200 Popular YouTube Challenges (And Ideas) to Help You Go Viral

by Zia Skyes
YouTube challenges

YouTube challenges are a proven way to increase subscribers and boost your channel’s visibility. They’re not only entertaining but can also spark viral trends that result in thousands, if not millions, of views. If you’re looking to grow your YouTube channel and attract more followers, YouTube challenge videos are an excellent tool for viral marketing.

Here’s how they can help your brand and channel:

  • Engage Your Audience: Keep viewers coming back with interactive content that encourages participation.
  • Stay on Trend: Follow the hottest challenges to stay relevant and keep your content fresh.
  • Create High-Quality Content: Well-executed challenges can showcase your creativity and video production skills.
  • Stand Out from the Crowd: Unique twists on popular challenges can set your brand and channel apart from the competition.

If you’re stuck on which YouTube challenges to try, we’ve got you covered! Here are 200 popular YouTube challenge ideas that you can do with friends or even on your own to spark your next viral moment.


Different YouTube Challenge Video Ideas

YouTube challenge videos have been a favorite of creators and audiences alike since the early days of the platform. From hilarious food challenges to creative art or fitness challenges, there’s something for every niche. These challenges are a fun way to engage with your audience, show off your personality, and grow your YouTube subscriber count. Whether you’re collaborating with friends or tackling a challenge solo, here are some of the best ideas to help your channel gain traction.

1. Ghost Pepper Challenge

Ghost Pepper Challenge

If you’re brave, try eating a ghost pepper. It’s one of the hottest peppers in the world. See how long you can handle the heat without drinking anything. Remember to be careful and have milk nearby in case it’s too spicy.

2. Guess-the-Flavor Challenge

Blindfold yourself and taste different flavored foods like candies or chips. Try to guess each flavor correctly. It’s fun to see how well you know your favorite snacks!

3. Pizza Challenge

Put random ingredients into mystery bags. Pick bags one by one and add those ingredients to your pizza. Then, bake it and taste your unique creation. It might be delicious or really weird!

4. Gummy Food vs. Real Food Challenge

Place two covered plates in front of you and a friend. One has real food, and the other has a gummy version. Choose a plate and eat what’s inside. It’s exciting to see who gets what!

5. Chubby Bunny Challenge

Put one marshmallow in your mouth at a time and say “Chubby Bunny” after each one. See how many you can fit without chewing or swallowing. It’s funny but be careful not to choke.

6. Eat It or Wear It Challenge

Fill bags with different foods. Pick a bag and decide if you’ll eat a spoonful or wear it by dumping it over your head. The person who wears the least food wins. It’s messy but hilarious!

7. Exploding Watermelon Challenge

Wrap rubber bands around a watermelon one at a time. Keep adding rubber bands until the watermelon explodes from the pressure. It’s suspenseful and exciting to watch.

8. McDonald’s Roulette Challenge

At the drive-thru, order exactly what the person in front of you ordered without knowing what it is. You might get something you love or something unexpected!

9. Pancake Art Challenge

Use pancake batter and food coloring to make creative pancake designs. Compete with friends to see who can make the best pancake art. Let your imagination run wild!

10. Sour vs. Sweet Challenge

In each round, randomly choose between a sour or a sweet food. Try them out and see your reactions. It’s fun to do with a friend.

11. Honeycomb Candy Challenge (Squid Game)

Honeycomb Candy Challenge (Squid Game)

Make Dalgona candy like in the “Squid Game” show. Try to cut out the shape in the candy without breaking it. It’s harder than it looks!

12. Spicy vs. Extremely Spicy Food Challenge

Choose between eating spicy food or something even spicier. See who can handle the heat better. Make sure to have water or milk nearby.

13. Don’t Wipe Your Mouth Challenge

Eat messy foods like ribs or spaghetti but don’t wipe your mouth while eating. It’s funny to see how messy you get!

14. Mystery Drink Challenge

Prepare different drinks and cover them so you can’t see what’s inside. Taste each one and try to guess what it is. Some might taste good, others not so much!

15. Healthy vs. Junk Food Challenge

Randomly pick to eat either a healthy snack or a junk food item in each round. Compare them and see which you like better.

16. One Color Food Challenge

Eat only foods of one color for a whole day. For example, only red foods like strawberries, tomatoes, and red candies.

17. What’s in My Mouth Challenge

Blindfolded, taste different foods or items and guess what they are. It can be surprising and fun!

18. Let the Person in Front Decide What You Eat

At a restaurant or drive-thru, order the same meal as the person before you. Try out something new and unexpected!

