Originating from the anime The Brave Fighter of Sun Fighbird , a still of a robot pointing at a butterfly saying, "Is this a pigeon?" was turned into video edits showing people pointing at obviously wrong things (e.g., a cigar, a cat, the moon).
The viral video and audio catalyzed the #FreeBritney movement from what some previously dismissed as a conspiracy theory into a mainstream human rights conversation. The social media discourse expanded far beyond celebrity gossip, shifting into deep critiques of the American legal system, probate courts, and systemic ableism.
Scottish postman Nathan Evans uploaded a video of himself singing a 19th-century whaling ballad, "Soon May the Wellerman Come," on TikTok in late December 2020. However, the explosion happened in January 2021. The Discussion: It became the first major meme of the year. The platform erupted with "shantytok," where users added harmonies, bass lines, and beatboxing. The discussion wasn't just about the song; it was about the yearning . Why did Gen Z and Millennials romanticize the hard, simple life of 19th-century sailors? Social Takeaway: In a world of Zoom fatigue and isolation, the feeling of a communal chant—even digitally—filled a void. It was cozy, collaborative, and a brief escape from COVID news.
Here is a deep dive into 10 viral videos from 2021 that captured the world's attention and spark major social media discussions. 1. The Bernie Sanders Inauguration Mittens top 10 mallu indian mms scandalssrg 2021
The debut single by Olivia Rodrigo blew up almost overnight, turning into a massive social media phenomenon. The song, which tapped into themes of heartbreak and teenage angst, was constantly paired with dramatic TikTok videos and Instagram stories, cementing her status as a breakout star of the year. 5. Bernie Sanders' Mittens Meme
: This viral transition challenge used Erica Banks' song "Buss It". Participants would start in casual, "at-home" attire before dropping down into a "glam" twerking transition, highlighting the creative editing power of the TikTok algorithm.
In the autumn of 2021, a college student named Lauren Zaras posted a seemingly innocent TikTok video documenting a surprise visit to her boyfriend, Robbie, at his university. The video captured Robbie sitting on a couch next to three young women, looking visibly shocked—and, to many viewers, underwhelmed—by his girlfriend's sudden arrival. Within days, the video accumulated tens of millions of views, and Robbie was dubbed "Couch Guy" by the internet. The Social Media Discussion Originating from the anime The Brave Fighter of
For the 25th anniversary of Blue’s Clues , original host Steve Burns posted a viral clip explaining his 2002 departure. The emotional video directly addressed millennial fans, garnering millions of views and triggering a wave of "nostalgia marketing" discussions. 6. The Weeknd’s Super Bowl Maze
In early 2021, Scottish postman Nathan Evans uploaded a TikTok video of himself singing the 19th-century New Zealand whaling song "The Wellerman." Utilizing TikTok’s "Duet" feature, other musicians added harmonies, instrumentation, and basslines, transforming a solo acapella performance into a massive, global orchestral collaboration. The Social Media Discussion
Viral Moments: Top Stories Of 2021 That Everyone Talked About Scottish postman Nathan Evans uploaded a video of
Though originating from Spider-Man 2 (2004), 2021 saw a renaissance of this specific line. This was largely due to the hype around Spider-Man: No Way Home . Users created deepfake video loops of Willem Dafoe’s Norman Osborn saying the line in response to absurd pseudoscience.
Formed in 2017, the WCC has been at the forefront of advocating for better working conditions, safety on sets, and legal action against predators.