Over the years, McDonald’s has become a global icon, not just for its food, but also for its ability to engage with customers on social media. Whether it’s a new product launch, a limited-time offer, or a viral challenge, McDonald’s has mastered the art of using social media to create buzz and drive traffic. This article explores the most viral McDonald’s trends that have taken over social media in recent years, showcasing the brand’s ability to stay relevant and connected with its audience.
1. The Travis Scott Meal (2020)
In 2020, McDonald’s partnered with rapper Travis Scott to create a special meal, marking the fast-food chain’s first celebrity collaboration in nearly 30 years. The Travis Scott Meal was a combination of a Quarter Pounder with cheese, bacon, lettuce, medium fries, and a Sprite, and it quickly went viral on social media. Fans flooded Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok to show off their orders, with some even sharing unique twists on the meal, like adding extra ingredients or modifying the drink selection.
The campaign not only sparked a massive surge in sales but also generated an overwhelming amount of buzz on social media. The hashtag #TravisScottMeal became a trending topic, and the meal became a symbol of cultural crossover between fast food and hip-hop. McDonald’s also took the opportunity to release exclusive merchandise, including T-shirts and hoodies featuring Scott’s branding, which further fueled the frenzy on social media.
2. The “McDonald’s Ice Cream Machine Is Broken” Meme
One of the longest-running viral trends involving McDonald’s has been the infamous “Ice Cream Machine Is Broken” meme. For years, customers have complained about the frequent inaccessibility of McDonald’s ice cream machines, which has led to the creation of countless memes, jokes, and Twitter threads. This trend highlights the widespread frustration of McDonald’s fans, who often express disbelief that the machines are so frequently out of service.
The meme reached new heights in 2020 when a website called “McBroken” was launched, tracking the status of ice cream machines at McDonald’s locations in real-time. The website allowed users to check if the ice cream machine at their local McDonald’s was operational, further fueling the meme and turning it into a viral sensation. This quirky trend turned a customer complaint into a humorous social media phenomenon, gaining traction on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Reddit.
3. The BTS Meal (2021)
In 2021, McDonald’s collaborated with the K-pop group BTS to create a special meal, which included 10-piece Chicken McNuggets, fries, and two signature dipping sauces—Sweet Chili and Cajun. The BTS Meal took social media by storm, with fans of the boy band sharing photos and videos of their orders. The collaboration not only boosted McDonald’s sales but also created a sense of community among BTS’s global fanbase, known as the “ARMY.”
The hashtag #BTSMeal was a trending topic across multiple platforms, and fans were eager to share their excitement through unboxing videos, reviews, and limited-edition merchandise. McDonald’s also incorporated BTS’s branding into their packaging, further driving the viral nature of the campaign. The BTS Meal was a perfect example of how McDonald’s has successfully tapped into global cultural phenomena to maintain its relevance.
4. The “McDonald’s vs. Wendy’s Twitter Beef” (2017)
Social media rivalries have become a popular form of entertainment, and one of the most iconic ones in the fast food industry took place between McDonald’s and Wendy’s on Twitter. In 2017, Wendy’s, known for its witty and sassy Twitter presence, started roasting McDonald’s, calling out the brand’s menu items and even poking fun at their social media campaigns.
McDonald’s responded in kind, creating a playful back-and-forth that quickly garnered attention across the internet. Memes, gifs, and tweets filled timelines as fans of both brands engaged in the friendly rivalry. This Twitter beef between the two fast-food giants became so viral that it even made its way into news headlines, with McDonald’s and Wendy’s using humor to not only entertain but also stay relevant in a competitive market.
5. The “Shamrock Shake” Seasonal Craze
Each year, McDonald’s promotes its iconic Shamrock Shake as part of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration, and the annual tradition has become a viral event in itself. The green-colored milkshake, made with vanilla ice cream and mint flavoring, has a loyal fanbase that eagerly awaits its return every spring. Social media platforms explode with excitement when the Shamrock Shake hits McDonald’s menu, with customers posting photos of the drink, sharing reviews, and creating memes related to its return.
The hashtag #ShamrockShake and similar variations trend every year, and McDonald’s often capitalizes on the frenzy with limited-edition merchandise and promotions. The shake’s seasonal appeal and the nostalgia associated with it have made it a mainstay in McDonald’s viral marketing efforts.
