| Rank | Social Media Challenge | TikTok Posts | Instagram Posts | Monthly Google Search Volume (global) | Popularity Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Mannequin Challenge | 539,000 | 1,400,000 | 18,100 | 6.80 |
| 2 | Plank challenge | 699,200 | 500,000 | 33,100 | 6.57 |
| 3 | Ice Bucket Challenge | 115,300 | 657,000 | 33,100 | 5.65 |
| 4 | Savage Challenge | 1,400,000 | 261,000 | 260 | 4.58 |
| 5 | Yoga Challenge | 256,200 | 5,870 | 33,100 | 4.56 |
| 6 | Bottle Cap Challenge | 575,800 | 378,000 | 1,300 | 3.16 |
| 7 | Banana Sprite Challenge | 109 | 268 | 22,200 | 3.01 |
| 8 | Don’t Rush Challenge | 398,500 | 517,000 | 480 | 3.00 |
| 9 | Silhouette Challenge | 92,500 | 178,000 | 14,800 | 2.92 |
| 10 | Cinnamon challenge | 2,928 | 17,900 | 14,800 | 2.39 |
The Mannequin Challenge is the most viral social media challenge of all time. With 1,939,000 combined posts across TikTok and Instagram, the challenge had participants freezing in place like mannequins while a camera smoothly moved around them. Its immense popularity was driven by widespread participation, celebrity involvement and creative twists that kept the trend fresh and engaging for audiences worldwide.
In second place is the Plank Challenge. What began as a simple exercise quickly evolved into a viral sensation, with participants taking the plank position to extreme and often outrageous locations, from moving vehicles to skyscraper edges. These daring stunts captured the internet’s attention, racking up 699,200 TikTok posts and 500,000 on Instagram, turning the workout move into a global trend.
Rounding out the top three is the Ice Bucket Challenge, widely regarded as the first viral sensation to dominate the internet. Created as a fundraiser for ALS, participants poured ice-cold water over themselves and challenged others to do the same. With overwhelming participation and celebrity endorsements, the challenge raised awareness and funds for ALS research. This year, it’s been revived with a new emphasis on mental health, generating over 772,300 combined posts across TikTok and Instagram.
Additional insights from the study:
- The Savage Challenge is the most TikTokked social media challenge, with 1,400,000 posts.
- The Plank, Ice Bucket, and Yoga challenges are equally popular, each drawing in 33,100 searches on Google every month.
- While these challenges are generally intended for fun, some carry potential risks. The Banana Sprite Challenge may lead to discomfort or vomiting, while the Cinnamon Challenge can cause breathing difficulties and potential lung damage.