The year 2025 was defined by a plethora of viral moments that captivated global audiences, as detailed in a recent year-end compilation. From unexpected celebrity reactions to social media-driven trends, these incidents not only entertained but also sparked widespread discussion and commercial impacts.
Beyoncé’s shocked expression upon winning the country album Grammy in February became an instant meme, symbolizing her breakthrough in a genre that had previously shown resistance. Her album ‘Cowboy Carter’ also secured album of the year, marking a significant milestone in her career and providing the internet with a lasting image of surprise and triumph.
In July, Sydney Sweeney’s American Eagle advert with the tagline ‘Sydney Sweeney has great jeans’ ignited controversy, with some interpreting it as problematic rhetoric. Despite the backlash, the campaign led to a surge in sales for the brand, although Sweeney’s subsequent film did not benefit similarly. The actress later clarified her stance, emphasizing her appreciation for the jeans and distancing herself from the contentious interpretations.
Music saw several viral events, including Lily Allen’s album ‘West End Girl,’ which detailed her divorce from David Harbour and featured candid lyrics about open relationships. Meanwhile, Oasis’s reunion went smoothly, but Katy Perry and Beyoncé faced on-stage mishaps during their tours, adding to the year’s entertainment spectacle.
Television contributed significantly, with Netflix’s ‘Adolescence,’ a one-take series about a school stabbing, becoming a major hit and earning its young star, Owen Cooper, an Emmy. Streaming services also shined with shows like Amazon’s ‘Last One Laughing’ and HBO’s ‘The White Lotus,’ though Kim Kardashian’s ‘All’s Fair’ received harsh criticism yet was renewed due to clever marketing.
Consumer trends went viral, such as the Labubu plush toys from Hong Kong, which saw celebrities like Rihanna endorsing them and causing global queues. Similarly, Dubai chocolate with pistachio filling gained popularity on TikTok, driving up pistachio demand and inspiring expensive imitators.
The Jet2 holiday advert parody trend on TikTok revived Jess Glynne’s 2015 song ‘Hold My Hand,’ making it the platform’s song of the year. In the UK, David Tennant’s energetic opening at the Baftas, involving audience participation, provided memorable moments, while Alan Carr’s win on ‘The Celebrity Traitors’ sparked a career resurgence.
Awards shows had their share of virality, with Adrien Brody’s record-long Oscars acceptance speech in February becoming a topic of humor, referenced by host Conan O’Brien. In April, Katy Perry and Gayle King’s brief space flight with Blue Origin drew mixed reactions for its timing during economic struggles, contrasting with Mariah Carey’s dismissive comment on space travel in a BBC interview, which became a viral motto for 2026.
As 2025 closes, these viral moments reflect a year where pop culture and social media intertwined more than ever, influencing entertainment, commerce, and public discourse. Looking ahead, the legacy of these events will likely shape trends and conversations well into 2026.
