How to Make a Meme Have you ever seen content in the form of a meme? Yup! Memes have become one of the most frequently appearing content on social media.
In the digital era, we often spend hours on social media. When scrolling through social media content, you have ever seen content in the form of memes. Usually, memes are displayed with images and texts that are interrelated.
What is the definition of a meme? Then, How did it emerge? To answer that, let's look at the explanation until the end!
Also Read: 10 Rare But Needed Business Ideas. What is it?
What is a Meme?
One thing that is similar in social media and other internet pages is meme content. Surely, almost all internet users, including you, have seen memes. Therefore, memes have become one of the effective forms of communication because they reach various ages.
What comes to your mind when you hear the word "meme"? Memes have many meanings. Some people interpret them as entertainment or something that can make them laugh. Others define memes as something to satirize certain parties.
In general, memes are images accompanied by Text to support information delivery to readers. In other words, memes are in the form of pictures or videos that contain humor and sometimes satire as a form of criticism of certain things.
So, memes can be entertainment and a conveyance of social criticism. It's interesting. Then, where does the term meme come from? Let's discuss it together!
How Memes Were Invented
Memes themselves have a long origin. Memes have been found since 79 AD in the ruins of Pompeii. The word "meme" itself comes from the Greek language, "mimeme," meaning "that is imitated". Memes can describe something in the form of ideas, culture, or other things that are then conveyed to others.
According to some sources, one of which is The New York Times, the creator of memes is named Richard Dawkins. He is an English writer and biologist. As the creator of memes, Dawkins defines memes as a replica or imitation, just as written in his book The Selfish Gene in 1976.
Nowadays, memes are becoming more widespread to the public through social media. Usually, memes often feature current issues or issues the community discusses.
An issue is often made into a joke or satire, thanks to memes. In this way, an issue can be better understood by the public through simple sentences. It has become a habit and popular in the community since 2012.
If you often see memes on social media, do you know this one?
The Dancing Baby Meme was created by a graphic designer named Michael Girard in 1996.
Apart from being an image, he also wanted to make the image move. As a result, The Dancing Baby Meme was sent to other developer and changed into a GIF format we often encounter today.
Also Read: The Importance of Rewards for Yourself!
The Use and Purpose of Memes
After you know the definition and the origin of its term, what is the use of memes themselves? You can find the answer in the following points!
1. As an Expression of Feelings
Memes are used to express someone's or a group's feelings. Be it sad, happy, disappointed, or others. Usually, this meme belongs to a comic meme represented by a human facial expression.
However, some people also use animal facial expressions, such as cats, dogs, and other animals, that can support the meme's Text.
2. Wanting to be Popular
Aside from expressing feelings, memes are also used to achieve popularity. For example, if you create a meme, you can immediately post it on social media, such as on a website called Meme Comic Indonesia.
If others like your meme, they will share it with their friends so that the meme will spread widely. As a result, your meme will be known to the public and become viral. From here, you can become a popular figure, right?
3. As a Marketing Media
The use of memes as a marketing medium can be a fitting solution. Especially in this era where the internet spreads quickly, business people can profit from using memes.
Products that continue to exist on the internet and digital media are expected to reach the target market according to planning, primarily through meme content. Because companies can bring a viral element when marketing their products to the public.
4.Satirizing an Issue
In this day and age, people have new media to express their opinions, which is by creating meme content. It means that people choose a satirical style to express their views and criticisms through various media.
Moreover, satirical memes in politics are rampant on social media. Not only that, we sometimes find them on billboards, posters, and other forms.
With this, the delivery of opinions and criticisms does not seem derogatory or preachy. On the contrary, this can become a shared joke but still have a meaning directed towards a specific party.
How to Make a Meme
Now that you know the usefulness of memes, are you interested in making one? Let's follow the steps to create a meme below!
1. Find Images for the Base Image
To make a meme, make sure you choose images that can represent your intentions and goals. For example, you can select a photo of your favorite actor, a clipart image you found online, or even use a picture of yourself or your pet.
The image for the meme is not limited to just one. You can use several images as needed.
2. Open the Image in a Photo Editing Application
After choosing an image, you can directly edit it. You can use a simple application. Photo editing can also be done with default applications on your handphone or laptop; however, if you want to use other applications, that is also allowed. For example, the Memeatic application for mobile devices and Photoshop if using a laptop.
3. Add Text to the Image and Adjust It to Your Liking
Most applications have a tool to add Text symbolized by the "T" or "A" letter icon. Click on the icon if you want to add Text. Then, adjust the text position and make sure it doesn't cover the image.
Remember to adjust the fonttype. Usually, meme text uses a bold font , such as Arial or Helvetica. After that, choose the fonts. color and size. Ensure the Text is straightforward and doesn't clash with the image color.
4. Save the Edited Meme
After editing, click your phone or tablet's "Save" or "done" button on your handphone or tablet. But if you use a laptop or computer, you can click the "Files" menu and then "Save As". Type a name for the save, then click "Save“.
5. Memes Ready to Share!
If you saved the meme, share it as content on your social media or web forum. Upload the meme and see the reactions of others. The meme is ready to be enjoyed by many people!
Examples of Viral Memes in Indonesia
Well, Whizmin has some examples of memes that have gone viral in Indonesia! Let's take a look, shall we?
This meme is often used as a source of jokes by Twitter users.
This meme usually appears during New Year's.
This meme has spread across all social media platforms. The Mixue meme was inspired by the Mixue local that can be found everywhere. They even use empty shops to sell their products! You can also use it to invite your friends to play.
Also Read: Tertiary Needs: Definition, Factors, and Examples of Tertiary Needs
So, now you know about the definition, origin, use, and how to make a meme. Are you interested in making memes? Let's give it a try!
You must be logged in to post a comment.