19. Smoothie Challenge

Mix together random ingredients, some tasty and some not so tasty, into a smoothie. Then, try to drink it all. It might be delicious or really strange!

20. Bean Boozled Challenge

Try jelly beans that look the same but have very different flavors. Some taste good, and others taste really bad. It’s a surprise every time!

21. Ice Cream Taste Test Challenge

 Ice Cream Taste Test Challenge

Blindfold yourself and taste different ice cream flavors. Try to guess each one correctly. Perfect for ice cream lovers!

22. Tin Can Challenge

Remove the labels from canned foods. Pick a can, open it, and eat a spoonful. Try to guess what it is. Some cans might have yummy food, others might not.

23. Baby Food Challenge

Taste different kinds of baby food and guess the flavors. You might be surprised by how they taste!

24. Hungry Hippo Challenge

Using only your mouth, try to pick up as many small candies or marshmallows as you can in a certain time. No hands allowed!

25. Brand Name vs. Generic Brand Challenge

Taste test brand-name products against generic store brands to see if you can tell the difference.

26. Whipped Cream Challenge

Put whipped cream on the back of your hand, flick it up, and try to catch it in your mouth. It’s fun and tasty!

27. Who Wore It Better Challenge

With a friend, recreate a celebrity’s outfit using clothes you have. Let viewers decide who did it better.

28. Coin Flip Challenge

Flip a coin to decide who does a dare or challenge. Heads or tails will determine your fate!

29. Making My Friend Ugly Challenge

Give your friend the silliest makeover you can. Use funny clothes and crazy makeup. It’s all for laughs!

30. Mute Challenge

During different activities, when someone says “mute,” everyone has to be silent. If you make a noise, you lose a point.

31. Doing Each Other’s Makeup Challenge

With a friend, do each other’s makeup. You might end up looking fabulous or funny!

32. Mom vs. Dad Outfit Challenge

Ask your mom and dad to pick out outfits for you within a budget. See who knows your style better.

33. Last to Use Wi-Fi Challenge

Compete to see who can go the longest without using the internet. It’s harder than it sounds!

34. Say No to Everything for 24 Hours

For a whole day, say “no” to any requests or questions. See how people react and how it changes your day.

35. Handcuffed to Your Sibling for 24 Hours

Spend an entire day handcuffed to your brother or sister. Experience everything together and see how you handle it.

36. Drive-Thru Swap Challenge

While in a drive-thru, swap seats with someone in the car before reaching the window. See how the staff reacts!

37. Truth or Dare Challenge

Take turns choosing “truth” to answer a question honestly or “dare” to do a fun task.

38. Who Knows Me Better?

Test your friends or family to see who knows you best by asking personal questions.

39. Two Truths and a Lie Challenge

Tell two true things and one lie about yourself. Others have to guess which one is the lie.

40. Blindfolded Drawing Challenge

Blindfold yourself and try to draw something. Compare it to how it should look. It’s often hilarious!

41. Yoga Challenge

Try different yoga poses, some of which are tricky. See how well you can do them, either alone or with a partner.

42. Copying Each Other for 24 Hours

Spend a day copying everything another person does. It can be funny or maybe a little annoying!

43. Good Deed Challenge

Do random acts of kindness throughout the day. Help others and make them smile.

44. 100 Layers Challenge

Apply 100 layers of something, like nail polish or clothing. See what happens and how it looks at the end.

45. Speed Dance Challenge

Dance to songs that keep getting faster. Try to keep up with the beat!

46. Don’t Look Away Challenge

Don't Look Away Challenge

Watch gross or scary videos without looking away. Test your bravery!

47. Guess the Movie from the Song Challenge

Listen to songs from movies and try to guess which movie they’re from.

48. 30-Day Drawing Challenge

Draw something every day for 30 days. Share your artwork and see how you improve.

49. Dressing as Celebrities Challenge

Dress up like famous celebrities and go out in public. See how people react.

50. Recreating Influencers’ Instagram Photos

Pick popular Instagram photos and try to recreate them as closely as possible.

51. Thrift Flip Challenge

Buy clothes from a thrift store and transform them into stylish outfits. Show off your DIY skills!

52. Let Strangers Choose Your Outfit

At a mall or store, ask random people to pick out clothes for you to wear.

53. Try Not to Get Uncomfortable Challenge

Watch awkward or cringy videos without showing discomfort.

54. Try Not to Get Scared Challenge

Watch scary movies or videos and try not to react.

55. 5-Minute Crafts Challenge

 5-Minute Crafts Challenge

Try to complete DIY projects in under five minutes. See if you can do it!

