Right from the start, it’s worth noting that the word “viral” carries a certain irony, especially amid the ongoing global struggle with the coronavirus. Yet, in digital circles, it simply describes content that explodes in popularity across online platforms almost overnight.
This year, 2020, has unfolded in unprecedented ways, with widespread lockdowns and strict social distancing measures reshaping everyday life. As individuals adapted to new routines and constraints, the year brought its share of hardships, but it also sparked moments of positivity and humor that captured widespread attention.
Here, we’ll explore six standout trends that captured the public’s imagination and spread rapidly online during 2020.
1. Images Showcasing Nature’s Revival
The enforcement of lockdowns and social distancing over the past several months has been challenging for many, with closures of retail spaces, entertainment venues, and public gatherings adding to the sense of disruption. While human activities ground to a halt, the natural world seized the opportunity to rebound. Reports from environmental organizations highlighted how pollution levels in major cities like Wuhan and Venice dropped significantly—up to 30% in some areas—leading to clearer skies and cleaner waters.
This resurgence inspired awe, as people shared stunning visuals of wildlife reclaiming urban spaces, such as dolphins swimming in previously crowded canals and deer wandering city streets. These captivating scenes not only went viral but also served as a powerful reminder of the planet’s resilience, potentially motivating greater environmental stewardship moving forward. As platforms like Viral Child demonstrated, a wealth of inspiring photos and videos from various walks of life provided much-needed entertainment, helping to uplift spirits during these trying times and emphasizing the role of digital media in fostering community.
2. Virtual Work Gatherings
The coronavirus crisis prompted a massive shift to remote work for millions, with offices closing and employees setting up home-based setups. This transition, accelerated by tools like Zoom and Microsoft Teams, saw global remote work participation surge by over 50% in early 2020, according to surveys from firms like Gartner. However, blending professional obligations with domestic life introduced unexpected challenges, including interruptions from family members and pets.
These real-life mishaps during video calls turned into a goldmine of comedic content, with clips of awkward interruptions and technical blunders circulating widely, offering a lighthearted escape and highlighting the humorous side of adapting to new norms.
3. John Krasinski’s Uplifting Broadcasts
Hollywood star John Krasinski, celebrated for his roles in films and TV, launched a YouTube series titled Some Good News to counter the flood of negative headlines from the pandemic. Aiming to spotlight overlooked positive stories, the show quickly resonated with audiences, amassing millions of views per episode and featuring guests from the entertainment world.
This initiative not only boosted morale for viewers in isolation but also drew in high-profile collaborators, turning it into a beacon of hope and demonstrating how celebrities could leverage their platforms to ease the emotional toll of lockdowns.
4. Remote Fitness Programs
With gyms and fitness centers shuttered to curb virus spread, individuals turned to home workouts as their primary option, a shift that data from Statista shows increased online fitness class participation by nearly 70% in 2020. For those struggling with self-motivation, certified trainers stepped up by producing virtual training content, including pre-recorded sessions and interactive live streams accessible via apps like Peloton or YouTube.
These resources proved invaluable, enabling people to maintain routines with professional guidance from home, and their widespread adoption helped establish virtual fitness as a mainstream phenomenon this year.
5. Religious Leaders Adapting Traditions
In a twist that might have seemed unimaginable just a year ago, religious ceremonies have evolved in response to health guidelines, including the innovative use of water guns by clergy during baptisms. This adaptation stems from the need to maintain physical distancing, even in sacred settings, with health experts recommending at least six feet of separation to minimize transmission risks.
As a result, priests and other officials have modified rituals, opting to spray holy water from a safe distance, leading to viral images that blend tradition with modern necessity and underscore the creative ways communities are preserving cultural practices amid the crisis.
6. Live Streams from Musicians
Live music events, a cornerstone of cultural expression, were largely canceled in 2020, leaving fans yearning for connection. In response, musicians innovated by hosting performances from their homes, broadcasting via platforms like Instagram Live and Twitch, which saw a 20% increase in music-related streams during the year, as reported by streaming analytics.
These virtual concerts became a hit because they offered a safe alternative for enjoying performances, helping artists stay engaged with their audiences and keeping the spirit of live music alive in a digital format.
All in all, 2020 has proven to be a year of unexpected twists, with these viral moments serving as highlights in an otherwise challenging period. As the year continues, it’s intriguing to ponder what other surprises might emerge.