6. The “McDonald’s Breakfast All Day” Movement
In 2015, McDonald’s made the highly anticipated decision to offer breakfast items all day long, and the announcement quickly became a viral moment. The breakfast menu, which includes fan favorites like the Egg McMuffin, Sausage McMuffin, and McGriddles, was previously available only during morning hours, so the decision to extend breakfast hours caused a social media frenzy.
The announcement was met with excitement from fans, who took to Twitter and Instagram to express their joy and share their own breakfast-inspired creations. The hashtag #McDonaldsBreakfastAllDay took off, and the trend highlighted McDonald’s ability to engage its audience through thoughtful product changes that cater to customer desires. It also showcased how a simple shift in the menu can create viral buzz.
7. The “McDonald’s vs. Chick-fil-A” Debate
The ongoing debate between McDonald’s and Chick-fil-A has also sparked numerous viral moments, particularly regarding the fast-food chains’ respective chicken sandwiches. In recent years, McDonald’s launched its own Chicken Sandwich to compete with Chick-fil-A’s highly popular offering. Social media users flocked to Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram to compare the two sandwiches, with some even starting friendly rivalries between the two fanbases.
The debate often extends beyond the quality of the sandwiches themselves, touching on topics like customer service, sauce choices, and even political issues surrounding Chick-fil-A. The #McDonaldsChickenSandwich hashtag gained traction, and memes and polls flooded timelines as fans passionately defended their favorite chain. This viral trend has highlighted how McDonald’s stays competitive by embracing these cultural conversations and joining the digital discourse.
8. The “McDonald’s French Fry” Dipping Sauce Craze
In 2017, McDonald’s launched a limited-time offering of a special dipping sauce for its fries, which was made famous by the TV show “Rick and Morty.” The show’s co-creator, Justin Roiland, mentioned the sauce in an episode, and suddenly, McDonald’s was bombarded with requests from fans eager to try it. The demand was so high that the sauce became a viral sensation, with people lining up at McDonald’s locations in hopes of getting a packet.
McDonald’s initially underestimated the demand, leading to shortages and a frenzy of social media posts from disappointed fans. However, the brand capitalized on the hype by releasing the sauce in limited quantities, resulting in more viral posts, memes, and debates on social media. This event was a perfect example of how McDonald’s can create viral moments by tapping into pop culture and responding to customer excitement.
9. The “McDonald’s Meal Hacks” Trend on TikTok
The TikTok trend of “meal hacks” has become incredibly popular, with users experimenting with different ways to customize McDonald’s menu items. From combining multiple burgers to creating unique drink concoctions, TikTok users have taken to the platform to share their personalized McDonald’s creations. Some of these meal hacks even go viral, as viewers are fascinated by the creativity and boldness of the ideas.
The hashtag #McDonaldsHacks has millions of views, with users posting videos of their latest creations, often accompanied by upbeat music and quick cuts. McDonald’s has embraced this trend by highlighting some of these hacks on their official social media accounts, further fueling the trend. This phenomenon has made McDonald’s more interactive with its customers, encouraging them to experiment and share their own unique takes on classic menu items.
10. The “McDonald’s Pokemon Cards” Craze (2021)
In 2021, McDonald’s brought back a nostalgic offering that tapped into the widespread love for Pokemon: collectible Pokemon cards. The limited-edition cards were included in Happy Meals, and the promotion sparked a frenzy on social media, with collectors eagerly hunting down the special cards. Videos of unboxing Happy Meals to reveal rare cards quickly went viral, as fans shared their excitement and traded cards online.
The hashtag #McDonaldsPokemonCards trended as people documented their experiences collecting the cards, sometimes even sharing tips on where to find Happy Meals with the best chances of getting rare cards. This viral moment showcased McDonald’s ability to tap into nostalgic trends, blending fast food with pop culture to create an unforgettable experience for fans of all ages.
Conclusion
McDonald’s ability to harness the power of social media and create viral moments has made it one of the most recognizable and beloved brands in the world. From celebrity collaborations to quirky memes, McDonald’s has consistently stayed at the forefront of social media trends. Whether it’s through partnerships, limited-time offers, or creative campaigns, the fast-food giant continues to dominate digital conversations and build lasting connections with its global audience.