in real-time. Whether this means leveraging AI tools or tapping into the latest pop culture craze, marketers need to maintain a sharp focus on developing creative content that speaks with authenticity and resonates with their audience.

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