Viral Trends of 2025: Meaning of ‘67’, The Ghibli Filter, ‘Chill Guy Meme’, and Every Trend That Defined the Year

If 2025 proves anything, it is that internet culture has officially moved past the need for logic. The year has been a rollercoaster of cryptic numbers, wholesome animations, fierce hypothetical debates, and "creepy-cute" collectables. Social media platforms like TikTok, Instagram Reels, and X (formerly Twitter) churned out viral moments at breakneck speed, leaving many users trying to decipher the "inside jokes" of the younger generation and to be precise, Gen Zs.

From the inexplicable rise of the number "67" to the romanticised visuals of the Studio Ghibli filter, here is a comprehensive look at every major trend that ruled the year 2025.

The ‘67’ Enigma 'The Ultimate Gen Z Trend'

Arguably, the most pervasive trend of the year was the simple, two-digit number: 67. For months, comment sections were flooded with "67" or "Six Seven!" with zero context, leaving millennials and older Gen Z users baffled. Originating from the track “Doot Doot (6 7)” by rapper Skrilla and popularised by NBA player LaMelo Ball edits, it morphed into a meaningless "shibboleth"—a password for Gen Alpha to signal they were "in on the joke." Dictionary.com famously dubbed it the "Word of the Year" for its ubiquitous, nonsensical nature. LatestLY Explainer: What Is the ‘43 + 24’ Joke Meme? Is 67 The New 69? Gen Alpha Brain Rot Twist Explained With Meaning and Funny Responses!

Watch Video of Skrilla’s ‘Doot Doot’ Song and Catchy 67 Lyrics:

The Studio Ghibli Filter: A Romantic Trend of 2025

On the softer side of the internet, the Studio Ghibli Filter dominated TikTok and Instagram. Users applied this AI-powered effect to transform mundane travel videos and daily commutes into lush, animated scenes reminiscent of Hayao Miyazaki’s films. It became the year’s ultimate tool for "romanticising your life," turning grey city streets into vibrant, heartwarming anime backdrops. LatestLY Explainer: How to Make Ghibli Art in ChatGPT? Know Step-By-Step Process of Creating Studio Ghibli Art Style Images Using OpenAI's Chabot. 

The ‘Chill Guy’ Meme

If there was a spiritual mascot for 2025, it was the "Chill Guy." The meme features a simple illustration of an anthropomorphic dog wearing a sweater, hands deep in his pockets, looking entirely unbothered. The character became the go-to reaction for anyone facing a crisis—be it financial struggles or missed deadlines—but choosing to remain in a state of zen-like acceptance. LatestLY Explainer: Chill Guy Meme Explained: Who Is the Artist Behind ‘Just a Chill Guy’ Viral Meme Trend? What Is the Cryptocurrency Controversy? Here’s What You Should Know About the Copyright Feud.

Labubu Dolls: The New 'Creepy' Status Symbol

Moving from digital memes to physical assets, Labubu dolls became the year's unexpected fashion flex. Created by Pop Mart, these "creepy-cute" monster dolls were seen dangling from luxury handbags worldwide. What started as a niche collectable exploded into a mainstream obsession, with rare versions fetching high prices and signalling fashion-forward status among Gen Z. LatestLY Explainer: Labubu Character Names: Zimomo, Mokoko, Pato, Spooky and More, Your Ultimate Guide To the Whimsical World of the Monsters.

Italian Brainrot Trend: Name Them All

On the chaotic end of the spectrum was "Italian Brainrot." This bizarre trend involved aggressive, nonsensical Italian voice-overs layered over random gameplay or chaotic clips. It followed no narrative structure and relied entirely on the humour of confusion and high-decibel delivery, baffling anyone not deep into "brainrot" culture.

Do you remember them all: Tralalero Tralala, Bombardino Crocodilo, Ballerina Cappuccina, Cappuccino Assassino, Tung Tung Tung Sahur, Chimpanzini Bananini, Lirilì Larilà, Brr Brr Patapim, Boneca Ambalabu, Bombombini Gusini, Trippi Troppi, Frigo Camelo, La Vaca Saturno Saturnita, U Din Din Din Din Dun Ma Din Din Din Dun, Trulimero Trulicina, Giraffa Celeste, Bobrito Bandito, Frulli Frulla, Ta Ta Ta Sahur, Brri Brri Bicus Dicus Bombicus, Tric Trac Barabum, Cocofanto Elefanto, Burbaloni Luliloli, Glorbo Fruttodrillo, Rhino Toasterino, Zibra Zubra Zibralini, Graipussi Medussi, Blueberrinni Octopussini, Gangster Footera, Piccione Macchina, Canneloni Dragoni, Trenostruzzo Turbo 3000, Orangutini Ananasini, Avocadini Guffo, Torrtuginni Dragonfrutinni, Penguinelli Cactussini, Bambini Crostini, Leonelli Cactuselli. LatestLY Explainer: Italian Brainrot Meme Trend Explained: From Tung Tung Tung Sahur to Ballerina Cappuccina, What Parents Should Know About the TikTok Videos Featuring AI-Generated Italian Brain Rot Characters. 

100 Men vs. 1 Gorilla Debate

The internet loves a hypothetical battle, and 2025’s biggest debate was "100 Men vs. 1 Gorilla." The question took over X (Twitter) and Reddit threads, sparking fierce arguments about biology, strategy, and brute strength. Despite the numbers, the internet consensus overwhelmingly (and humorously) sided with the gorilla. LatestLY Explainer: 100 Men vs Gorilla: Breaking Down the Viral Debate That’s Taking Over the Internet – Could a Mob of Men Really Take Down Nature’s Apex Brawler?

The ‘Nano Banana' AI Trend

Artificial Intelligence continued to get weird with the "Nano Banana" trend. This filter turned users into tiny, stiffly dancing plasticine figurines. It was uncanny, slightly disturbing, and absolutely everywhere, marking another shift in how people use AI to create digital caricatures of themselves. LatestLY Explainer: Gemini Nano Banana AI 3D Figurines Trend: Know How To Create Your Own Viral 3D AI Figurine With Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash Image; Check Limits and Prompt.

2025: A Year of Unpredictable Creativity and Trends

As we bid farewell to 2025, the viral landscape serves as a reminder that internet culture is becoming increasingly fragmented yet undeniably creative. Whether it was finding solace in a "Chill Guy" or finding community in the nonsense of "67," the digital world offered a unique mix of absurdity and comfort this year. As we look toward 2026, the only certainty is unpredictability. We are ready for the next wave of trends that will likely confuse, entertain, and dominate our feeds.