56. Sing Anything Challenge

Use a few chords on an instrument and try to sing as many songs as you can.

57. Difficult Video Game Challenge

Play a hard level or game mode and see how well you can do.

58. Visiting the Worst-Rated Place

Go to a place with bad reviews, like a restaurant or salon, and share your experience.

59. Dollar Store DIY Challenge

Create something amazing using only items from a dollar store.

60. Speaking Only a Foreign Language

If you know another language, speak only that language for a day.

61. Try Not to Laugh Challenge

Watch funny videos or hear jokes without laughing.

62. Best Friend Quiz Challenge

Test how well your best friend knows you with personal questions.

63. Truth or Drink Challenge

Ask personal questions. If someone doesn’t want to answer, they have to drink a funny or weird drink.

64. Never Have I Ever Challenge

Say things you’ve never done. Others who have done them have to admit it.

65. Innuendo Bingo Challenge

Fill your mouth with water while others try to make you laugh. Try not to spit it out!

66. Say Yes to Everything for 24 Hours

For a whole day, say “yes” to any requests or suggestions. See where it takes you!

67. Not My Arms Challenge

Someone stands behind you and acts as your arms while you try to do tasks.

68. Extreme Waxing Challenge

Try waxing parts of your body and see who can handle it better.

69. Bottle Flip Challenge

Flip a water bottle and try to make it land upright. Simple but fun!

70. Speed Drawing Challenge

Draw a picture as quickly as possible. See how good it looks under time pressure.

71. The Floor Is Lava Challenge

When someone says “the floor is lava,” you have to get off the ground quickly.

72. No Mirror Makeup Challenge

Apply your makeup without using a mirror. See how well you do!

73. No Thumbs Challenge

No Thumbs Challenge

Tape your thumbs to your hands and try to do everyday tasks.

74. 1% Challenge

Try to do things that only 1% of people can do, like rolling your tongue in a special way.

75. Dad Jokes Challenge

Tell corny jokes to each other and try not to laugh.

76. Try Not to Sing Along Challenge

Listen to catchy songs without singing or humming along.

77. Try Not to Dance Challenge

Play music that makes you want to dance, but stay still!

78. Try Not to Get Mad Challenge

Watch frustrating videos without showing anger.

79. Keep Singing Challenge

Keep singing a song even when others try to distract you.

80. Keep Dancing Challenge

Continue dancing no matter what happens around you.

81. Say It Backwards Challenge

Say It Backwards Challenge

Try to say words or phrases backward.

82. 7-Second Challenge

Complete tasks or answer questions in under seven seconds.

83. Roast Yourself Challenge

Make a video where you jokingly point out your own flaws.

84. Say Anything Challenge

Take turns saying random words. If you hesitate or repeat, you lose.

85. Disney Trivia Challenge

Test your knowledge of Disney movies, songs, and characters.

86. Try Not to Make a Sound Challenge

Do noisy tasks without making any sound. If you do, you lose a point.

87. Try Not to Say “Wow” Challenge

Watch amazing videos without saying “wow.”

88. The No-Look Challenge

Point in a direction without looking, and others try not to point the same way.

89. Lunchbox Switch-Up Challenge

Swap lunchboxes with someone without knowing what’s inside. Enjoy the surprise meal!

90. Last to Stand Up Challenge

Stay seated as long as possible. The last person to stand up wins.

91. Last to Leave the Room Wins

Stay in a room longer than anyone else to win a prize.

92. Last to Leave the Circle Wins

Stand inside a circle. The last person to stay inside wins.

93. What’s in the Box Challenge

Put your hand in a box and feel an item. Try to guess what it is.

94. 24-Hour Overnight Challenge

Spend 24 hours in an unusual place, like a tent in your backyard.

95. Three Marker Challenge

Color a picture using only three random markers.

96. Alphabet Food Challenge

Eat foods that start with each letter of the alphabet in order.

97. Pause Challenge

When someone says “pause,” you must freeze until they say “play.”

98. No Mirror Hairstyle Challenge

Style your hair without looking in a mirror.

99. Blindfolded Taste Test Challenge

Blindfolded, taste foods and try to identify them.

100. Try Not to Blink Challenge

See how long you can keep your eyes open without blinking.

101. Blindfolded Hairstyle Challenge

Style someone else’s hair while blindfolded. See how it turns out!

102. Balloon Popping Challenge

Balloon Popping Challenge

Pop as many balloons as you can in a set time without using your hands.

103. No Hands Eating Challenge

Eat a meal without using your hands. It’s messy but fun!

