Everyone has been a part of circulating popular Internet memes at one point or another. Whether it’s an RT on Twitter or a shared post on Facebook, popular Internet memes spread around social media like wild fire. What exactly is a meme though?
This infographic defines a meme as a cultural idea spread virtually among people on the net. Internet memes are often funny commentary on popular culture figures and issues. A perfect example of this happened when Mitt Romney made his now-famous comment about having "binders full of women." Once Romney dropped that gem in a Presidential debate, people all over the Internet went nuts creating memes about it. Then, Tumblr and Twitter accounts dedicated to the phrase popped up, which provided a space on the net specifically created to perpetuate memes about the statement.
Meme Mortality Rate Infographics
This Infographic Breaks Down Popular Internet Memes
Trend Themes
1. Viral Memes - Opportunity for businesses to create and circulate their own viral memes to increase brand recognition.
2. Meme Marketing - Opportunity for businesses to leverage popular memes in their marketing campaigns, tapping into the viral nature of memes to reach a wider audience.
3. Meme Merchandise - Opportunity for businesses to capitalize on the popularity of memes by creating and selling meme-related merchandise, such as t-shirts, stickers, and mugs.
Industry Implications
1. Social Media Marketing - Disruptive innovation opportunity for social media marketing agencies to incorporate meme marketing strategies into their clients' campaigns.
2. E-commerce - Disruptive innovation opportunity for e-commerce platforms to create dedicated sections for meme merchandise, providing a marketplace for meme-related products.
3. Digital Advertising - Disruptive innovation opportunity for digital advertising platforms to offer specialized targeting options for businesses looking to advertise their viral memes to specific audiences.