Memes don’t die because the format is bad. They die because the iteration feels lazy. Accounts that do well with character + cat reaction templates usually add at least one “fresh” element: a new timing beat, a tighter caption punchline, or an unexpected juxtaposition with the audio.
Creators often improve engagement by keeping the structure consistent while changing one variable. For example, they might keep the cat reaction and swap the “Teto” referenced angle, or they might keep the audio and change the visual edit to match a new joke setup. That’s how a trend stays recognizable while still feeling new.
What doesn’t work is reposting with only a different username or a nearly identical caption. If you’re building around teto tiktok goon catmeme, aim for recognizable structure plus a meaningful twist. Otherwise, the audience quickly clocks it as filler.
