{"id":312,"date":"2026-05-17T19:16:49","date_gmt":"2026-05-17T19:16:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/?p=312"},"modified":"2026-05-22T11:10:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-22T11:10:51","slug":"create-viral-marketing-memes","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/create-viral-marketing-memes\/","title":{"rendered":"What Is This Meme? The 2026 Guide to Creating Memes for Marketing That Actually Work"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<div class=\"wp-block-group neon-post\"><div class=\"wp-block-group__inner-container is-layout-constrained wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">1. INTRODUCTION<\/h3>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4530b466-6633-4a5f-b55d-a8aa6010e848-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Image showing why memes matter in online marketing\" class=\"wp-image-329 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;width:750px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4530b466-6633-4a5f-b55d-a8aa6010e848-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4530b466-6633-4a5f-b55d-a8aa6010e848-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4530b466-6633-4a5f-b55d-a8aa6010e848-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4530b466-6633-4a5f-b55d-a8aa6010e848.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>In 2024, a single meme posted by a fast\u2011food chain generated over 2 million engagements across social media platforms.<\/strong>&nbsp;Not a polished ad, not a celebrity endorsement \u2013 just a simple image with a few words. If you\u2019ve ever looked at a viral post and muttered&nbsp;<em>\u201cwhat is this meme\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;while simultaneously chuckling, you\u2019ve witnessed the raw power of modern internet culture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Today, businesses aren\u2019t just watching memes; they\u2019re creating them. A well\u2011crafted meme can cut through the noise, humanise your brand, and spark conversations that paid ads can\u2019t buy. In this guide, you\u2019ll learn:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>What makes a meme recognisable and why the phrase \u201cwhat is this meme\u201d is the gateway to its viral nature.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>How to&nbsp;<strong>create your own memes from scratch<\/strong>&nbsp;using free and AI\u2011powered tools.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A step\u2011by\u2011step meme marketing strategy that fits your brand without feeling forced.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Legal pitfalls to avoid and metrics to prove your meme campaign\u2019s value.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">By the end, you\u2019ll stop asking&nbsp;<em>\u201cwhat is this meme\u201d<\/em>&nbsp;and start answering with your own viral creations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">2. WHAT DOES \u201cWHAT IS THIS MEME\u201d MEAN? (THE MEME PHENOMENON EXPLAINED)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The phrase&nbsp;<strong>\u201c<a href=\"https:\/\/knowyourmeme.com\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/knowyourmeme.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">what is this meme<\/a>\u201d<\/strong>&nbsp;is both a genuine question and a cultural inside joke. When someone stumbles across an unfamiliar image macro, GIF, or video format, they instinctively search \u201cwhat is this meme\u201d to learn its origin, meaning, and why it\u2019s funny. This very search behaviour is why memes spread so quickly \u2013 curiosity fuels shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A&nbsp;<strong>meme<\/strong>&nbsp;is a unit of cultural information that spreads through imitation and variation. In the digital age, it\u2019s usually a piece of media \u2013 a picture with bold text, a short video clip, or an animated GIF \u2013 that conveys an emotion, opinion, or joke within a shared reference frame. Memes evolve; the \u201cDistracted Boyfriend\u201d template, for example, has been adapted thousands of times to represent everything from career choices to software preferences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For marketers, the value of understanding \u201cwhat is this meme\u201d is twofold:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Trendspotting<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 knowing a meme\u2019s original context lets you use it before it becomes stale.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Relevance<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 audiences reward brands that get the joke.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">3. WHY MEME MARKETING WORKS IN 2026 (AND HOW TO USE IT)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The average person sees&nbsp;<strong>6,000 to 10,000 ads every day<\/strong>. Memes break through because they don\u2019t feel like advertising. They entertain, resonate emotionally, and invite participation. Here\u2019s why they\u2019re especially potent in 2026:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Shareability<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 A funny or relatable meme gets reposted, expanding your <a href=\"https:\/\/sproutsocial.com\/insights\/social-media-statistics\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/sproutsocial.com\/insights\/social-media-statistics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">organic reach<\/a> without spending a dollar on boosted posts.