The Meme Movement: How Brands Embraced Humor in 2024
At the end of last year, we wrote a blog post about how 2023 became the year of “girlhood”—a time when Barbie made a comeback, friendship bracelets were traded, and everything pink was embraced. It was a year full of nostalgia, self-expression, and lighthearted moments.
Fast forward to now, and we’re living in the "year of the meme." The focus has shifted to humor, memes, and a more authentic, relaxed approach to marketing. Brands are moving away from perfectly polished content and embracing a more playful, human connection with their audience.
While memes are great for a quick laugh, they’re also an effective marketing tool.
Here’s why they’re working so well:
They humanize brands. Memes allow brands to step away from formal, corporate tones and show their relatable side. It’s a way to connect on a personal level and remind people that there are in fact real humans behind the brand.
They’re highly shareable. Memes are made to be shared, which helps expand your reach. When people find something funny or relatable, they pass it along, putting your content in front of more eyes.
They drive engagement. Memes encourage interaction—likes, comments, shares—creating conversations and building a community around your brand.
This year we’ve seen just how effective this form of marketing can be, but it’s important to use it thoughtfully.
Stay true to your brand. Memes are fun, but they should align with your brand’s voice. Don’t force humor that doesn’t come naturally to your business. People value authenticity and can tell when something feels off.
Be selective with trends. Not every meme or viral moment fits your brand. Before jumping on the latest trend, assess its meaning and relevance. If it doesn’t relate to your audience or message, it’s okay to skip it.
Timing is everything. Jumping on a meme too late can make your brand seem out of touch. Keep an eye on trends and act quickly, but don’t force it if the timing isn’t right.
We’ve loved seeing the hilarious memes and lighthearted content from brands this year, and we’re curious to see what trends will take over in 2025!