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From group dances to charity fundraisers, these five challenges turned simple ideas into videos people wanted to share. This is a nostalgic selection, not a measured ranking: there is no consistent popularity data comparing all five.
1. Harlem Shake
The Harlem Shake meme was built for repetition: one person dances alone at first, then a cut reveals a whole group joining in with exuberant, often deliberately silly moves. Its format made it easy for schools, workplaces, teams and friend groups to put their own spin on the same basic joke. The internet meme should not be confused with the older dance that shares its name.
2. Ice Bucket Challenge
People filmed themselves having ice water poured over their heads, often nominated others to take part, and used the attention to support ALS-related fundraising. The challenge combined a visual stunt with a clear charitable purpose, which helped make it more than a passing video format.
The ALS Association says the 2014 campaign generated $115 million for its national office (ALS Association). In a contemporaneous report published September 8, 2014, The Guardian said Ice Bucket Challenge videos had passed one billion YouTube views; that is a historical figure, not a current view count. The Guardian also quoted YouTube calling the campaign “unprecedented in the history of YouTube” as a charitable phenomenon.
#1 Best Overall
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The challenge has returned in waves rather than remaining continuously active. In an article dated July 10, 2026, the ALS Association described a renewed wave associated with former NFL player Chris Johnson’s ALS diagnosis and a fan’s video (ALS Association).
3. Mannequin Challenge
Participants froze in place as if time had stopped while a camera moved through the scene. Stephanie Hall of the Library of Congress described it as “a group of people [enacting] a single moment in time, remaining frozen in place while a camera pans around them and music plays.” The Library said the trend seemed to begin in late October 2016 (Library of Congress, December 2, 2016).
Rank #2
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“Black Beatles” became closely associated with the videos, but a song’s presence in a viral upload does not establish that the uploader had permission to use it. The Library of Congress also raised concerns about unlicensed music use online (Library of Congress). For a new video, use audio licensed for your intended use or cleared by the platform.
4. Cinnamon Challenge
This food-based dare asked people to attempt to swallow a spoonful of dry cinnamon, often while recording their reactions. It is remembered for its deceptively simple premise, but that is not a reason to try it: a viral dare is not a safety guide. This retrospective does not establish detailed health risks or recommend attempting the challenge.
Rank #3
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5. Bottle Cap Challenge
In this precision-kick challenge, a participant tried to knock a cap off a bottle without sending the bottle flying. The appeal was the careful-looking kick and satisfying result, often captured on camera. Like other physical dares, it is better remembered as a video trend than treated as a prompt to copy it.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What made these challenges different?
| Challenge | Action viewers remember | Typical format | Charitable purpose | Copying risk |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Harlem Shake | Group dance revealed by a cut | Group performance | No explicit purpose | Not established here; the format is a dance meme |
| Ice Bucket Challenge | Ice water poured over a participant | Individual video, often with nominations | ALS-related fundraising | Physical stunt; do not treat viral participation as a safety recommendation |
| Mannequin Challenge | People frozen in a pose as the camera moves | Group performance | No explicit purpose | Not established here; the central format is holding a pose |
| Cinnamon Challenge | A dry-cinnamon food dare | Usually an individual attempt filmed for reaction | No explicit purpose | Potentially hazardous; do not attempt |
| Bottle Cap Challenge | A controlled kick aimed at a bottle cap | Individual precision stunt | No explicit purpose | Physical stunt; do not treat this description as instructions |
The list spans dance and performance formats, a charitable campaign, and physical dares. YouTube’s support material distinguishes beloved challenges from dangerous challenges and pranks; it does not make every viral format a safe one to imitate (YouTube Help).
Quick Recap
Best Value
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