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Brand personality<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Memes show your business isn\u2019t a faceless corporation; you\u2019re in on the joke with your audience.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Algorithm love<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 Platforms like Twitter\/X, Instagram, and even LinkedIn now prioritise \u201cconversation\u2011starting\u201d content. Memes drive comments and reactions, boosting your visibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cost\u2011effectiveness<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 You can create a meme in under five minutes with free tools (we\u2019ll cover them shortly).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>How to use memes without looking cringe:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Stay authentic. If your brand voice is serious, don\u2019t force slapstick humour \u2013 a witty, industry\u2011relevant meme works better.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>React to real\u2011time events, but be sensitive.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Always credit the template creator when possible.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">4. THE ULTIMATE MEME CREATION TOOLKIT: FREE &amp; PAID TOOLS COMPARED<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-table\"><table class=\"has-fixed-layout\"><thead><tr><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Tool<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Free?<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Best For<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">Key Features<\/th><th class=\"has-text-align-left\" data-align=\"left\">AI\u2011Powered?<\/th><\/tr><\/thead><tbody><tr><td><strong>Canva<\/strong><\/td><td>Yes (pro for premium elements)<\/td><td>Beginners &amp; marketers<\/td><td>Drag\u2011and\u2011drop editor, meme templates, brand kit<\/td><td>Some AI text generation<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Adobe Express<\/strong><\/td><td>Yes (basic)<\/td><td>Quick, professional designs<\/td><td>Pre\u2011sized meme templates, animation, Adobe Fonts<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>SmallSEOTools Meme Generator<\/strong><\/td><td>Yes<\/td><td>Instant, no\u2011login memes<\/td><td>Classic meme templates, custom image upload, text formatting<\/td><td>No<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>SuperMeme AI<\/strong><\/td><td>Freemium<\/td><td>AI\u2011generated creative concepts<\/td><td>Text\u2011to\u2011meme, 100+ languages, meme calendars<\/td><td>Yes<\/td><\/tr><tr><td><strong>Kapwing<\/strong><\/td><td>Freemium<\/td><td>Video\/GIF memes<\/td><td>Timeline editor, subtitle tools, collaborative editing<\/td><td>Some AI features<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Our recommendation:<\/strong>&nbsp;Start with Canva or Adobe Express for polished static memes, SuperMeme AI for when you need 20 variations of the same joke, and SmallSEOTools for a lightning\u2011fast anonymous option.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fc68e00d-b683-4928-91e2-ed5fbc75a8da-1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"comparision of Free and paid meme creation tools for marketing\" class=\"wp-image-325 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;width:822px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fc68e00d-b683-4928-91e2-ed5fbc75a8da-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fc68e00d-b683-4928-91e2-ed5fbc75a8da-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fc68e00d-b683-4928-91e2-ed5fbc75a8da-1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fc68e00d-b683-4928-91e2-ed5fbc75a8da-1.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">5. HOW TO CREATE A MEME IN 6 STEPS (FROM BLANK TEMPLATE TO VIRAL POST)<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><em>(This section maps to the HowTo schema.)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 1 \u2013 Define your target audience and meme voice.<\/strong><br>Who are you talking to? Gen\u2011Z loves surreal, self\u2011deprecating humour; professionals on LinkedIn respond to work\u2011life irony. Write down three adjectives that describe your brand\u2019s tone (e.g., witty, helpful, rebellious). Every meme you create should align with at least two of them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 2 \u2013 Find or capture a reusable meme template.<\/strong><br>Visit a template library (Canva, SmallSEOTools, SuperMeme) and browse popular formats. Alternatively, screenshot a funny moment from a video, or use an AI image generator to create a custom visual. Make sure the template\u2019s emotion matches your message \u2013 a \u201cThis Is Fine\u201d dog won\u2019t sell a motivational product.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 3 \u2013 Add text and branding.<\/strong><br>Keep text concise \u2013 the top line sets up the scenario, the bottom line delivers the punchline or call\u2011to\u2011action. Use&nbsp;<strong>Impact font<\/strong>&nbsp;for classic memes, or a clean sans\u2011serif for a modern look. Subtly add your logo or brand colours in a corner, but never overshadow the joke.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 4 \u2013 Use a meme generator or design tool to polish.