How to Make Viral Video Memes That Are Taking Over Social Media (Using AI)
Video memes are currently one of the most viral formats on platforms like TikTok, Instagram and X. It's no longer just about static images with ironic text: the new memes combine viral clips, effects, striking subtitles and modified audio to tell a story or provoke an immediate reaction.
The best part is that you don't need any editing skills or professional software: with AI and a few online tools, you can replicate the most popular memes in minutes.
Typical Structure of a Viral Video Meme in 2025
The most successful video memes usually follow this pattern:
- Impactful start: an absurd or out-of-context clip that grabs attention in the very first second.
- On-screen text: exaggerated subtitles in capitals that guide the viewer’s interpretation of the video.
- Sudden change or “twist”: scene cut, sound effect, and a new clip that delivers the punchline.
- Distorted or remixed audio: music, shouting or effects that ramp up the humour.
- Short duration: between 5 and 20 seconds max.
Example:
Clip of a man falling over + text “WHEN YOU OPEN THE METAVERSE ON WINDOWS VISTA” + cut to an absurd explosion + viral music edited by AI.
Most Popular AI Tools for Making Video Memes
These are the AIs and apps creators use to produce viral memes without technical effort:
CapCut (with viral templates)
- Ideal for: applying effects, subtitles, and automatic transitions.
- Advantage: direct integration with TikTok, ready-made meme templates.
Runway ML
- Ideal for: removing backgrounds, generating videos from text or modifying clip sections.
- Advantage: advanced AI for editing without needing After Effects.
Pika Labs
- Ideal for: generating short, absurd videos from text prompts.
- Advantage: creative results for “surreal animated style” memes.
ElevenLabs
- Ideal for: generating ironic voice-overs or dubbing clips with a different voice.
- Advantage: realistic voice clones with emotion, perfect for delivering punchlines.
D-ID
- Ideal for: making people in photos speak with customised text.
- Advantage: brings static faces to life with a funny or unexpected phrase.
Where Do Creators Find Viral Clips and Sounds?
Video memes aren’t made from scratch; they reuse iconic clips. Here’s where creators find resources:
- TikTok and Reels: direct inspiration and downloadable clips.
- YouTube Shorts: absurd scenes or dubbed fragments.
- Free stock websites like Pexels or Pixabay for filler clips.
- Viral sounds from TikTok’s library or apps such as Voicemod or Soundraw to create AI audio.
Final Tips and Tricks to Make Memes That Work
- Keep it short: attention spans are tiny. Make an impact quickly.
- Use large, exaggerated text: over-the-top explanations are part of the joke.
- Mix formats: AI voice + real clip + edited text = winner.
- Follow trends: adapt your meme to the topic of the moment.
- Post with good timing: a meme published at the right moment can go viral.
