What Is a Meme? Types, History, and How Memes Go Viral Explained

1. Introduction to Memes

First things first, what is a meme? A meme is a piece of content, often humorous, that spreads rapidly across the web. It can take the form of an image, video, phrase, or even a physical gesture. Essentially, memes are like cultural inside jokes that the internet community shares.

2. Origin of the Word 'Meme'

The word meme existed long before the internet. It was coined by evolutionary biologist Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book, The Selfish Gene. In it, he defined a meme as an idea or behavior that spreads from person to person within a culture—often with the same efficiency as genes in biological processes.

3. Memes Before the Internet

Before Instagram or Reddit, people shared memes through graffiti, bumper stickers, catchphrases, and comic strips. “Kilroy was here” was an early 20th-century meme.

Play Meme Sound:  Memes Sounds
 

4. The Rise of Internet Memes

The internet only accelerated meme culture. In the 2000s, sites including 4chan, Reddit, and Tumblr began churning out memes by the millions. LOLcats, Rage Comics, and Bad Luck Brian were just a few early viral sensations.

5. Types of Memes

Memes can take many forms, but the most common categories are

• Image Macros
• Video Memes
• Viral Challenges
• Dank Memes
• Wholesome Memes

They all have different ways of interacting with people.

6. Image Macros: The Classic Format

These are probably what you picture when you hear “meme.” A recognizable image with bold, uppercase text—usually top and bottom—that delivers a punchline. Think Grumpy Cat or Distracted Boyfriend.

7. Video Memes and Reels

Short video memes have taken over with TikTok and Instagram Reels, combining clever editing, sound, and visuals at peak entertainment. “Skibidi Toilet,” “Ohio memes,” or even lip-syncing fails? It’s all meme material.

8. Meme Templates and Trends

Meme templates are reusable forms of media. “Drakeposting” (Yes/No image of Drake) or “Two Buttons” (conflicted man sweating) proliferate when people recognize them as such.

9. Cultural and Political Memes

Memes aren’t all about fun and games. Many memes offer comments on the state of society, politics, or world events. From presidential debates to social justice causes, they allow users to share their thoughts with a simple, engaging image.

10. How Memes Go Viral

Why do some memes become legends while others never even get off the ground? A viral meme is typically one that:

You can hop on an emotion or current event that you both share in common

Are easy to share and modify

Use humor, irony, or satire to expose and criticize people’s stupidity or vices, particularly in the context of contemporary politics and other topical issues.

Simply put, it's a combination of timing, relevance, and wit.

Why do we love memes? They:

1. Validate our emotions

2. ...It’s complicated.

Let’s make fun of the absurd

Memes are like mini therapy sessions for when you can’t deal with existence.

Memes like the one above are an intrinsic part of how younger audiences communicate, so it comes as no surprise that some smart brands have based much of their social strategy around memes. Think Netflix, Zomato, and Duolingo.

11. Meme Lifespan: From Birth to Burnout

Memes, by and large, don’t have very long lives. A meme created today will go from inception to viral rise to jump-the-shark in just a matter of weeks. That’s the life cycle—birth, explosion, over-saturation, pop-culture inanity.

12. Are Memes Art? A Philosophical View

Yes. They express ideas, emotions, and culture. They challenge societal norms. And they make us chuckle inside.