Unforgettable Pop Culture Moments That Went Viral in 2024

With over 5.22 billion active social media users globally in 2024, accounting for 63.8% of the world’s population, pop culture moments spread faster and further than ever before.

Platforms like TikTok and Instagram played a pivotal role in amplifying everything from heartwarming stories to chaotic events. From Taylor Swift’s record-breaking Eras Tour to quirky viral trends like “Very Mindful, Very Demure”, 2024 proved to be a year where social media turned everyday moments into global phenomena. 

Here are the 20 pop culture moments that dominated timelines and united audiences around the world!

via GIPHY

Iconic Celebrity and Music Moments

The world of celebrities and music never fails to capture attention, and 2024 was no exception. Some of the year’s most unforgettable pop culture moments came from the entertainment industry, as artists and performers shaped trends and drove conversations across platforms.

1. Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour

Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour wasn’t just a concert—it was a global event. Fans meticulously planned outfits inspired by Swift’s album eras, flooding TikTok with fashion showcases and emotional concert highlights. The tour, which grossed over $1.5 billion globally, solidified Swift’s unparalleled cultural impact, generating millions of posts across platforms.

2. Beyoncé’s Act II: Cowboy Carter

Beyoncé’s surprise release of her country-inspired album Act II: Cowboy Carter sparked a new wave of viral content. Fans embraced Western-inspired looks and created TikTok dances to tracks like “Rodeo Heart.” The genre shift reinforced Beyoncé’s ability to redefine the music landscape.

3. Oasis Reunion Tour

Oasis fans were elated when the iconic Britpop band reunited for a world tour. Nostalgia drove the excitement, with Instagram and TikTok buzzing with clips of their performances. Hashtags like #OasisReunion saw millions of views, reigniting interest in 90s classics like “Wonderwall.”

“This is it, this is happening”
Tickets on sale this Saturday 31st August (🇮🇪8AM IST / 🇬🇧9AM BST)
Dates:
Cardiff Principality Stadium – 4th/5th July
Manchester Heaton Park – 11th/12th/19th/20th July
London Wembley Stadium – 25th/26th July & 2nd/3rd August
Edinburgh Scottish Gas… pic.twitter.com/5hRQ3sJihb

— Oasis (@oasis) August 27, 2024

4. Chappell Roan’s Breakout Year

Chappell Roan’s star rose in 2024, as her indie-pop anthems and bold, inclusive performances captivated audiences worldwide. Her unapologetic embrace of individuality and queer culture inspired fans to share their stories on platforms like TikTok. With hits like “Pink Pony Club” gaining viral traction, Chappell became one of the year’s most celebrated new artists, solidifying her place in pop culture.

5. Charli XCX’s Brat Album and Brat Summer Trend

Charli XCX brought Y2K-inspired aesthetics back into the spotlight with her Brat album. Tracks like “Bad Behavior” inspired TikTok challenges, while the “Brat Summer” trend celebrated bold, nostalgic fashion. Charli’s album became the soundtrack of the season.

6. Sabrina Carpenter’s Espresso Single

Sabrina Carpenter’s infectious single “Espresso” became the summer anthem of 2024. Fans turned the song into a viral TikTok dance challenge, while its upbeat rhythm ensured it dominated Spotify’s Global Top 10 for weeks.

Viral Entertainment Moments

From iconic films to chaotic live events, 2024 delivered entertainment moments that captivated audiences and drove conversations around the world.

7. Paris 2024 Summer Olympics

The Paris Olympics delivered unforgettable athletic feats, with standout performances like sprinter Lena Dupont’s record-breaking gold. Social media buzzed with over 1.5 billion mentions, making the Games a viral sensation thanks to TikToks of emotional medal ceremonies and behind-the-scenes athlete moments.

8. The Release of Wicked: Part One

The long-awaited film adaptation of the Broadway hit Wicked finally premiered in 2024, capturing the hearts of fans and newcomers alike. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the movie stayed true to the musical’s iconic songs while adding cinematic flair. Social media buzzed with clips of show-stopping performances like “Defying Gravity,” as fans praised the film’s visuals and cast chemistry. Wicked: Part One dominated box offices and became one of the most-discussed films of the year, cementing its place as a cultural touchstone.

9. Glicked: The Viral Mashup of Wicked and Gladiator II

The term “Glicked” became a cultural sensation as Wicked and Gladiator II were released on the same weekend. Fans embraced the mashup with hilarious memes, blending Elphaba’s defiance with gladiatorial battles. Both films thrived at the box office, thanks to the viral momentum created by the internet.

10. Cursed Willy Wonka Experience

The Glasgow “Cursed Willy Wonka Experience” went viral for all the wrong reasons. Guests shared chaotic clips of melted chocolate rivers and half-built sets, turning the event into a meme-filled cautionary tale.

Quirky Pop Culture Sensations

Not all viral moments come from Hollywood blockbusters or music legends—sometimes, it’s the quirky, unexpected stories that win hearts and dominate timelines.