<\/strong><br>Upload your image to your chosen tool, place text boxes, adjust alignment, and experiment with white outlines (stroke) for readability. Most generators have a \u201cPreview\u201d option so you can see the final result before downloading.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3d1c02ca-2701-47a6-b2a4-69b62f2c76b8-1024x683.png\" alt=\"screenshot of canva on how to create your own custom meme using a template on canva\" class=\"wp-image-317 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;aspect-ratio:1.4992888417882142;width:828px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3d1c02ca-2701-47a6-b2a4-69b62f2c76b8-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3d1c02ca-2701-47a6-b2a4-69b62f2c76b8-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3d1c02ca-2701-47a6-b2a4-69b62f2c76b8-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/3d1c02ca-2701-47a6-b2a4-69b62f2c76b8.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 5 \u2013 Optimise for each social platform.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Instagram\/TikTok:<\/strong>&nbsp;1080&#215;1080 square or 1080&#215;1920 vertical. Add hashtags like #memes, #marketinghumour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Twitter\/X:<\/strong>&nbsp;1200&#215;675 horizontal. Keep the joke ultra\u2011short.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Facebook\/LinkedIn:<\/strong>&nbsp;1200&#215;630. LinkedIn memes often work better with a short caption above the image.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Step 6 \u2013 Post at peak times and track reactions.<\/strong><br>Publish when your audience is most active (use your platform analytics). Monitor likes, shares, comments, and saves. A high share\u2011to\u2011like ratio indicates the meme resonated enough for someone to spread it \u2013 that\u2019s your golden metric.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fbc9584a-52ef-48df-9584-f2d5f64812f1-1024x683.png\" alt=\"10 step flow chart for creating a meme for social media marketing.\" class=\"wp-image-319 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;aspect-ratio:1.4992791926958193;width:744px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fbc9584a-52ef-48df-9584-f2d5f64812f1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fbc9584a-52ef-48df-9584-f2d5f64812f1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fbc9584a-52ef-48df-9584-f2d5f64812f1-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/fbc9584a-52ef-48df-9584-f2d5f64812f1.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">6. MEME MARKETING STRATEGY: WHEN, WHERE, AND HOW TO POST<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>When to post:<\/strong>&nbsp;Lunch hours (12\u20131 PM) and early evening (7\u20139 PM) local time are prime meme\u2011consumption windows. For Twitter, the evening wave often catches users doomscrolling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Where to post:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Instagram Stories<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 for raw, behind\u2011the\u2011scenes humour.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Twitter<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 for real\u2011time reactions to news or trends.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>LinkedIn<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 for industry\u2011insider jokes (yes, professional memes exist and perform well).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Reddit<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 only if you\u2019re a genuine community member; Redditors hate blatant self\u2011promotion.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Frequency:<\/strong>&nbsp;1\u20132 memes per week is a safe starting point. Too many, and your brand looks like it\u2019s trying too hard; too few, and you miss the cultural moment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Pillar approach:<\/strong>&nbsp;Create a content mix of original memes, curated (credited) memes, and reaction GIFs. This keeps your feed fresh without exhausting your creative team.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">7. MEME COPYRIGHT &amp; ETHICS: STAY OUT OF LEGAL TROUBLE<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Memes often use copyrighted images (screenshots from movies, TV shows, stock photos). The legal landscape is murky, but here\u2019s how to minimise risk:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Fair use is not a universal shield.<\/strong>&nbsp;While many memes are considered transformative and thus protected under fair use, commercial use weakens that defence. If you\u2019re using a meme in an ad campaign,&nbsp;<strong>get permission or use royalty\u2011free images<\/strong>. <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/fairuse.stanford.edu\/overview\/fair-use\/what-is-fair-use\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/fairuse.stanford.edu\/overview\/fair-use\/what-is-fair-use\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">fair use guidelines<\/a><\/strong><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Choose public\u2011domain or CC0 templates.<\/strong>&nbsp;Websites like Pixabay, Unsplash, and the dedicated meme template libraries on Canva\/Adobe Express offer safe starting points.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Avoid defamation.<\/strong>&nbsp;Don\u2019t put words into a real person\u2019s mouth unless they\u2019re a public figure and the meme is clearly satirical.