Introduction

it’s giving brainrot

Nonsense is the new wave online. From “brainrot” to “brat,” niche, absurd, and humorous microtrends on the Internet are shifting culture. They’re changing the way we speak and our expectations of brands in digital spaces.

Produced in partnership with Meltwater, the 2025 Webby Trend Report explores the rise of irreverence online and what that means for creatives and marketers.

In this report, you will uncover

• How absurdism is shaping Internet culture and consumer behavior
• Strategies for tapping into emerging trends as they happen
• Case studies on how creatives and brands can respond to this moment
• Insights from experts at the forefront of marketing and social media