2024’s Meme Marketing Revolution: Humor, Virality, and Creative Engagement

Memes, the universal language of Gen Z and younger millennials, have become indispensable in marketing. Viral hits like “Bado Badi” by Chahat Fateh Ali Khan, “Ek Machli Paani Pe Gayi Japak,” and Ganji Chudail brought humor and relatability to everyday screen time, cementing their place in digital culture.

Why Memes Matter in Marketing

Brands across categories have embraced memes for their relatable, attention-grabbing, and cost-effective nature. Memes allow brands to:

• Go Viral: Leveraging trending topics and tapping into ongoing conversations.
• Boost Engagement: Offering audiences humor while fostering authentic connections.
• Save Costs: Delivering impact with minimal budgets compared to traditional campaigns.

In 2024, even political parties utilized memes to connect with younger voters. For instance, the BJP hired meme marketing agencies to amplify its online presence during the Lok Sabha elections. The Election Commission of Indiaalso integrated memes to engage first-time voters.

Top Meme Trends of 2024

1. Ganji Chudail

The quirky cartoon character became a favorite among brands such as Netflix, Swiggy, Shaadi.com, and Fassos. Its antics resonated with audiences, boosting platform engagement.

• YouTube India elevated Ganji Chudail’s popularity by featuring Neena Gupta as a live-action avatar.
• Majedar Kahani, the creator, charges brands ₹50,000–₹1 lakh for content collaborations.

2. Chill Guy

This anthropomorphic dog exudes a nonchalant, aspirational vibe, captivating audiences globally.

• Origins: Created by artist Philip Banks in October 2023.
• Notable Campaigns: Brands like Saregama, Sprite, and March Madness adopted the Chill Guy persona.
• Cryptocurrency Spin-off: The CHILLGUY token reached a $450M market cap.

3. Pookie Baba

Spiritual leader Aniruddhacharya Ji Maharaj, nicknamed Pookie Baba, became a sensation with his viral quips.

• Brand Tie-ups: Zepto and Booble AI utilized his popularity to increase brand recall.

4. Meme Crossovers

Swiggy brought together multiple meme figures like Puneet Superstar, Dolly Chaiwala, and Ganji Chudail in a single campaign, demonstrating how meme-driven storytelling can captivate diverse audiences.

The Meme Phenomenon

Memes have become a wild card marketing tool, transforming from goofy moments to viral sensations with significant brand impact. As brands continue leveraging this trend, 2025 promises even more unforgettable memes to shape marketing narratives.