Let's be real — it can be hard to stay entertained during the pandemic. In the absence of a typical summer full of events and festivals, we've managed to stave off boredom by turning bananas into bread, perfecting our WFH routines, completing every online yoga class we could find, and starting (then abandoning) sourdough more times than we can count. There's almost nothing left to do.
Enter social media challenges. Thanks to the magic of the internet, the boredom of staying in fueled an influx of entertaining tasks and complicated dances to keep us occupied while we stay (mostly) indoors. If, like the rest of us, you're currently spending 23 hours a day mindlessly scrolling through TikTok and Instagram, you've probably come across a few already.
From dancing to Doja Cat's "Say So" to taste-testing Kraft's newly released hazelnut spread, these 11 social media challenges have kept us moving and busy during the pandemic when no amount of dalgona coffee could.
1. #PillowChallenge
Boasting over 350,000 tags on Instagram, the easiest challenge to bless us during COVID-19 involves cinching a pillow around your waist with a belt to make a strapless dress. The #pillowchallenge is quarantine couture at its finest. Since the challenge's debut in April, thousands of social media users (including celebs like Halle Berry) have gotten creative with the task, accessorizing pillows with coordinating bags and statement belts.
2. #PhilCollinsCupboardChallenge
When you've got cupboard doors that sound exactly like the iconic drum solo in Phil Collin's "In the Air Tonight," it'd be rude not to post it, right? This challenge has definitely provided many laughs. Just try not to damage your kitchen...
3. #KraftHazelnutChallenge
If you didn't already know, Kraft, the company behind that jar of Kraft Peanut Butter you almost definitely have in your kitchen cupboard right now, has expanded its portfolio in the nut-based spread category with its new, super delicious Kraft Hazelnut Spread. Made with real roasted hazelnuts and cocoa, this rich, creamy, and oh-so-silky spread will make you go hazelnuts. Better yet, it’s made with no palm oil and is low in saturated fat.
Kraft has called on Canadians to take its #KraftHazelnutChallenge by putting this spread to the ultimate taste-test. They’re asking people across the country to try Kraft Hazelnut Spread versus other hazelnut spreads and share their reaction videos on Instagram with #KraftHazelnutSpread. Want to taste-test this yummy chocolatey spread for the greater good? All you need is a jar of Kraft Hazelnut Spread and your phone.
4. #FlipTheSwitchChallenge
In March, Drake's popular song "Nonstop" sparked a viral challenge that involves trading outfits, poses, and actions when the lights are switched off and then back on. This one got so big that celebs like J-Lo and Alex Rodriguez, Senator Elizabeth Warren, and even Canada's own Jagmeet Singh got in on the fun.
5. #DontRushChallenge
Using Young T & Bugsey's song "Don't Rush,"this challenge essentially entails people using a makeup brush like a magic wand to enhance their at-home looks — basically bringing them from 0 to 100 real quick. All you need to participate is a brush and a social media account.
6. #TrickShotChallenge
The criteria for this craze is pretty simple: land the shot, no matter how absurd the task may seem. Although ping pong balls are usually used in the millions of Tik Tok, Instagram, and Twitter #trickshot videos, people have put their own twist on the challenge by using soccer balls, basketballs and, of course, hockey pucks.
7. #SavageChallenge
If you already get up and dance every time you hear Megan Thee Stallion’s song "Savage"(who doesn't?), this TikTok challenge is for you. It's just a super short, fun dance to one of 2020's best hits. If you want to jump on the bandwagon with this one, all you have to do is watch and learn. You'll pick it up within seconds.
8. #BetweenArtandQuarantineChallenge
mrs.linacarballo | InstagramSince museums and art galleries have been closed, there are some artistic (and super clever) folks who have come up with a creative way to stay busy: recreating famous artwork at home. All you need is a few common objects you have lying around, a well-known painting or sculpture to work off of, and some serious creativity.
9. #SaySoChallenge
You don't need more than two minutes to master #SaySo. This viral TikTok challenge created by TikTok sensation Haley Sharpe (which has over one million likes on the platform) has been on big-name accounts like Charli D'Amelio and James Charles. It was even featured in Doja Cat's music video of the same name.
10. #RenegadeChallenge
This 15-second dance created by 14-year-old Jalaiah Harmon became a viral sensation on TikTok back in February, but that didn't stop everyone from giving it a go during the pandemic. If you have any sort of social media account, there's a high chance you've come across someone attempting the Renegade challenge.
11. The Gesture Challenge
The ubiquitous Gesture Challenge tests your skills to copy a complex set of hand emojis (a more recent version of this is floating around with numbers instead of emojis) accompanied by fast-paced music. If you haven't tried it yet, your friends definitely have. Just remember, it's harder than it looks.
Ready to post your own videos yet? Jump on the social media challenge train by dancing to "Savage," pairing your pillow with a statement belt, or taste-testing hazelnut spreads in the #KraftHazelnutChallenge because, let's be real, who doesn't want to be challenged to eat rich, creamy, chocolatey spread?
To take part in the challenge, just try Kraft Hazelnut Spread against another hazelnut spread and share your reaction video by tagging @kraftpeanutbutter_ca and #KraftHazelnutChallenge on Instagram or @kraftPB and #KraftHazelnutChallenge on Twitter.
