In 1976, biologist Richard Dawkins defined the term "mimeme" (or "meme") for short as a unit of cultural transmission. This term is interpreted as a concept, idea, behavior, style, or use that spreads from one individual to another in a culture. On the internet, memes usually come in the form of images or videos with interesting captions that spread on social media. Internet memes come in many different styles. This wikiHow teaches you how to create a basic internet meme.
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Method 1 of 2: Understanding Memes
Step 1. Consider the different types of memes available
There are many different categories of memes. Each internet subculture has its own meme style. Here are some fairly common types or styles of memes:
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Traditional/Classic:
Memes like this are the ones you see often and spread on social media. This content includes easily recognizable images (eg movie scenes, celebrities, cats, or viral photos). Oftentimes, memes also feature comments about current trends or recent events.
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And K:
Dank memes feature absurd or out of context humor. Usually, these memes are a parody of traditional/classic memes that present or display the meme in an absurd way. Dank memes usually target memes that are getting out of date.
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Edgy:
Memes like this present dark comedy (dark humor) aimed at shocking others and “challenging” social norms.
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Wholesome or "Useful":
“Useful” memes are usually less ticklish and contain a positive or uplifting message.
Step 2. Get to know the definition of a meme
The term “memes” usually refers to internet memes. Internet memes are images or videos with a "typical" style and descriptions that are spread across various websites and social media. There are many types of memes that you can come across, but in general, memes often use repetitive images, styles, or content. Memes can also refer to slang words, internet abbreviations (e.g. “OTW”, “BTW”, “T2DJ”, and the like), emoticons, or keyboard expressions.
Step 3. Understand the humor of the meme
Oftentimes, memes are a form of ridicule for people's reactions to popular trends or current events. This humor is based on sarcasm. Sometimes, the humor of memes is absurd and totally nonsensical. The amusement or quirkiness stems from the way the meme shows the silliness of the situation (or from the silliness of the meme itself).
- One example of meme humor is the current “Bu Tejo” meme that emerged after the character Bu Tejo in the film Tilik (released in 2018, but available on YouTube for free in 2020) went viral. The “Bu Tejo” meme features sarcasm to make fun of people who can't come up with a “solution” idea (or people who deserve the title of “disguised”).
- An example of absurd meme humor is the use of a bass drop effect or distorted sound to emphasize certain moments in a video.
Step 4. Find out which memes are trending
Over time, there have been many styles or formats of memes that are popular and fading away. Don't make memes that feel "stale". Search memes of the year to find out what concepts, formats, or styles are in vogue. Also, keep an eye on the memes other people post on the sites you usually visit. You can browse memes from Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Reddit, or 4Chan. Also, try to avoid "dead" memes. A meme is said to be “dead” when people no longer use it as a base image (or the meme is “forgotten”). Try searching for recent memes from subreddits like “r/memes” and “r/dankmemes” on Reddit. Keep in mind that some types of memes sometimes become famous. For that, you can try making memes of that type. For example, the “caste of life” meme (taken from the story Solo Leveling) was trending for several weeks.
- For example, you can type the search keyword June 2020 meme into Google to get various memes about the slump in 2020 due to the pandemic. In some memes, this slump is shown to be getting worse until it ends in a major disaster or apocalypse.
- knowyourmeme.com is a useful resource that features a catalog of meme topics, as well as providing detailed explanations of the origins of a meme and examples of its popularity.
Step 5. Use another meme or viral image/video as a reference in your meme
When creating memes, references to popular events, books, movies, video games, and other content increase the comedic value of your memes.
For example, popular scenes from movies are often used to show reactions to an event. Popular images include Willy Wonka's character with his haughty smile, Fry's squinting character, and the Joker dancing on the stairs
Step 6. Merge the two conflicting attributes
Pair a “neutral” image with explicit text (or vice versa) to build a strange and absurd contrast to the meme. This type of absurdity is often the hallmark of viral memes.
