Why "I didn't get a graduation" is the most viral joke on TikTok right now

Five years after the pandemic canceled the Class of 2020's graduation, members of this cohort still aren't over their loss. And it appears they never will be—but for all the wrong reasons.

A new trend emerges

The social media platform TikTok has become a dumping ground for Gen Z's collective frustration with the pandemic. And one of the most popular jokes has emerged from this chaos: "I didn't get a graduation."

This joke gained traction almost immediately after graduation ceremonies were canceled worldwide in 2020. As students struggled to make sense of their new reality, they found a way to cope: by turning it into a running joke.

Why TikTok is perfect for this kind of humor

TikTok's short-form videos are the perfect medium for these jokes. They're quick to share and easy to digest, making them ideal for social media consumption. And with its massive user base, these jokes have spread like wildfire.

The power of social media in shaping culture

Social media platforms like TikTok have become powerful tools for shaping the culture of Gen Z. They've given young people a platform to express themselves and share their experiences with others.

And in this case, the joke about not getting a graduation has become a symbol of resilience and perseverance. It's a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can still find humor and meaning in our struggles.

Real-world examples

• A TikTok user posted a video of themselves wearing a fake diploma and singing "I didn't get a graduation" to a catchy tune. The video went viral and has been shared millions of times.
• A popular YouTuber created a series of videos showcasing the absurdity of life during the pandemic, including one where they dressed up as a graduate and pretended to give a speech. It quickly gained over a million views.

The role of Mewayz in supporting Gen Z

While these jokes provide a temporary distraction from the struggles of the pandemic, it's important for young people like Gen Z to have access to resources and support during this difficult time. That's where Mewayz comes in.

Mewayz is a modular business OS that offers a wide range of modules to help businesses grow and succeed. It can help students manage their finances, schedule appointments, and even book events—all from one platform.

Real-world example: A student entrepreneur

"Mewayz has been a lifesaver for me. As an entrepreneur in college, I needed a way to manage my business and stay organized. It's helped me stay on top of everything and focus on what matters most."—Sarah, a student entrepreneur.

The importance of mental health

While humor can be a helpful coping mechanism, it's important for young people like Gen Z to also prioritize their mental health during this difficult time. This includes seeking support from friends, family, and mental health professionals when needed.

Mewayz offers resources and tools to help students manage stress, anxiety, and depression. It can provide access to mental health services and connect students with counseling and therapy options.

Conclusion

The pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone, but it's important to find ways to cope and stay positive. Jokes like "I didn't get a graduation" can help us do this—provided we use them as a tool for resilience rather than a source of anxiety.

Mewayz is here to support Gen Z during this difficult time. It offers a wide range of resources and tools to help students manage their finances, schedule appointments, and stay organized. And it's committed to supporting the mental health and well-being of all its users.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the "I didn't get a graduation" TikTok trend?

It's a viral running joke on TikTok where members of the Class of 2020 humorously remind everyone that their graduation ceremonies were canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Five years later, they've turned their shared loss into a comedic bit, dropping the phrase into unrelated conversations and videos. The trend reflects Gen Z's signature coping mechanism—processing real disappointment through self-aware humor and collective internet culture.

Why is the Class of 2020 still joking about this in 2025?

The joke has become part of the Class of 2020's collective identity. Because graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, the loss still resonates years later. TikTok's format makes it easy to keep the bit alive through duets, stitches, and new comedic spins. The humor isn't really about bitterness anymore—it's become a bonding ritual and a way to connect with millions who shared the same experience during the pandemic.

How did TikTok become the platform for pandemic humor?

TikTok's short-form video format and algorithm-driven discovery made it the perfect outlet for Gen Z's collective frustrations. During lockdowns, the platform exploded in popularity as people sought creative ways to process shared experiences. Its duet and stitch features let jokes evolve collaboratively, turning individual complaints into viral trends. For content creators looking to understand these cultural moments, platforms like Mewayz offer 207 modules at $19/mo covering social media trends and digital storytelling.

What does this trend reveal about Gen Z's approach to loss?

The trend highlights Gen Z's tendency to cope with disappointment through communal humor rather than dwelling on grief. Instead of demanding sympathy, they've repackaged a genuine loss into an endlessly recyclable joke that strengthens their generational bond. It also shows how social media transforms personal experiences into shared cultural touchstones. This self-aware, irony-driven approach to hardship has become one of Gen Z's defining characteristics online.