Memes have become a rare commodity in 2025, with the digital landscape shifting towards short-form video platforms like TikTok. The rise of TikTok has led to a decline in traditional text-and-image-based memes, which were once a staple of online culture. The migration of users to TikTok, combined with the decline of Twitter, has disrupted the traditional lifecycle of memes, making it harder for them to spread and gain traction.
Despite this, memes continue to persist, albeit in different forms. TikTok, Bluesky, Instagram, and even the rebranded Twitter, now known as X, have become breeding grounds for new types of memes. A review of the year’s top memes reveals a mix of absurd humor, pop culture references, and internet trends.
One of the most notable memes of 2025 is the “6-7” phenomenon, which originated on TikTok and spread to other platforms. The phrase, which refers to nothing in particular, has become a catch-all expression for internet users. Other popular memes include the “Trump take egg” joke, which pokes fun at former President Donald Trump’s policies, and the “Anthropologie rock” trend, which mocks the luxury retailer’s high prices.
The world of sports has also been a rich source of memes, with the Duke-White Lotus debacle and the “holy airball” trend generating significant online buzz. Music has also played a role, with Morgan Wallen’s storming off the stage at Saturday Night Live inspiring a meme about his desire to escape to “God’s country.”
Other notable memes of 2025 include the “little French fish” trend, which saw a cartoon fish named Steve take over TikTok, and the “conclave memes” that emerged during the papal conclave. The “100 men vs. 1 gorilla” debate, which sparked a series of humorous and absurd discussions, has also been a highlight of the year.
While the number of memes may have decreased in 2025, the ones that have emerged have been notable for their creativity and humor. The rise of short-form video platforms has changed the way memes are created and consumed, but the internet’s ability to generate and spread humor and irony remains unchanged. As the online landscape continues to evolve, it will be interesting to see how memes adapt and thrive in new and unexpected ways.