Though the terms are related, Internet memes differ in that they are often short-lasting fads, while traditional memes have their success determined by longevity. Internet memes sprout from the original concept of memes as an element of culture passed on from person to person for the former, this spread occurs through online mediums such as social media. They appear in a range of contexts (such as marketing, finance, politics, social movements, religion, and healthcare), and use of media from various sources can sometimes lead to issues with copyright. Memes are considered an important part of Internet culture. More recent genres include 'dank' and surrealist memes, as well as short-form videos such as those uploaded on Vine and TikTok. With the rise of social media platforms such as YouTube, Twitter, and Facebook, memes have become more diverse and can spread quickly. The term 'Internet meme' was formally proposed by Mike Godwin in 1993, with early memes including images and GIFs spread via messageboards, Usenet groups, and email. Characteristics of memes include their susceptibility to parody, their use of intertextuality, their propagation in a viral pattern, and their evolution over time. Inspired by the concept of memes proposed by Richard Dawkins in 1972, Internet memes can take various forms, such as images, videos, GIFs, and various other viral sensations. An Internet meme, commonly known simply as a meme ( / m iː m/, MEEM), is a cultural item (such as an idea, behaviour, or style) that is spread via the Internet, often through social media platforms.

Text to speech online meme