20 Biggest Social Media Moments of 2024

In 2024, social media exploded with viral moments, from AI-generated celebrity chaos to unexpected pop culture comebacks. These moments sparked conversations and trends that shaped how we connect, create, and engage online.

  • Alyana Aguja
  • 7 min read
20 Biggest Social Media Moments of 2024
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Social media in 2024 saw viral moments and became a whirlwind, whether in the emergence of AI-generated content or explosive returns of nostalgia. These new movements came into play from all directions–whether it was dance challenges, fashion revolutions, or political activism. The result was a spectacle that gripped global audiences while simultaneously spurring necessary conversations around creativity, responsibility, and the constantly shifting landscape of the digital world.

1. Willy Wonka Experience Fiasco

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A £35-a-ticket Willy Wonka event in Glasgow went viral because of its disappointing setup, poorly decorated warehouse, and bewildered Oompa Loompas. The introduction of a new masked villain, “The Unknown,” not part of the original story, frightened children but became an internet sensation. Attendees shared experiences, and videos turned the event into a widespread online joke.

2. “Very Demure, Very Mindful” Trend

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Satirical videos by TikTok creator Jools Lebron advising people to be “very demure and very mindful” in public and at work went viral. Her funny take on what is appropriate behavior resonated with many, who then imitated and incorporated the phrases into everyday language. The trend highlighted societal expectations and norms in professional settings.

3. Charli XCX’s album “Brat” and the “Brat Summer”

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Fans of Charli XCX adored her lime green-colored “Brat” album, whose party themes came with no responsibilities attached. The “Apple” track turned into a dance challenge on TikTok, helping to spread the word about the “Brat” album. In fact, “Brat Summer” got seven Grammy nominations, which kept the hype going.

4. Kendrick Lamar vs. Drake

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The summer of a rap battle between rappers Kendrick Lamar and Drake captivated fans worldwide as it went down in 2024. Kendrick was the first to spit his verse in Future’s “Like That,” proclaiming himself better than his peers, and this prompted a collaboration of several diss tracks between the two artists. This fact ignited debates about competition and artistry in the hip-hop industry.

5. Hawk Tuah Girl Viral Moment

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A candid street interview of Hailey Welch, in which she humorously describes a relationship tip in a Southern accent, made her the internet sensation known as “Hawk Tuah Girl.” Her phrase, “Oh, you gotta give him that hawk tuah and spit on that thang! You get me?” spread widely and was mimicked on various social media platforms. The clip shows the internet’s propensity for turning spontaneous moments into viral phenomena.

6. “The Bear” Season 3 Release

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The third season of “The Bear” was highly hyped for its concentrated, slow-paced storytelling, with well-known chefs Daniel Boulud and René Redzepi guest appearances. The show’s story about the culinary world fascinated everyone and raised many discussions and theories over the Internet. Its success furthered the growing popularity of food-centric narratives in mainstream media.

7. “The Penguin” TV Series Premiere

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Colin Farrell reprised his role as The Penguin in a new television series that was a surprise hit. The show, which blended elements from The Sopranos with the Batman universe, received critical acclaim and multiple award nominations for its nuanced exploration of ambition and morality. Its popularity showed the audience was ready for complex, character-driven stories within established franchises.

8. Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm” Series Finale

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After nearly 25 years, Larry David’s popular HBO show Curb Your Enthusiasm ended in April 2024. The series finale was a nod to the Seinfeld finale, in which Larry faced the consequences of his social faux pas in a courtroom. Fans and critics alike appreciated the ending as a fitting end to the long-running show.

9. Pat Sajak Retirement from “Wheel of Fortune”

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After over four decades, Pat Sajak retired from hosting “Wheel of Fortune,” Ryan Seacrest became his replacement. The change sparked nostalgia and concerns about the show’s future among fans on social media. Even with the new host, the show produced more memorable moments and remained on the popular culture list.

