When did Italian Brainrot start?

Italian Brainrot began appearing on social media platforms in late 2023, with the phenomenon gaining significant traction and mainstream recognition throughout 2024. The exact start date is difficult to pinpoint because the meme evolved gradually from earlier 'brainrot' content and AI-generated memes. Early examples likely appeared when creators began experimenting with AI voice generation tools that had become more accessible and sophisticated. The format gained momentum as algorithms on platforms like TikTok and YouTube began promoting the hypnotic, engaging content to wider audiences. By early 2024, Italian Brainrot had become a recognizable meme format with established characters and phrases. The peak popularity occurred during mid-2024 when the content began appearing across multiple platforms and inspiring countless variations and remixes. The timeline reflects the typical lifecycle of internet memes: gradual emergence, rapid viral growth, peak popularity, and then integration into broader meme culture. The phenomenon's growth was accelerated by its perfect adaptation to short-form video platforms and its appeal to audiences seeking easily consumable, entertaining content. The timing also coincided with increased interest in AI-generated content and digital absurdism.