AI startup Luma Labs released Dream Machine last week, and already its AI-based video generation software has proven to be extremely popular. Demand for Dream Machine overloaded Luma’s servers to the point that it implemented a waiting system and a daily prompt limit for its free tier. Now users are putting the AI model through their paces by animating and creating augmented versions of popular memes – and the results are blowing my mind.
Content creator Madni Aghadi started the trend over the weekend with a thread on X (formerly Twitter) of popular still image memes converted into videos using Dream Machine, according to Know Your Meme. Examples include Distracted Boyfriend, Captain Picard’s infamous face palm, and more.
Naturally, the thread inspired other users to try giving new life to their favorite memes. We’ve collected some of the best examples for you to check out below. We even tried our hand at animating one of our favorite still image memes.
1. Distracted boyfriend
Dream Machine by Luma AI is only 3 days old. Now memes are turning into videos. 10 wild examples:1. Distracted boyfriend pic.twitter.com/QXNDQdkY4PJune 15, 2024
First it’s an oldie (well, at least in terms of meme lifespan) but a goodie. As a video, Distracted Boyfriend shows the eponymous partner picking on another woman who walks by and even starts following her. His girlfriend looks around in shock just like in the meme. He also appears to glance at the woman before staring up into the sky and awkwardly shifting into place next to him as he walks, as if they were video game character models stuck together.
2. Successful child
Hell yes, good luck! The popular reaction image of a baby on a beach with a smug look on his face and clenched fist doesn’t really add much in the video format. He shakes his fist slightly, sways back and forth, and quickly distracts himself to stare at something in the distance. (Maybe it’s the same thing the girlfriend was watching? I smell a crossover episode!)
3. Baby wearing Nike Jordans
Be free! https://t.co/QOSyBMthYC pic.twitter.com/BILnUHlxeDJune 16, 2024
I couldn’t find a name for it on Know Your Meme, but it was too funny not to include. The original image shows a baby sleeping on a mattress with adult Nike Jordan sneakers that clearly outsize their little feet. Dream Machine really took that prompt and ran with it – and I mean that literally.
In the video version, the baby emerges and breaks away in a mad dash out the window into a sunlit suburban yard. This video might be the grossest as the baby floats around like a marionette supported by invisible strings and seems to run right through the window glass. Then again, who knows, maybe there are fancy new glassless windows out there and I’m just out of step with the times.
4. Deez nuts
Is this joke immature? yes Do I still do it regularly? You bet. The infamous Deez Nuts video, easily the oldest meme on this list (it even predates YouTube), now has an extended version thanks to Dream Machine. And out of all of these, this one got the biggest laugh out of me.
After delivering the key line over the phone, his face fades for a second before he turns his head and stares straight into the camera, viciously mugging as what sounds like an off-brand version of Law & Order dun’ plays.
5. I’m getting out of here
I can’t tell you why this meme always makes me laugh, but since it does, I thought it would be the perfect candidate for video editing. The Animal Crossing villager’s walk animation looks pretty bold, almost like a paper doll moving instead of a 3D object. And don’t ask me what their shirt does. Either the Dream Machines were trying to mimic the material that swayed back and forth with their stride, or they mistook the shirt for a peasant’s body part. (Am I crazy or does it seem that way breathing?) Dream Machine also generated a bit of alphabet soup from the “I’m leaving” caption in the original image.
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