Memes have become a rare commodity in 2025 as the digital landscape shifts toward short‑form video platforms like TikTok. The rise of TikTok has led to a decline in traditional text‑and‑image‑based memes, which once were 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 shift, memes continue to persist, albeit in different forms. TikTok, Bluesky, Instagram, and 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 contributed as well; Morgan Wallen’s storming off the stage at Saturday Night Live inspired a meme about his desire to escape to “God’s country.” Additional notable memes of 2025 include the “little French fish” trend, where a cartoon fish named Steve took over TikTok, and the “conclave memes” that emerged during the papal conclave. The “100 men vs. 1 gorilla” debate sparked a series of humorous and absurd discussions, highlighting the year’s creative humor.
While the overall number of memes may have decreased in 2025, the ones that have emerged stand out for their creativity and wit. The rise of short‑form video platforms has changed how memes are created and consumed, but the internet’s capacity 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.
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