10 Cultural Fads That Lasted Less Than a Month

Cultural fads often rise suddenly, capturing global attention with humor, shock, or novelty. However, their very speed often ensures they burn out quickly, leaving only a brief mark in internet history. From dangerous stunts to viral dances, these short-lived crazes remind us how quickly trends shift in the digital age.

1. 1. The Cinnamon Challenge (2012)

The Cinnamon Challenge spread rapidly on YouTube, with people attempting to swallow a spoonful of dry cinnamon without water. The stunt often ended with choking, coughing, and hospital visits due to respiratory issues. After warnings from doctors and media backlash, the craze disappeared almost as quickly as it began.

2. 2. Planking (2011)

Planking became a global phenomenon when people posted photos of themselves lying stiff as a board in odd locations. While some found it hilarious, others criticized it as dangerous after accidents were reported. Within weeks, the joke ran out of steam, and the internet moved on.

3. 3. The Kylie Jenner Lip Challenge (2015)

This fad involved teens placing their lips in shot glasses to create a suction effect that would make them look bigger. Photos of swollen, bruised mouths flooded social media for a few weeks. Health experts warned of permanent damage, and the trend quickly faded away.

4. 4. Milk Crate Challenge (2021)

TikTok briefly erupted with the Milk Crate Challenge, where people stacked crates into a pyramid and tried to walk across. The shaky structures often collapsed, leading to dramatic and painful falls. After safety warnings and social media bans, it vanished in less than a month.

5. 5. The Ice Bucket Challenge Copycats (2014)

The original Ice Bucket Challenge successfully raised awareness for ALS, but copycats quickly diluted the impact. Variations like “Rice Bucket” or random water dumps popped up but lacked purpose. These spinoffs died off in weeks, remembered only as failed imitations.

6. 6. “Harlem Shake” Videos (2013)

For a brief moment, the “Harlem Shake” song by Baauer fueled thousands of short, chaotic dance clips. Each video started calmly before bursting into bizarre costumes and movements. Despite going viral instantly, the joke wore thin, and the trend ended in under a month.

7. 7. “Don’t Judge Me” Makeup Challenge (2015)

This YouTube and Vine trend featured people appearing “plain” before revealing dramatic makeup looks to a music cue. It gained attention for showcasing transformations but quickly became repetitive. Within weeks, audiences moved on to fresher content.

8. 8. Tebowing (2011)

Inspired by NFL quarterback Tim Tebow’s prayer pose on the field, fans around the world began photographing themselves in similar stances. The pose went viral, popping up in offices, classrooms, and even weddings. However, the novelty quickly wore off and disappeared in weeks.

9. 9. Batmanning (2011)

After planking, “Batmanning” briefly appeared, where people hung upside down like Batman from objects. It never reached the same popularity, partly due to its difficulty and risk. Within a few weeks, it was abandoned and largely forgotten.

10. 10. Mannequin Challenge (2016)

The Mannequin Challenge had people freezing in place while a camera moved around them, usually set to Rae Sremmurd’s song “Black Beatles.” Celebrities, athletes, and even politicians joined in, making it briefly massive. Yet, after weeks of repetition, it faded as quickly as it had risen.

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• short-lived fads
• cultural fads
• cultural trends
• Internet History