Bizarre and viral trends captivated millions in 2016

Viral trends come and go each year -- and 2016 was no exception. There were dance challenges, optical illusions, and even a man in a red sweater that captured the attention of people all across the world. We can't talk about viral content from this year without mentioning #TheMannequinChallenge. High school students, celebrities, athletes and probably many people you know have stood frozen in place to become part of this internet sensation.

And who can forget the infectious laugh of "Chewbacca Mom" Candace Payne? Her Facebook video showing her reaction to an electronic Chewbacca mask left many people laughing through tears. She appeared on many morning and late night talk shows and she reportedly raked in close to half a million dollars from her viral hit including college scholarships for her children.

Click through the gallery above to see more viral trends including a debate that rivals "The Dress" controversy of 2015.

By: Lindsay Keeler