Meme Templates
A meme template is the blank, un-captioned version of a meme
image — the reusable frame everyone adds their own text to. Each template here comes with its origin,
what the format means, and captions that fit its structure.
Drag any line on the image to move it.
How a two-panel template reads
TOP TEXT sets up the thing being rejected
BOTTOM TEXT names what is preferred instead
BOTTOM TEXT names what is preferred instead
- Top box — states the premise
- Setup — what gets dismissed
- Bottom box — the reversal
- Punchline — the preferred option
Not every format works this way — reaction templates carry a single caption, and multi-panel
formats run four or more. But the two-panel setup-and-reversal is the backbone of most image macros,
and recognising it is most of what makes a caption land.
Template categories
Reaction formatsSingle-caption faces and gestures used as replies.81 formats plannedAnimal formatsCat, dog, hamster, monkey and lizard templates.74 formats plannedPeople formatsBuilt around one person’s expression or moment.48 formats plannedLife & occasion formatsWeekdays, birthdays, holidays, work and school.77 formats planned
Meme formats explained
No Meme (Y U No Guy)Origin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.38,000 searches/moHand on Shoulder MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.29,000 searches/moWillem Dafoe Meme (Looking Up)Origin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.26,100 searches/moDoge MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.24,000 searches/moLow Cortisol Meme (High vs Low Cortisol)Origin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.23,800 searches/moBen Affleck MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.17,000 searches/moVince McMahon MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.15,000 searches/moFirst Time MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.12,000 searches/moSquid Game MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.12,000 searches/moLet Me In MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.11,000 searches/moDoakes MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.7,500 searches/moLisa Simpson MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.7,200 searches/moJarvis MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.7,000 searches/moI Am Once Again Asking MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.6,900 searches/moOh No MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.6,900 searches/moGalaxy Brain MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.6,600 searches/moArthur Fist MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.5,800 searches/moBuzz Lightyear MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.5,600 searches/moThousand Yard Stare MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.5,400 searches/moMr Incredible MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.5,200 searches/moSay That Again MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.5,200 searches/moCharlie Day Meme (Pepe Silvia): Template, Meaning and CaptionsOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.5,000 searches/moKevin Hart Meme (Protected Kevin Hart): Template, Meaning and CaptionsOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.4,600 searches/moPeter Griffin Meme (Running Away): Template, Meaning and CaptionsOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.4,600 searches/moHomer Simpson MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.4,400 searches/moObama Medal Meme: Template, Meaning and CaptionsOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.4,400 searches/moWake Up MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.4,400 searches/moHere We Go Again MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.4,200 searches/moSteve Buscemi MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.4,100 searches/moSleepy MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.3,700 searches/moFinally MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.3,600 searches/moGroundhog Day MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.3,600 searches/moRun MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.3,600 searches/moYes Honey MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.3,300 searches/moStraight to Jail MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.3,200 searches/moTalking to a Wall MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.3,100 searches/moWilly Wonka MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.3,100 searches/moScooby Doo MemeOrigin, meaning, captions that work — plus an editor loaded with this template.3,000 searches/mo
Honest limits on templates
- We don’t own these frames. Most templates are stills from copyrighted film, TV
or comics. They are hosted for transformative captioning and removed on request — see the
takedown policy. - Formats go stale. A template that reads as funny this year can read as dated
within twelve months. Where a format is tied to a specific moment, the page says so. - A template is not a joke. The structure only carries the rhythm; the caption
still has to do the work.
Frequently asked questions
What is a meme template?
A meme template is the blank, un-captioned version of a meme image — the reusable
frame that people add their own text to in order to make a new meme.
Are these meme templates free to use?
Yes, every template on the site is free to caption and download with no account and
no watermark.
Can I upload my own template?
Yes. The editor accepts any image from your device through its upload field, and
captions it exactly like a built-in template.
Why does each template have an explanation?
Because a format has rules. Knowing where an image came from and what it is used to
say is what stops a caption reading as wrong to people who already know the meme.