Today marks a month of national lockdown being imposed. At first, people took time to adjust to the idea of living and working from home, sharing space with their family members, catching up with the outside world through Zoom, and consuming copious amounts of television. Simultaneously, one saw numerous photo-based social media challenges emerge- including the “Sari Challenge” asking people to dress up in the Indian national dress, or the “Me at 20” challenge which saw people dig out flattering or unflattering pictures from their college days, or the “Real Mommy Challenge” where mothers shared their favourite pictures with their children. We saw it all.
A month on, people are looking for new forms of viral entertainment, and have begun making videos involving multiple people and slick editing skills. Viral video challenges are indeed the world’s latest distractions.
It began with TikTok, as much of digital content currently does, but has moved on to Instagram and other platforms, as is evident from the new “Challenge” button on Insta stories.
HERE ARE THE VIRAL VIDEO CHALLENGES CURRENTLY DOING THE ROUNDS OF SOCIAL MEDIA:
- DON’T RUSH/ MAKEUP BRUSH CHALLENGE:
The video begins with a person in a disheveled state, who quickly wields the magic of a makeup brush/hair brush and transforms into their most glamorous avatar. Then, they throw the brush in a particular direction, which is ‘caught’ by the next participant who also magically transforms, and the same sequence plays out with multiple people. Usually the entire challenge is performed to the song “Don’t Rush” by British duo Young T and Bugsy, but newer versions pick their own catchy number. The brush can be swapped for other items like towels, or bottles of alcohol too.
I’ve participated in this challenge with a couple of Instagram friends and you can check it out here:
- PASS THE POCCHA CHALLENGE:
Inspired by the makeup brush challenge, desi influencer Prajakta Koli, swapped the brush for a decidedly non-glamorous poccha or cleaning cloth. It follows the same rules, but here people show themselves cleaning (or attempting to clean unsuccessfully!) various parts of their home.
Here’s the link to the video. I enter around the 2 minute mark in case you’d like to skip ahead:
- PILLOW CHALLENGE:
People cover their naked bodies with the largest pillow they can find at home and secure it with a belt. Then they shoot sexy selfies or perform dance moves. This is clearly preferred by those that have wonderful bodies to display. I don’t have the guts to attempt this one but it’s popular with celebrities!
- FITNESS CHALLENGES:
Various forms of “workout at home” challenges have been doing the rounds of Instagram. I had posted one for #hardquarfitnesscorona at the beginning of lockdown. Of all the challenges, this one is perhaps the only useful one! Check out my video here:
- YOUR FIRST MOVE IS THEIR LAST MOVE CHALLENGE:
This one is done with family members, where each person gets a turn on the dance floor. Their successor has to copy their move and add another for the next person in line.
While I enjoy making videos, none of my family members feel the same way, so this one isn’t going to happen!
- VIDEO MONTAGES:
People promoting social causes have caught on to the attraction of these challenges, and are creating video montages with workers of the organisation, or persons supporting a cause. It involves multiple people singing the same song, something like this:
On similar lines, my son’s school asked us to make a video of us lip-syncing to “Heal the World” to celebrate Earth Day. Of course, I’ve participated, but that video won’t be shared on social media.
- BIRTHDAY VIDEOS:
Since no one is celebrating birthdays, family members are resorting to making funny or sweet birthday videos by collecting messages from their near and dear ones. I’ve filmed for a couple of these too.
All this video shooting business has kept me extremely busy in the last week, but at least it’s been fun 🙂
Have you participated in any of these viral video challenges? If not, I challenge you to try one of your choice and tag me anywhere on social media.
Here’s my tip to beat the lockdown blues today:
Make a small video diary of your thoughts during lockdown on your phone. It’s great if you’ve been journaling through this period, but a visual representation will have a special meaning when you watch it years later. You don’t have to share it anywhere- just keep it for yourself.
Unfortunately, I haven’t seen any TV shows with the letter V, so I have a movie recommendation for you instead:
“Vicky Donor” on Amazon Prime Video is the story of a young boy in Delhi, trying to make a quick buck by donating his sperm to an infertility clinic. He earns a lot of money as he’s very fertile, but his personal life suffers as a result. This was Ayushmann Khurrana’s first big performance and is quite the laugh riot.
A book you should read is:
“Veronika Decides to Die” by Paulo Coelho, which is a stark commentary on suicide among dissatisfied youth.
That’s all for today folks! I’m so excited for the weekend and I hope you are too.
Please check out my daily update videos on Instagram Stories for #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer and follow me there to stay better connected. Also tell me your favourite TV Shows/ movies/ books/ bloggers with the letter V?
Vale till tomorrow! (farewell in Latin)
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This post has been written for the #AtoZChallenge 2020. My theme this year is #LockdownWithTheLadyLawyer, where I’m journaling my thoughts during the coronavirus lockdown, and sharing numerous recommendations that will help keep your spirits up. Read my other posts here:
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