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Credit creators when you can.<\/strong>&nbsp;This builds goodwill and keeps you ethically clean.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For absolute safety, create your own original meme images. AI tools like SuperMeme AI and DALL\u2011E can generate unique characters and scenes that become your own intellectual property.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">8. MEASURING MEME SUCCESS: METRICS THAT ACTUALLY MATTER<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Vanity metrics like likes are nice, but meme marketing should tie back to business goals. Track these KPIs:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Engagement rate<\/strong>&nbsp;(likes + comments + shares \/ impressions). A rate above 5% is strong for memes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Share count<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 the ultimate organic amplifier.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Follower growth<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 did the meme attract new followers?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Click\u2011through rate<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 if your meme includes a link (e.g., \u201clink in bio\u201d), how many people followed through?<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Sentiment analysis<\/strong>&nbsp;\u2013 are the comments positive, or did the joke backfire? Manually scan the first 20 comments.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use platform\u2011native analytics or a social media management tool like <a href=\"https:\/\/buffer.com\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/buffer.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Buffer<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/blog.hootsuite.com\/social-media-analytics\/\" data-type=\"link\" data-id=\"https:\/\/blog.hootsuite.com\/social-media-analytics\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Hootsuite<\/a> to gather data. Compare meme posts against your standard content \u2013 you\u2019ll likely see higher engagement and lower cost\u2011per\u2011impression.<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter size-large is-resized\"><img decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-src=\"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2230085b-10bf-4143-b136-946ef38f5e6f-1024x683.png\" alt=\"Step-by-step Explaination of how memes move from creation to viral engagement and brand awareness\" class=\"wp-image-321 lazyload\" style=\"--smush-placeholder-width: 1024px; --smush-placeholder-aspect-ratio: 1024\/683;aspect-ratio:1.5;width:780px;height:auto\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2230085b-10bf-4143-b136-946ef38f5e6f-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2230085b-10bf-4143-b136-946ef38f5e6f-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2230085b-10bf-4143-b136-946ef38f5e6f-768x512.png 768w, https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/2230085b-10bf-4143-b136-946ef38f5e6f.png 1536w\" data-sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml;base64,PHN2ZyB3aWR0aD0iMSIgaGVpZ2h0PSIxIiB4bWxucz0iaHR0cDovL3d3dy53My5vcmcvMjAwMC9zdmciPjwvc3ZnPg==\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">9. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>1. What does \u201cwhat is this meme\u201d mean?<\/strong><br>It\u2019s the phrase people search when they encounter a meme they don\u2019t recognise. It literally asks for the origin, format name, or context of the image or video. For marketers, it highlights the importance of tapping into well\u2011known, searchable meme formats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>2. How do I find the original source of a meme?<\/strong><br>Use reverse image search tools like Google Images or TinEye. Upload the meme and look for the oldest indexed version. Sites like Know Your Meme also document meme origins and variations.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>3. Are memes copyrighted?<\/strong><br>Most memes use copyrighted source material, but their transformative nature often falls under fair use. However, using a meme for direct commercial advertising reduces that protection. To be safe, use royalty\u2011free templates or create original images.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>4. What is the best free meme maker?<\/strong><br>Canva and Adobe Express offer the most professional free meme templates with customisation options. For quick, anonymous creation, SmallSEOTools Meme Generator is excellent. SuperMeme AI provides AI\u2011powered text generation in the free tier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>5. Can I use memes for my business marketing?<\/strong><br>Yes, many brands successfully use memes to humanise their voice and boost engagement. Stick to lighthearted, relatable humour that aligns with your brand identity, and always consider the legal and cultural sensitivity of the template.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>6. How do I create a meme from scratch?<\/strong><br>Start with a blank canvas in a design tool, add an image (your own photo, a royalty\u2011free stock image, or AI\u2011generated art), then overlay bold text top and bottom. Save in JPG or PNG format. The 6\u2011step process in Section 5 details each stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>7. What makes a meme go viral?