The Creation and Spread of Viral Memes on TikTok: A Memetic Theory Perspective

迷因作为一种文化基因，它以非遗传的方式传播，特别是通过模仿来实现，并主要以衍生的方式不断传播和复制。短视频的兴起改变了内容传播的形式，以抖音短视频为代表的短视频应用迅速在互联网风靡。目前在短视频平台中，迷因成为了一种非常流行的传播现象，洗脑的“神曲”、魔性的舞蹈、频频出现的网络热梗都化身为一个个迷因因子，这些迷因因子在短视频中不断地传播，将网民们都卷入了围观和创作当中。本文将从迷因理论的视角出发，根据文献研究法、文本分析法、参与式观察对当下迷因在抖音中的现象进行概述，分析当前抖音“热梗”的生成路径与传播机制。As a cultural gene, memes propagate through non-genetic means, particularly via imitation, and continuously spread and replicate primarily through derivation. The rise of short videos has transformed the form of content dissemination, with platforms like TikTok rapidly gaining popularity across the internet. On short video platforms, memes have become a highly prevalent communication phenomenon—catchy “earworm” songs, viral dances, and recurring internet catchphrases all manifest as meme elements. These elements continuously circulate in short videos, drawing netizens into a cycle of viewing and creative participation. From the perspective of meme theory, this study employs literature review, textual analysis, and participatory observation to outline the current meme phenomena on TikTok and analyze the generation pathways and dissemination mechanisms of “popular memes” on the platform.