11. Moo Deng the Pygmy Hippo

Thailand’s adorable baby pygmy hippo, Moo Deng, melted hearts worldwide. Videos of the hippo playing in water garnered over 500 million views on TikTok, earning Moo Deng the title of 2024’s cutest viral star.

via GIPHY

12. Jennifer Aniston’s Salmon Sperm Facials

Jennifer Aniston shocked fans by revealing her unconventional beauty routine. The absurdity of “salmon sperm facials” sparked debates, memes, and jokes across all major platforms, proving that bizarre beauty trends never fail to intrigue.

via GIPHY

13. Elmo’s Viral Social Media Check-In

Elmo’s simple yet heartwarming question—“How’s everyone doing?”—received millions of replies. The nostalgic moment reminded fans of the character’s enduring charm and showed the power of positivity in a fast-paced digital world.

Elmo is just checking in! How is everybody doing?

— Elmo (@elmo) January 29, 2024

14. Pedro Pascal’s Meme-Worthy Interviews

Pedro Pascal continued to reign as the internet’s favorite “dad.” His heartfelt and humorous interviews spawned viral memes and solidified his place as one of 2024’s most beloved celebrities.

via GIPHY

15. Coconut Memes Trend

In May 2023, Vice President Kamala Harris remarked, “You think you just fell out of a coconut tree?” during a White House ceremony. This clip resurfaced and went viral in early 2024, sparking a wave of memes and discussions across social media platforms. The phrase became a humorous reference point, with users sharing various interpretations and parodies, highlighting how past political statements can re-emerge and influence pop culture narratives.

via GIPHY

Memes and TikTok Trends

Here we check out how TikTok and meme culture continued to dominate in 2024, amplifying pop culture moments through creativity and humor.

16. “Very Demure, Very Mindful” TikTok Audio

In August 2024, TikTok creator Jools Lebron (@joolieannie) unintentionally sparked a viral trend with a humorous video describing her makeup routine. Using the phrases “very demure” and “very mindful”, the video resonated with viewers, quickly amassing over 7 million views.

The catchy phrases became a cultural touchpoint, inspiring TikTok users to create their own videos applying the terms to absurd and relatable scenarios. From mock job interview tips to over-the-top etiquette lessons, the trend showcased TikTok’s knack for turning a simple moment into a widespread phenomenon. The universal humor of the audio made it one of the platform’s most shared trends of 2024, cementing its place as a defining pop culture moment of the year.

@joolieannie #fyp #demure ♬ original sound – Jools Lebron

17. “Looking for a Man in Finance” TikTok Audio

In the spring of 2024, Megan Boni, known as @girl_on_couch on TikTok, posted a satirical spoken-word video expressing a desire for a tall, wealthy man in finance. The catchy and humorous nature of her performance led to a viral trend, with creators adding musical elements and producing remixes. The song sparked widespread discussions about dating preferences and societal expectations, becoming a cultural touchpoint that blended humor with social commentary.

@girl_on_couch

Can someone make this into an actual song plz just for funzies

♬ original sound – Girl On Couch

18. Bennifer Breakup

Jennifer Lopez filed for divorce from Ben Affleck on August 20, 2024, citing their separation date as April 26, 2024. The divorce was finalized on January 6, 2025, marking the end of their two-year marriage. Despite the split, both parties have expressed a commitment to co-parenting and maintaining a positive relationship for the sake of their blended families. The dissolution of their high-profile union garnered significant media attention, with fans sharing memories and reflections on social media, highlighting the couple’s impact on pop culture over the years .

via GIPHY

19. Trad Wives Movement

The “Trad Wives” movement, advocating traditional gender roles, sparked heated debates on TikTok and Instagram in 2024. Supporters praised the lifestyle as empowering personal choice, while critics argued it romanticized outdated norms that undermine feminist progress. The trend highlighted the cultural divide on modern relationships, making it a focal point of online discourse.

@esteecwilliams What it means to be a Tradwife. #fyp #tradwife #homemaking #housewife #traditional #tradwifecontroversy #womenschoice ♬ Instrumental Music – Gerhard Siagian

20. Brat Summer Fashion Trend

Charli XCX’s influence extended beyond music, with the “Brat Summer” trend defining 2024’s summer style. Influencers and fans showcased bold early-2000s-inspired outfits across Instagram and TikTok.

via GIPHY

Pop Culture Moments to Look for in 2025

As 2024 fades into memory, 2025 promises to deliver equally exciting pop culture moments. With highly anticipated releases like Wicked: For Good and Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning on the horizon, film enthusiasts have much to look forward to. On the small screen, the return of Severance and Wednesday is set to dominate discussions.

The music world is buzzing with upcoming tours and festivals, including Primavera Sound’s star-studded lineup, and rumors of new albums from Adele and The Weeknd. Cultural milestones like the 97th Academy Awards and the 20th anniversary of Louis Vuitton x Takashi Murakami collaborations ensure there’s something for everyone.

If 2024 taught us anything, it’s that pop culture is as unpredictable as it is unifying. Here’s to the trends, moments, and memories 2025 will bring. Cheers to another unforgettable year ahead!