Social media challenges continue to dominate online platforms, spreading rapidly across the globe and engaging millions of users. These challenges capture the attention of people of all ages, offering entertainment, creativity, and sometimes even a sense of community. In this article, we take a closer look at the top 10 viral challenges that took over social media this year, influencing trends, pop culture, and user behavior.
1. The #SavageLoveChallenge
This dance challenge, set to Jawsh 685 and Jason Derulo’s hit song “Savage Love,” exploded across TikTok early in the year. It gained immense popularity for its catchy beat and easy-to-follow choreography. Creators added their own twists to the dance, making it one of the most versatile and widely shared challenges.
Why it went viral:
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The catchy beat made it easy to remember and replicate.
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Celebrity participation: Jason Derulo and others joined in, fueling the challenge’s spread.
2. The #BussItChallenge
The #BussItChallenge became a huge sensation, with users sharing transformation videos. Participants started by dancing in casual attire, and when the beat dropped, they “bussed it” into stylish outfits, showcasing an impressive fashion change. The challenge highlighted creativity and self-expression, often paired with humor.
Why it went viral:
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Transformation videos sparked interest and were highly shareable.
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Before-and-after reveals kept viewers engaged, especially with unexpected twists.
3. The #SilhouetteChallenge
A viral sensation on TikTok, the #SilhouetteChallenge had people posing in front of a red background, transitioning from normal lighting to a dramatic, silhouetted pose when the song “Put Your Head on My Shoulder” played. It became a popular way to show confidence and body positivity.
Why it went viral:
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Artistic and visually striking: The silhouette effect made the challenge eye-catching and unique.
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It also sparked a sense of self-confidence, encouraging people to embrace their bodies.
4. The #DontRushChallenge
This challenge became particularly popular among friends and influencers. It involved a smooth transition from “before” to “after,” where participants appeared on camera looking casual, then quickly changed into glam looks. It also became a symbol of transformation and empowerment.
Why it went viral:
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Quick edits: The seamless transitions were fun to watch, and the challenge became a way to showcase creativity in video editing.
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Inclusivity: The challenge encouraged people from all walks of life to participate.
5. The #VaccineChallenge
With the global pandemic influencing much of this year, the #VaccineChallenge became a creative way to encourage people to get vaccinated. Participants would share videos of themselves receiving the vaccine, accompanied by upbeat music or positive messages, aiming to normalize the act and promote public health.
Why it went viral:
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Social good: The challenge served as a form of encouragement during a crucial time for public health.
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It encouraged positive behavior and a collective sense of responsibility.
6. The #FlipTheSwitchChallenge
Inspired by Drake’s song “Nonstop,” the #FlipTheSwitchChallenge involved participants flipping a light switch while simultaneously switching outfits. This challenge was often done between couples or friends and quickly became viral for its humor and surprising costume swaps.
Why it went viral:
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Unexpected costume changes made for entertaining content.
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The surprise element of the switch added to the excitement, making it highly shareable.
7. The #WipeItDownChallenge
The #WipeItDownChallenge featured participants cleaning a mirror with a towel, and when the towel was removed, they revealed a new look, outfit, or even a completely different persona. It was popular on TikTok and inspired users to show off their creativity, from makeup transformations to elaborate fashion changes.
Why it went viral:
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Transformation and surprise elements made the challenge engaging.
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It allowed for self-expression, with users incorporating unique and funny twists.
8. The #QuarantineChallenge
During the pandemic lockdowns, the #QuarantineChallenge was a way for people to share how they were staying active, entertained, and productive while at home. From cooking tutorials to home workouts, this challenge showed how people adjusted to quarantine life with creativity and humor.
Why it went viral:
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It allowed relatability by showcasing how everyday people were managing the quarantine.
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Positive vibes: The challenge promoted staying active and finding fun in tough times.
9. The #KarmaIsRealChallenge
This challenge involved people acting out moments where “karma” had caught up with someone in a humorous way. Often, participants would set up scenarios where someone received a surprising or poetic “karma” moment, making it an entertaining way to share life lessons.
Why it went viral:
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Humor and surprise: The unexpected nature of the challenge made it engaging.
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Relatable content: Viewers enjoyed seeing moments where karma had a funny or fitting outcome.
10. The #PassTheBrushChallenge
The #PassTheBrushChallenge featured individuals starting with a bare face and then passing a makeup brush to the camera, only for it to reveal them in full makeup or glam attire. This challenge was popular for its creative makeup reveals and entertaining transitions.
Why it went viral:
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Makeup transformations resonated with beauty enthusiasts.
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The pass-the-brush transition was fun to replicate and inspired thousands to join in.
Conclusion
Social media challenges are a fun and innovative way to engage with users, spread creativity, and often bring people together over shared experiences. The viral nature of these challenges makes them an effective tool for brand promotion, social movements, and even just for pure entertainment. From dance trends to creative transformations, these challenges continue to shape the way we interact online. As social media platforms evolve, we can expect even more unique and viral challenges to take over in the years to come.
