Viral moments of 2025: Social media trends that took internet by storm
Entertainment
The year 2025 witnessed countless moments across social media, the internet, and online culture that not only went viral but also captured global attention
LAHORE (Web Desk) - The year 2025 witnessed countless moments across social media, the internet, and online culture that not only went viral but also captured global attention.
Numerous trends pushed entertainment, fashion, food, artificial intelligence, memes, and cultural expressions to new heights, while some also sparked concern and broader social debate.
This report highlights some of the most prominent trends that dominated social media and online communities throughout 2025.
Labubu Doll’s Global Craze
Perhaps the most unexpected trend of 2025 was the worldwide popularity of the Labubu doll.
Emerging as a cultural icon, the doll attracted both celebrities and everyday users, particularly after BLACKPINK’s Lisa shared a photo of a Labubu doll on her Instagram.
Various versions of the doll — including Golden Labubu, Chocolate Labubu, and Labubu bag charms — went viral, turning into a major fashion and style statement.
Global Obsession with Dubai Chocolate
A single video catapulted Dubai’s famous “Can’t Get Knafeh of It” chocolate to worldwide fame, prompting users to recreate it in their own kitchens.
The Dubai chocolate trend became so popular that pistachio shortages were reported in several countries, while multiple variations of the dessert also emerged.
Rising Popularity of Matcha Tea
In 2025, Matcha Tea gained exceptional popularity, rivaling coffee.
How 2025 became a record year for Pakistani YouTubers
Beyond beverages, users experimented with matcha-based desserts such as matcha cheesecake and matcha gelato, helping the matcha market grow to nearly $1 billion.
AI, Videos and Memes: The Internet’s New Face
Artificial intelligence reshaped social media trends in 2025. AI-generated memes, 3D figures like “Nano Banana,” and AI-powered audio and video editing tools sparked several viral movements.
Digital art, voice cloning, and AI-generated music gave users new creative possibilities and transformed online content creation.
Memes and Absurd Culture
The Russian meme “Totr,” combined with humorous SpongeBob videos, gained rapid popularity online.
Meanwhile, the “6–7 meme,” known for its distinctive hand gestures, found its way into social media and even gaming culture. These trends represented a growing “brainrot” culture — content that appears meaningless yet becomes massively viral.
The ‘Six Seven’ Trend: Simplicity Goes Viral
In 2025, the “67” or “Six Seven” trend emerged as an unusual yet powerful social media phenomenon. What started as a simple phrase and numerical expression quickly spread across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and Twitter through memes, short videos, and branded content.
Used humorously, as a reaction, or even to express confusion, “67” gained popularity among younger users. Its simplicity, combined with creative usage and algorithmic amplification, helped it go global.
Several international brands and content creators incorporated “67” into marketing and comedic posts, turning it into a symbol of digital culture rather than just a passing joke.
Bag Charms and Fashion Statements
The fashion world also saw major moments in 2025, including the rise of Labubu bag charms, with celebrities styling the dolls on handbags, purses, and keychains. Trends like “cherry cola hair” gained traction through viral reels, while Hollywood, Bollywood, and other global celebrities influenced international fashion trends.
Pakistan also mirrored these global movements, as social media challenges and online trends offered new avenues for cultural and artistic expression. Platforms such as TikTok and Instagram saw Pakistani users blending local and global ideas, boosting creative and digital content creation among the youth.
Other Notable Trends
Flashback challenges like #GlowUpRewind, AI shuffle dance challenges, and AR filter-based content also gained popularity in 2025, allowing users to revisit and share past memories alongside present moments.
2025: A Year That Redefined the Internet
The year 2025 made it clear that the internet and social media are no longer just platforms for entertainment or expression, but global hubs for cultural, creative, and commercial trends.
Whether it was the quirky Labubu doll, viral food sensations, AI-powered memes, or absurd meme culture, each trend left a lasting impact — setting high expectations for what 2026 may bring.
