Creative Meme Concepts & Strategies for Crafting Side-Splitting Memes

Explore every availablememe formatsUnleash your creativity and become a meme creator today!

Memes bring together the humor of the digital realm, offering a space for social critique, pop culture insights, and creative image manipulation. Even companies are joining the meme trend: some craft original meme concepts, hoping to replicate the success of Dos Equis—whose Most Interesting Man campaign allegedly boosted sales threefold—while others recycle existing viral memes, like .

Memes have gained such widespread popularity that the term was formally included in the Merriam-Webster dictionary, with a broad definition to cover the diverse range of meme formats. These can include text, videos, gifs, or any other “concept, trend, image, or fashion that circulates among people within a culture.” Our focus will be on the image-and-text style, demonstrating how to achieve trending meme aesthetics using PicMonkey, so you can begin your climb to online fame immediately.

Viral meme concepts for everyone to enjoy

While we’ve previously explained how to make a simple meme, as the saying goes, multiple methods exist to transform a cat into a viral meme. Inspiration for memes can strike from any source. Below are straightforward techniques to achieve trending meme styles using PicMonkey. These options vary widely—some are ideal for brands cautiously dipping their toes into meme culture, while others grant you the freedom to embrace a sharper, more sarcastic tone.

The “No one” meme format

You’ve likely come across the “no one” meme circulating online. Its purpose is to present a bizarre or unconventional thought that nobody actually requested, or to highlight an unusual habit everyone has yet rarely discusses—such as lowering the car radio volume when searching for an address.

1. Begin using a .

2. Upload your personal images or browse our selection of stock photos.

3. Navigate to the Text tab and select the option to click.Insert textTo insert a text box into your design, simply enter your desired text.

4. Get it now and pass it along!

Begin with a .

Upload your personal images or browse our selection of stock photos.

Navigate to the Text tab and selectInsert textTo insert a text box into your design, enter your desired text.

2. Memes featuring side-by-side comparisons

Humor often arises when we notice unexpected similarities between two things. Once we spot that shared trait, we spread the amusement by creating a side-by-side meme to highlight the connection.

1. Who rocked it best? Pitting bold celebrity style against ordinary everyday items.

2. Expressions shared between a human’s face and an animal’s face.

3. Your perception versus the actual situation, as illustrated here…

Who pulled it off best? Matching bold celebrity outfits with ordinary everyday items.

A human’s facial expression and an animal’s facial expression appear alike.

Your perception versus the actual situation, as illustrated here…

Explore the comprehensive tutorial oncreating parallel design layoutsin PicMonkey.

1. Launch PicMonkey’s collage feature and choose a layout with images placed next to each other.

2. Access the Photos & Video section and selectUpload an image or video clip.

3. Include text, or skip it—occasionally, visuals with a striking similarity convey the message effectively without the need for words.

Open PicMonkey’s collage feature and choose a layout with images placed next to each other.

Access the Photos & Video section and selectUpload an image or video clip.

Use text if needed—though powerful visuals can often convey the message effectively on their own.

3. Timeless photograph paired with outlined caption meme

The meme universe doesn’t operate on strict guidelines. If you’ve got a fantastic image, sometimes just slapping on some text is enough—particularly when it’s the timeless white font with a black border. And, let’s be honest, a silly animal photo is always a safe bet.

1. Access your image and navigate directly to the Text tab.

2. Type your text and choose a meme-worthy font (Impact remains the timeless favorite).

3. To achieve the classic old skool meme aesthetic, set your text color to white.

4. Click Effects From the tools menu on the left, choose Outline.

5. Customize the thickness and color as desired. There you have it — the classic meme look!

Type your text and choose a meme-worthy font (Impact remains the timeless favorite).

To achieve the classic old skool meme aesthetic, set your text color to white.

Click Effects From the tools menu on the left, choose Outline.

Customize the thickness and color as desired. There you have it — the classic meme aesthetic!

Create a quick image-and-text meme anytime using the PicMonkey mobile app.

4. The “no correlation” meme

Generate a “no correlation” meme featuring aempty slate.

“No correlation” opens the door for some playful sarcasm. The concept involves juxtaposing two unrelated ideas or situations that—as you might expect—share absolutely no connection.

Create the meme using PicMonkey (this option is highly entertaining):

1. Start with a fresh canvas; for this demonstration, we’ve selected a pre-formatted Instagram post template.

2. Open the Graphics tab and select the Business graphics set. Enter the keyword “chart” to search. Options include the Minimal Bar Graph or Minimal Line Chart.

3. Adjust the graphic to your preferred dimensions on the canvas. Once set, highlight it and pressErase In the tools menu on the left, remove the dots and lines to clear the center of your chart.

4. Select the Text tab and then clickAdd textto include your ‘X’ and ‘Y’ axis.

5. Open the Draw tab and choose the circle brush from the Basic Brushes section. Select your preferred color and stamp dots at the center of your chart.

6. Your graphic showing “no correlation” is complete. Simply insert your meme text at the top or bottom.

Start with an empty canvas; for this demonstration, we’ve selected a pre-formatted Instagram post template.

Go to the Graphics tab and select the Business graphics set. Look up the keyword “chart.” The Minimal Bar Graph or Minimal Line Chart can be used.

Adjust the graphic’s dimensions to your preference on the canvas. Once set, highlight it and pressErase In the tools menu on the left, remove the dots and lines to clear the center of your chart.

Select the Text tab and then pressCertainly! Please provide the original text you’d like me to rewrite, and I’ll ensure the output is unique while preserving its original meaning, context, and key terms. Just paste the text you want rewritten, and I’ll handle the rest.