104. 24-Hour Silence Challenge

Stay completely silent for an entire day. Communicate without speaking.

105. Spicy Noodle Challenge

Eat very spicy noodles and see who can finish them without drinking water.

106. Language Swap Challenge

Switch languages with a friend and try to have a conversation.

107. Ice Bucket Challenge

Pour a bucket of ice water over yourself. It’s chilly but for a good cause!

108. $10 Meal Challenge

Make a full meal for under $10. Show how to cook on a budget.

109. Blindfolded Slime Making Challenge

Make slime while blindfolded. Hope it turns out right!

110. Left-Handed Challenge

Use your non-dominant hand for tasks all day.

111. Yoga Ball Challenge

Do exercises or tricks using a yoga ball.

112. DIY Haircut Challenge

Cut your own hair at home. Be careful and maybe get help!

113. Lego Building Challenge

Build something creative with Lego bricks.

114. Mentos and Soda Experiment

Drop Mentos candy into soda and watch it fizz up.

115. Watermelon Eating Challenge

See who can eat a slice of watermelon the fastest.

116. Food vs. No Food Challenge

Food vs. No Food Challenge

Spin a wheel to see if you get to eat or have to skip a snack.

117. Try Not to Move Challenge

Stay completely still while others try to make you move.

118. Old Age Makeup Challenge

Use makeup to make yourself look older.

119. Blindfolded Nail Painting Challenge

Paint your nails without looking. See how neat you can be!

120. One Chip Challenge

Eat a super spicy chip and see how long you can last without relief.

121. Accent Challenge

Try speaking in different accents from around the world.

122. Chapstick Challenge

Guess the flavor of lip balm your partner applies.

123. Photo Recreation Challenge

Recreate old family photos as closely as possible.

124. No Electronics for 24 Hours

Spend a whole day without using any electronic devices.

125. Food Roulette Challenge

Spin a wheel to decide which food you have to eat.

126. Spelling Bee Challenge

Compete to spell tricky words correctly.

127. Guess the Baby Picture Challenge

Match baby photos to the right person.

128. 24-Hour Glow-Up Challenge

Spend a day improving your look and well-being.

129. Guess the Emoji Song Challenge

Figure out song titles based on sequences of emojis.

130. Fastest Talker Challenge

See who can read a passage the fastest without mistakes.

131. Balloon Keep-Up Challenge

Keep a balloon in the air as long as possible using only your breath.

132. Gallon of Water a Day Challenge

Drink a gallon of water over the course of a day.

133. Room Makeover Challenge

Room Makeover Challenge

Redecorate a room within a set budget and time.

134. Impersonation Challenge

Imitate celebrities or characters and have others guess who you’re acting as.

135. Extreme Hide and Seek

Play hide and seek in a large or unusual place.

136. Whisper Singing Challenge

Sing songs by whispering, and others try to guess what you’re singing.

137. Water War Card Game

Play a card game where the loser gets splashed with water.

138. Tiny Hands Challenge

Use tiny plastic hands to do tasks. It’s harder than you think!

139. One Bite Challenge

Try to eat different foods in just one bite.

140. One-Second Song Challenge

Guess songs after hearing only one second of music.

141. Try Not to Sneeze Challenge

Try Not to Sneeze Challenge

Sniff things like pepper and try not to sneeze.

142. Eat Without Utensils Challenge

Eat a meal without forks, knives, or spoons.

143. Bubble Gum Blowing Challenge

See who can blow the biggest bubble with gum.

144. Juggling Challenge

Learn to juggle and show off your skills.

145. 24-Hour Reading Challenge

Try to read as many books as you can in one day.

146. Cooking Without a Recipe

Make a dish using only your creativity, no recipes allowed.

147. ASMR Challenge

Create soothing sounds and see how relaxing they are.

148. Tiny Food Cooking Challenge

Cook miniature versions of regular foods.

149. Opposite Hand Drawing Challenge

Draw using your non-dominant hand.

150. 1,000 Jump Rope Challenge

1,000 Jump Rope Challenge

Do 1,000 jump rope skips in one session.

151. Blindfolded Taste and Draw

Taste a food while blindfolded, then draw it from memory.

152. 24-Hour Camping Challenge

Camp out for a full day, either outdoors or indoors.

153. Blindfolded Puzzle Challenge

Solve a puzzle while blindfolded, using only touch.

154. No Reaction Challenge

Watch shocking videos without showing any reaction.

155. Paper Airplane Contest

Make paper airplanes and see whose flies the farthest.