10. Blockout 2024 Movement

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In May 2024, the Blockout 2024 campaign was launched, asking social media users to block celebrities and organizations that remained silent or supported Israel during the Israel–Hamas war. The movement gained momentum after the Met Gala, where celebrities’ perceived indifference to the conflict was criticized. It highlighted the growing expectation that public figures engage with global political issues.

11. Ilona Maher’s Rugby Debut

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Ilona Maher made her Bristol Bears Women’s rugby debut as the American player watched as a record 9,240 crowd flocked to Ashton Gate. Known for her body-positive social media and women’s sports advocacy, the signing was hailed as a significant moment in the history of women’s rugby. Her influence only reminds us how powerful social media is at elevating women’s sports.

12. Lilly Gerrard’s Pregnancy Announcement

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Lilly Gerrard, daughter of football legend Steven Gerrard, announced her pregnancy on Instagram, sharing intimate photos and captions. Due to her social media absence and subtle hints, fans had speculated before the announcement. The reveal sparked widespread discussion about privacy and public speculation in the digital age.

13. Mikey Madison’s Oscar Buzz for “Anora”

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Mikey Madison’s performance as Ani in Sean Baker’s film Anora has received critical acclaim, which generated significant buzz during the award season. The film was screened at Cannes, where it won the Palme d’Or and positioned Madison as one of the top contenders for Best Actress. Her relatively low public profile did not deter the widespread discussions on social media about her performance.

14. “Wicked” Movie Release

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The movie adaptation of the musical “Wicked” was finally released, and it immediately became a trend for everybody online. Fans and critics flocked to their sites to share their reviews and favorite moments over trending hashtags and viral fan art. The movie renewed interest in the original stage production significantly as ticket sales increased rapidly.

15. “Moo Deng” Viral Recipe

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A traditional Thai dish, Moo Deng, became viral after a video of its preparation received millions of views. Foodies worldwide tried the recipe and posted their attempts on different social media platforms. This trend showed how the authentic culinary experience appealed worldwide and how social media can make traditional dishes popular.  

16. Jeremy Allen White Calvin Klein Campaign

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Jeremy Allen White turned Calvin Klein’s campaign into a viral buzz issue. The star wore provocative shots of himself that ignited debates on body image and celebrity obsession. Again, with the publicity over his portrayals spreading to most social media sites, the impressive popularity of the campaign leaves one to ponder how much influence celebrity advertisements can have in the fashion world and how much of an online market they can penetrate.

17. The ‘AI-Generated Celebrity’ Frenzy

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AI technology swept over social media in 2024, as users created realistic, AI-generated images of celebrities in fictional scenarios. Deepfake-like videos and images proliferated, causing much debate on the issue of authenticity and ethical considerations. The viral popularity of such AI creations was such that celebrities reacted and even called for regulating such technologies.

18. Elon Musk’s Twitter Overhaul

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Elon Musk continued to transform Twitter, which is now branded X. Some new features launched in 2024 included premium subscription services and significant changes in content moderation policies. Many of these changes have sparked controversy about the future of free speech, misinformation, and platform ownership. As Musk’s moves became global, the social media landscape was forever changed.

19. Instagram’s Reels vs. TikTok heats up

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Instagram introduced new Reel features in 2024, which continued to pit the platform against TikTok. Reels tried to steal the show from TikTok by launching similar short-form video formats and better editing tools. This battle played out on social media, where users debated which platform was better for creating viral content.

20. The ‘AI Art’ Backlash

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In 2024, there was a significant backlash against AI-generated art. Artists were vocal about copyright infringement and the ethical implications of AI-generated art. They trended on social media using the hashtag #NoAIArt, asking people to support human-made creations. The online debate about AI art widened the discussion to future creativity and automation.  

Written by: Alyana Aguja

Alyana is a Creative Writing graduate with a lifelong passion for storytelling, sparked by her father’s love of books. She’s been writing seriously for five years, fueled by encouragement from teachers and peers. Alyana finds inspiration in all forms of art, from films by directors like Yorgos Lanthimos and Quentin Tarantino to her favorite TV shows like Mad Men and Modern Family. When she’s not writing, you’ll find her immersed in books, music, or painting, always chasing her next creative spark.

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