Finding funny memes on the internet can be hit or miss. With so many memes being created and shared every day, it can be overwhelming trying to sort through it all to find ones that will actually make you laugh. Here are some tips to help you locate and identify truly hilarious memes.
Know the different types of memes
There are a few main categories of memes that tend to be the most popular and widely shared:
- Image macros – These are images with overlaid text that convey a funny message or joke. The text is often in large, block letters at the top and bottom of the image.
- Comic memes – These use comic scenes or characters to express a humorous situation or idea.
- Video memes – These can be funny clips from TV shows, movies, YouTube videos, Vines, etc. that go viral because of their comedic value.
- GIFs – Brief, looping video clips that depict a funny moment or reaction.
Being aware of these different categories can help guide you where to look when searching for memes. For example, meme aggregation websites will have lots of image macros and comic memes, while you may find more video memes and GIFs on social media.
Follow meme accounts and hashtags
A good way to regularly see the latest funny memes is to follow social media accounts dedicated to sharing them. Here are some popular meme accounts you can follow:
| Platform | Accounts to Follow |
|---|---|
| The Archbishop of Banterbury, George Takei, I Was Just Thinking That | |
| FuckJerry, Daquan, The Fat Jewish | |
| Seinfeld Today, Modern Seinfeld, My Mom’s Emails | |
| r/dankmemes, r/memes, r/wholesomememes |
You can also search hashtags like #memes, #dankmemes, and #funny on platforms like Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and TikTok to find latest memes people are sharing.
Browse meme aggregation sites
Websites and apps like Know Your Meme, MemeCenter, and Cheezburger consolidate and categorize memes from around the web into centralized hubs that are easy to search and browse. These sites often let users submit and vote on memes too, so the very funniest ones tend to rise to the top.
Look at meme trends
Oftentimes, memes will emerge around a particular trending topic in pop culture, current events, or a specific image/video that spawns imitation and parody. Staying aware of the latest meme trends can clue you into memes that are likely to be hilarious because they’re resonating with so many people. Here are some ways to keep up with the latest meme trends:
- Check “trending” sections on social media and meme sites
- Google current meme trends
- See what memes people you know are sharing
- Visit sites like KnowYourMeme and MemeWiki that document meme trends
Go down meme “rabbit holes”
Once you find a meme you think is funny, look for related memes and meme formats around it. Oftentimes one hilarious meme can spawn an entire series of similar memes. For example, if you see a meme using a funny reaction GIF, search for more memes with that same GIF format. Going down these meme “rabbit holes” can lead you to lots more quality, funny content.
Understand meme culture and humor
Part of appreciating memes is understanding the culture and style of comedy behind them. Memes often subvert expectations, rely on irony and sarcasm, mock popular culture or modern society, or present absurdist humor. The more immersed you are in meme culture, the more likely you are to “get” the humor behind them.
Some ways to improve your meme culture knowledge:
- Browse meme sites, communities, and forums
- Follow influencers knowledgeable about meme culture like comedians, YouTubers, meme curators, etc.
- Recognize commonly used meme formats, archetypes, and tropes
- Understand intertextuality and how memes build off each other
Consider your sense of humor
Ultimately, whether you find a meme funny or not comes down to your own comedic sensibilities. The internet has memes catering to every sense of humor. Assess the types of jokes, satire, and internet culture that you respond to and use that to guide your meme searches. Seek out memes aligned to your comedic tastes.
Some examples of meme genres to consider:
- Absurdist memes
- Sarcastic/deadpan humor memes
- Cute/wholesome memes
- Nostalgic pop culture memes
- Edgy/controversial memes
- Surreal/bizarre humor memes
Focusing on memes that appeal to your own comedic preferences will ensure you actually find them funny.
Evaluate meme quality
Not all memes are created equal in terms of comedic quality. Here are signs that a meme is likely to be funnier than low-effort ones:
- Clever mashup of image and text
- Timely commentary on a trending topic/event
- Good use of irony/sarcasm
- Creative edits/alterations to image or GIF
- Appeals to multiple levels of humor simultaneously
Higher quality memes that show originality, wit, social commentary, and insights into the human condition tend to be the most hilarious and impactful.
Pay attention to context
Sometimes the humor of a meme lies in understanding the surrounding context. Running jokes within meme subcultures, trending stories memes are satirizing, or origin stories of meme images can all provide context that enriches a meme’s comedic value. Don’t just look at a meme in isolation – learn about the context from which it emerged to fully appreciate the humor.
Share and discuss memes
Talking about memes with others who appreciate them is a great way to discover new funny ones and also appreciate humor you may have missed or not understood initially. The social experience of meme culture enhances memes’ comedic potential. Memes are at their funniest when laughed about and analyzed collectively.
Make your own memes
Trying making some DIY memes about topics you find humorous. You’ll get better at identifying high-quality humor through the process of creating your own. Study memes you find funny to inspire your own comedic ideas. Produce some draft memes, get feedback from friends, and refine your meme-making skills over time.
Keep exploring meme content
Funny memes are constantly emerging, evolving, and circulating around the internet. Make searching for hilarious new meme content an ongoing habit. The more exposure you have to the massive world of memes, the more comedy gold you’re likely to uncover. Let great memes you discover lead you to more great memes in an ever-expanding quest for the ultimate meme laughs!
Conclusion
Finding truly funny memes may seem challenging, but gets easier with the right strategies. Follow meme accounts and hashtags aligned to your sense of humor, keep up with the latest meme trends and formats, and continually explore meme culture. Evaluate meme quality, understand contextual references, and engage with meme communities to heighten your appreciation. With the massive ocean of memes online, hilarious content is out there – now go find it!