<\/strong><br>Relatability, timing, and simplicity. Memes that capture a universal emotion or a trending news event spread fast. The best memes are easy to remix \u2013 giving others the template encourages more shares.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>8. How often should I post memes for my brand?<\/strong><br>Start with one or two per week on your primary social channel. Monitor engagement and adjust. Consistency matters more than frequency; a well\u2011timed meme once a week outperforms daily low\u2011effort posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>9. Can AI generate good memes?<\/strong><br>Yes, tools like SuperMeme AI and DALL\u2011E can generate both the visual and the caption. AI is especially useful for brainstorming multiple variations of the same joke. However, human oversight is still needed to ensure cultural relevance and avoid awkward misfires.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>10. What are the most popular meme formats in 2026?<\/strong><br>Classic formats like \u201cDistracted Boyfriend,\u201d \u201cWoman Yelling at a Cat,\u201d and \u201cThis Is Fine\u201d still thrive. Newer AI\u2011generated characters and reaction GIFs from recent TV shows or games are also popular. Formats tied to ongoing viral events (e.g., a sports moment) can spike overnight.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\">10. CONCLUSION<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Memes are no longer just internet jokes; they\u2019re a legitimate, high\u2011impact marketing channel. By understanding&nbsp;<em>what is this meme<\/em>, you unlock the ability to join digital conversations your audience is already having. The tools are free, the creation process is quick, and the potential for organic reach is enormous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Remember the six\u2011step framework: define your voice, choose or create a template, add crisp text, polish with a design tool, optimise for the platform, and track your results. Keep an eye on copyright, stay authentic, and don\u2019t be afraid to experiment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Bookmark this guide<\/strong>&nbsp;and refer back whenever you need a creative spark. For instant, no\u2011login meme creation, try our&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/free-meme-generator\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Free Meme Generator<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;and start making your audience smile today.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>1. INTRODUCTION In 2024, a single meme posted by a fast\u2011food chain generated over 2 million engagements across social media platforms.&nbsp;Not a polished ad, not a celebrity endorsement \u2013 just&hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":316,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_uag_custom_page_level_css":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[186,181,193,191,187,177,185,192,178,180,184,182,179,176,189,183,190,188,175],"class_list":["post-312","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-seo-tools","tag-adobe-meme","tag-ai-meme-maker","tag-best-meme-creators","tag-brand-memes","tag-canva-meme","tag-create-meme-online","tag-custom-meme","tag-free-meme-maker","tag-funny-meme-templates","tag-how-to-make-a-meme","tag-meme-captions","tag-meme-copyright","tag-meme-generator","tag-meme-marketing","tag-meme-strategy","tag-social-media-memes","tag-supermeme-ai","tag-viral-meme-ideas","tag-what-is-this-meme"],"uagb_featured_image_src":{"full":["https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4095efec-b16f-4fa7-b13b-c9436128b09a.png",1731,909,false],"thumbnail":["https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4095efec-b16f-4fa7-b13b-c9436128b09a-150x150.png",150,150,true],"medium":["https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4095efec-b16f-4fa7-b13b-c9436128b09a-300x158.png",300,158,true],"medium_large":["https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4095efec-b16f-4fa7-b13b-c9436128b09a-768x403.png",768,403,true],"large":["https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4095efec-b16f-4fa7-b13b-c9436128b09a-1024x538.png",1024,538,true],"1536x1536":["https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4095efec-b16f-4fa7-b13b-c9436128b09a-1536x807.png",1536,807,true],"2048x2048":["https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/4095efec-b16f-4fa7-b13b-c9436128b09a.png",1731,909,false]},"uagb_author_info":{"display_name":"gisru","author_link":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/author\/gisru\/"},"uagb_comment_info":0,"uagb_excerpt":"1. INTRODUCTION In 2024, a single meme posted by a fast\u2011food chain generated over 2 million engagements across social media platforms.&nbsp;Not a polished ad, not a celebrity endorsement \u2013 just&hellip;","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/312","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=312"}],"version-history":[{"count":13,"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/312\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":488,"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/312\/revisions\/488"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/316"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=312"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=312"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/seotoolspro.online\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=312"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}