For example, you could combine a picture of a kitten with a joke that contains profanity to build an absurd tone
Method 2 of 2: Creating a Meme
Step 1. Find an image to use as a base image
Most memes are based on images. Make sure you choose an image or video that reflects the message you want to convey. You could use an actor's reaction scene in a movie, a screenshot of a silly social media post, or an image of a public figure. You can also use two or more images displayed side by side.
- You can use Google Images to find and download the image you want or think about.
- You can also use the screen capture feature on your computer, mobile device, or tablet to take screenshots from videos, games, or social media.
Step 2. Open the image in an image editing program
You don't need to use complicated programs to create memes. A program that allows you to add text to photos will suffice. Both Windows and Mac computers, as well as iPhones, iPads, and Android phones and tablets have built-in photo editing programs that you can take advantage of. You can download a more advanced program like Photoshop if you want. For mobile devices, you can use an app like Memeatic.
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Windows:
Windows comes with MS Paint as a default program. You can use it to add text and doodles to photos. Open MS Paint, click menu " File, and select " Open ” to open the image in MS Paint.
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Macs:
Open the image in the standard "Preview" application. After that, click on the marker tip icon to open the editing or tagging tools.
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iPhones and iPads:
Open the image from the “Camera Roll” or Photos folder. Touch " Edit ” in the upper right corner of the screen. After that, select the three-dot icon (“…”) in the upper-right corner of the screen. Touch " Markup ” to display editing/tagging tools.
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Android phones and tablets:
Open the image in the Gallery app. Touch the pencil icon at the bottom of the screen to display the marking or editing tools.
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Advanced photo editing:
If you want to do more advanced photo editing, use Adobe Photoshop or GIMP, which are free alternatives to Photoshop. You can also use Photoshop Express which is available for free for iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets. Autodesk SketchBook is also a powerful advanced photo editing program for iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets.
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Meme generator app:
In addition to photo editing programs, there are many apps specifically designed for creating memes. Imgur Meme Generator is a reputable web-based application that you can use via a web browser. ImgFlip Meme Generator is another app that you can access from your browser. Meanwhile, Meme Generator is a free app available for iPhone, iPad, and Android phones and tablets.
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Video editing:
If you want to use videos instead of static images, you'll need a video editing program. You don't need to use an expensive video editing program like Adobe Premiere Pro or Final Cut, and you can take advantage of a free video editing program like Windows Movie Maker, InShot, or Wondershare Filmora. The concept is still the same. However, you will use a short video clip instead of a still image.
Step 3. Add text to the image
In most video editing applications, the text tool is indicated by the letter “T” or “A” icon. Click or tap the text tool icon and touch the area you want to add text to. In general, you need to center the text at the top and/or bottom of the image. Use short and simple text.
- On iPhone and iPad, tap the plus sign (“+”) icon at the bottom of the screen and select “ Text ” to access the text tool. Touch the text field and select “ Edit ” to edit the text in the column.
- On iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, touch and drag a text field to move it to where you want it.
Step 4. Select the text font
Use the font options drop-down menu to select a text font. The most used font in memes is Impact. This font is bold and easy to read. If it's not available in the app you're using, use another bold sans-serif font like Arial or Helvetica.
Step 5. Choose a text color
Click or tap one of the color options to choose a font color. Make sure the font is legible and clearly visible from the background image. In general, it's a good idea to choose black or white text. If available, select white text with a black outline.
Step 6. Select the font size
Make the text quite large and bold, and place it in the center of the top and/or bottom of the image, unless you are using text to label parts of the image. Use the font size drop-down menu to select a text size. On iPhone, iPad, and Android devices, simply touch the text field with your thumb and forefinger, then spread your fingers apart to change the text size.
Step 7. Save the meme
When finished editing the photo, touch the “ Save " or " Done ” on your smartphone or tablet to save the image. If you are using a computer, click the " File ", followed " Save as " Type in a name for the image file and click “ Save ”.
Step 8. Share the created meme
When you're done creating memes, share your content to go viral. Create a new social media post or web forum. Click or touch an option to attach an image or video. Upload pictures and watch people's reactions.