156. Fastest Rubik’s Cube Challenge

Solve a Rubik’s Cube as quickly as you can.

157. Balloon Animal Challenge

Make balloon animals and see who makes the best one.

158. No Utensils Cooking Challenge

Cook a meal without using any cooking tools.

159. Spicy Wings Challenge

Eat chicken wings that get spicier each round.

160. Karaoke Randomizer Challenge

Sing random karaoke songs chosen by others.

161. Pancake Flip Challenge

Flip pancakes as many times as you can without dropping them.

162. Monochrome Outfit Challenge

Wear clothes of only one color for an entire day.

163. Extreme Fort Building Challenge

Build the coolest fort you can inside your home.

164. Tiny vs. Giant Food Challenge

Compare tiny and giant versions of the same food.

165. Makeup in the Dark Challenge

Apply makeup in a dark room. See how it turns out when the lights come on!

166. Unusual Drive-Thru Challenge

Go through a drive-thru in a funny way, like on foot or using a toy car.

167. Egg Toss Challenge

Toss eggs back and forth, stepping farther apart each time.

168. Lip Reading Challenge

Try to understand what someone is saying by reading their lips.

169. Blindfolded Cooking Challenge

Cook a dish while blindfolded, relying on your other senses.

170. Eat It or Sing It Challenge

Choose between eating something strange or singing a song.

171. Watermelon Carving Challenge

Carve creative designs into watermelons.

172. Dominant vs. Non-Dominant Hand Challenge

Do tasks using your dominant hand and then your non-dominant hand to compare.

173. Colorblind Drawing Challenge

Colorblind Drawing Challenge

Use a colorblindness filter while drawing and see how your picture turns out.

174. 24-Hour Food Challenge

Eat only a certain type of food for a whole day, like only fruit or only cereal.

175. Makeup Swap Challenge

Swap makeup bags with a friend and create a look using only their products.

176. Fake Injury Prank Challenge

Prank your friends by pretending you have a minor injury.

177. Water Balloon Fight Challenge

Have a fun water balloon fight and see who gets soaked the most.

178. Sticky Note Challenge

Cover a surface or a friend with as many sticky notes as possible.

179. Draw It or Eat It Challenge

Choose to draw a food item or eat it without using your hands.

180. Emoji Storytelling Challenge

Tell a story using only emojis and have others guess what it is.

181. Blindfolded Makeup Shopping Challenge

Shop for makeup while blindfolded and then use what you bought.

182. Extreme Face Painting Challenge

Paint each other’s faces with wild designs.

183. Backwards Challenge

Do everyday tasks while walking or moving backward.

184. No Laughter Challenge

Try not to laugh while others do funny things to make you giggle.

185. Create Your Own Language Challenge

Invent a new language and try to teach it to others.

186. Upside-Down Drawing Challenge

Draw a picture while the paper is upside down.

187. Fast Food Frenzy Challenge

Visit multiple fast-food places and order their signature items.

188. Song Association Challenge

Say or sing a song that contains a specific word given to you.

189. Paper Cup Tower Challenge

Build the tallest tower you can using only paper cups.

190. Dance Choreography Challenge

Create a dance routine in a short amount of time.

191. Silent Library Challenge

Perform funny tasks in a quiet place without making noise.

192. Blindfolded Hairstyle Shopping Challenge

Shop for hair accessories blindfolded and then use them to style your hair.

193. Memory Tray Challenge

Look at a tray of items for a short time, then try to remember all of them.

194. Taste Test Challenge

Compare different brands of the same food to see which tastes better.

195. Sibling Telepathy Challenge

With a sibling, try to pick the same item from a selection without talking.

196. DIY Sock Puppet Challenge

DIY Sock Puppet Challenge

Make sock puppets and put on a short show.

197. Tongue Twister Challenge

Say tongue twisters and see who can say them correctly.

198. Storytelling Relay Challenge

Start a story, then each person adds to it one sentence at a time.

199. Blindfolded Obstacle Course

Set up an obstacle course and navigate it while blindfolded.

200. Recycled Material Craft Challenge

Create something new using only recycled materials.

Final Thoughts

The key to creating viral YouTube challenges is to think like a creator, not just a follower. Instead of replicating what others have done, put your own twist on it. Consider how you can make a familiar challenge feel fresh or more aligned with your personality and brand.

Challenges are more than just a trend; they’re a tool to elevate your engagement rates, gain new subscribers, and build a loyal audience. Take these 200 challenge ideas, add your unique spin, and you’ll be well on your way to growing a successful YouTube channel in no time.

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