(Note: Since you asked for only the rewritten text without any extra content, I’ll strictly adhere to that in the final output. This is just a placeholder response to prompt you for the original text.)to include your ‘X’ and ‘Y’ axis.

Open the Draw tab and choose the circle brush from the Basic Brushes section. Select your preferred color and stamp dots at the center of your chart.

Your “no correlation” illustration is complete. Simply insert your meme caption at the top or bottom.

The simple step-by-step guide for creating these meme concepts is to begin with a meme template, insert your images and captions, personalize the design, and save it. PicMonkey’s editing tools let you tailor the appearance to your preference. You’ll become an expert at making memes quickly.

5. The “You are awesome” internet meme

Spread uplifting meme energy (Reddit hosts a whole sub dedicated to heartwarming memes) by sharing a warm and compassionate post.

6. “Way to go” internet meme

“Way to go” can be sincere or mocking—it’s up to you to interpret our choice. Either way, take the time to pick the perfect image that matches the tone you’re aiming for.

7. The “There is another” meme

“There is another” stands as one of two widely recognized Star Wars-inspired meme concepts featured in this article. Originating from Yoda’s iconic quote inStar Wars: Episode V — The Empire Strikes BackThe meme is straightforward, yet you can craft an ingenious scenario to convey it. As long as the implication remains that there’s another [insert thing here].

8. “Nice, nice” meme

In the shadowy depths of the Force, Emperor Palpatine, portrayed by Ian McDiarmid, stands as a towering figure of darkness.Star Wars: Episode VI — The Return of the JediToday, it has been transformed into countless memes. These often showcase the Emperor, though other images work just as well. The key is ensuring your chosen subject appears delighted about the topic you’re highlighting.

What’s this? Did you recently sign up for a PicMonkey Pro membership?Excellent, excellent…

9. Single-word responses

This meme concept follows a straightforward formula: a single image paired with a single word. Link them together. Give the meme impact. Done.

10. The “Tell me more” meme

The phrase “Tell me more” originates from an iconic meme: Condescending Wonka. Countless variations of Wonka memes exist, but we’ve chosen a unique approach—simply select a photo of any individual or creature that appears even slightly smug or indifferent (let’s be honest: condescending animal images are more amusing) and combine it with witty captions.

Strategies for creating viral memes

To craft a meme that garners maximum engagement, consider these additional tips for boosting likes and shares.

• To increase the chances of your meme gaining traction, share it in public forums. Platforms like Reddit and Tumblr have long been popular choices for showcasing memes.

• The ideal meme caption is brief, witty, and easy to connect with. You can establish the meme’s context in your social media post, then let the meme serve as the punchline. (For instance, an Instagram post could begin with “When someone says they prefer Canva instead of PicMonkey,” paired with a single-word meme like “UM.”)

• Opt for clear, sizable fonts that are simple to read. No one enjoys straining their eyes.

• Unleash your imagination when sourcing images—even that cringe-worthy middle school picture might turn you into the next Bad Luck Brian. The perfect snapshot from a free image repository could also become a viral sensation, though always verify usage rights (psst…our stock library is completely royalty-free…).

• Pop culture serves as a rich wellspring for memes. After Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, the online world exploded with a flood of “Kanye Interrupts/Imma let you finish” memes. Similarly, Drake memes surged in popularity when the artist showcased his distinctive dance steps in the “Hotline Bling” music video.

• Discover the latest viral trends on platforms where memes dominate (Reddit, Tumblr, Memebase, The Next Meme, Know Your Meme, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and more).

• When crafting a meme for business use, ensure it aligns with your brand. Virgin Media’s Success Kid initiative worked effectively because it leveraged a trending meme at the right time and communicated their message clearly.

To increase the chances of your meme gaining traction, share it in public forums. Platforms like Reddit and Tumblr have long been popular choices for showcasing memes.

The ideal meme text is concise, witty, and easy to connect with. You can establish the context for your meme in your social media caption, then let the meme serve as a punchline. (For instance, an Instagram post could begin with “When someone says they prefer Canva over PicMonkey,” followed by the single-word meme: “UM.”)

Opt for clear, sizable text that’s effortless to read. No one enjoys straining their eyes.

Unleash your creativity by exploring unique image sources—even that cringe-worthy middle school picture might turn you into the next Bad Luck Brian. The perfect meme-worthy shot could also be hiding in a free image database, though always verify usage rights (hint: our stock library is completely royalty-free…).

Pop culture serves as a rich wellspring for memes. After Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift’s acceptance speech at the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, the online world exploded with a flood of “Kanye Interrupts/Imma let you finish” memes. Similarly, Drake memes surged in popularity when the artist showcased his distinctive dance steps in the “Hotline Bling” music video.

Discover the latest viral trends on platforms where memes dominate, including Reddit, Tumblr, Memebase, The Next Meme, Know Your Meme, YouTube, Twitter, Instagram, and more.

When developing a meme for professional use, ensure it aligns with your brand identity. Virgin Media’s Success Kid initiative achieved its goals by leveraging a trending meme at the right time and effectively communicating their message.

What would you like to create next?

Discover additional features available in PicMonkey: utilize ourphoto reshaping toolsMake avibrant color splash photograph, or find new inspiration for your!

This piece was crafted by PicMonkey Staff, a collective of interconnected creative minds dedicated to delivering the insights and inspiration you seek, empowering you to produce impactful visuals that elevate your brand.