A lot can happen in a year. The best example of this is this year's trends in social media – from the so-called “Brat Girls” to the “Bear or Man?” discussion to the “Gen Z Marketing Script”.
2024 was coming to an end and with it came a year full of new social media trends. However, these are often quite short-lived and replace themselves at a rapid pace. A look back at some of the most viral trends of the year.
A film with consequences
The film “Saltburn” was released at the end of 2023, but primarily made its social media rounds in January 2024. There has been a lot of discussion about viral scenes from the film. Memes and parodies circulated online and music also played a role. The song “Murder on the Dancefloor” by Sophie Ellis-Bextor (45) used in the film, which was released in 2001, experienced a real revival and became the catchy tune of the month. Inspired by the film, numerous videos were created of people dancing, filming themselves to the trendy song in their apartment, hotel room or in luxurious locations.
In 2024 there were additional songs that made their rounds and to which corresponding videos and dances were invented. At the beginning of the year, the song “Made for Me” caused some viral clips. The line “Nobody knows me like you, nobody will love me like you” not only had great catchy potential, but was also used in a variety of ways. “Maps” by the Yeah Yeah Yeahs went viral on social media, especially in October. The line “Wait, they don’t love you the way I love you” was particularly danced to on TikTok.
The “Brat Girl Summer”
The singer Charli xcx (32) contributed to the most famous trend of the year. Their latest album “Brat” launched several new trends in the summer. The term “Brat”, also known as brat, was the focus and for some it even developed into a whole new lifestyle – the so-called “Brat Girl Summer” was born. The song “Apple”, which was one of the most popular on the album, also had its own dance, which was recreated many times.
“Very reserved, very careful”
In complete contrast to the “Brat Girl” trend is the satirical slogan “Very reserved, very mindful.” It was created by TikTok personality Jools Lebron. With her video “How to be reserved in the workplace” she made headlines and gave birth to the new trend. The ironic undertone and the deliberate exaggeration quickly make it clear that it is a parody. Celebrities such as US President Joe Biden (82) and Kim Kardashian (44) are also taking up the trend.
“Looking for a man in finance”
Another social media trend emerged in April of that year and was still an issue months later. Singer Megan Boni, known on social media as “girl_on_couch,” posted an acapella song with the simple lyrics: “I'm looking for a man in finance, trust fund, 6'5, blue eyes” (“I'm looking for a man in finance, trust fund, 1.95 m, blue eyes”). Numerous remixes were subsequently created from these catchy words.
“Normal potatoes on the one”
The German Football Association (DFB) wanted to clarify the “really important questions” this year. National player Florian Wirtz (21) ranked various potato dishes in a ranking on TikTok. The funny clip went downhill – especially because of the top placement: “Normal potatoes, I would even say a one.” Wirtz later told media reports that he didn't understand why the video went viral.
The “Bear or Man?” discussion
The “Bear or Man?” discussion demonstrated that social media is not always just about songs, dances or the latest lifestyle trend. The viral debate asks women whether they would rather be alone in a forest with a man or a bear. The discussion stems from a TikTok video that was published in April of that year and shared millions of times. The discussion was heated at times, but some did not seem to understand that for many the conversation about the scenario was primarily about the issue of violence against women.
Viral relationships
In 2024, there were also relationships that managed to attract a lot of attention in the world of social media. Model and influencer Nara Smith (23) became known primarily for her elaborate and sophisticated cooking videos. Because of their special presentation, their clips have been widely parodied and recreated. Her husband Lucky Blue (26) is often in front of the camera with her.
Another couple that fascinated users is Campbell and Jett Puckett, who go by the username campbellhuntpuckett. Campbell had already built a following on TikTok, but her popularity grew rapidly starting in January 2024 when she began to involve Jett more. The pet name “Pookie,” which Jett often calls his wife, also went viral and became part of her social media brand.
“Gen Z Marketing Script”
Another humorous trend was the so-called “Gen Z Marketing Script.” This is mainly about terms and phrases that have become common for Generation Z, particularly through social media. Brands and companies such as the book company Hugendubel posted videos with older employees who advertised the store and its equipment in youth language.
