From Tralalero to Taylor Swift Memes: How Italian BrainRot Took Over TikTok (and Celebrities Too!)

What began as strange, AI-generated nonsense on TikTok has grown into a worldwide craze, with celebrities and influencers joining in on the fun. The Italian BrainRot movement, which used to be only for Gen Z and Gen Alpha users, is now mixing up internet silliness with popular culture.

The movement, which is marked by crazy graphics and fake Italian voiceovers, has created many characters, like 'Tralalero Tralala,' 'Ballerina Cappuccina,' and 'Bombardino Crocodilo.' The content doesn't make sense, is too exciting, and doesn't fit together. That's the goal. Famous People Crossover A-listers haven't formally marketed the Italian BrainRot world yet, but it has captured the attention of celebrities and their fans.

Celebrity Crossover

Though not officially promoted by any A-listers (yet), the Italian BrainRot universe has caught the attention of celebrities and their fanbases. Influencer edits imagining Taylor Swift, Harry Styles, and even Pedro Pascal as BrainRot characters have gone viral, racking up millions of views. TikTok users are splicing clips of Swift's Eras Tour performances with 'Ballerina Cappuccina' voiceovers, or turning Styles into 'Professor Mozzarellini.'

A recent TikTok series titled 'Celebrities as Italian BrainRot characters' has garnered over 25 million views. One video pairs Zendaya's red carpet look with an AI voice saying 'Principessa di Pizza Napoletana,' while another overlays Timothée Chalamet's Dune promo footage with 'Tralalero Shark Attack.'

The reactions have ranged from hilarious to head-scratching. 'I have no idea what's going on, but I'm invested,' one viewer commented. Another wrote, 'It's giving Eurovision chaos meets Pixar villain era.'

Influencers Drive the Trend

TikTok stars like Chris Olsen, Britt Barbie, and Filipino creator Niana Guerrero have leaned into the meme, posting dance challenges or skits inspired by the trend.

Olsen recently shared a video attempting to 'speak fluent Italian BrainRot,' mimicking the exaggerated accents with tongue-twisting gusto. Meanwhile, Guerrero danced with a plush shark dressed in Nike gear—a nod to the infamous Tralalero Tralala.

The trend has now migrated to YouTube Shorts and Instagram Reels, with creators launching 'BrainRot Challenges,' fan art series, and even fake trailers for imaginary animated films based on the meme characters. Some creators are even selling unofficial BrainRot-themed merchandise, from stickers to shirts emblazoned with nonsensical catchphrases like 'Zippolini Calamarini.'

From Meme to Movement?

Experts say the appeal lies in BrainRot's absurdist escapism. 'This is post-meme culture at its peak,' says digital culture analyst Maria Feldman. 'It's not meant to make sense—it's about chaos, colour, and cultural remixing.' Feldman likens it to the Dada art movement of the 1920s: anti-logic, deliberately irrational, and satirical.

But some are raising concerns. Paediatricians and psychologists have warned parents about the effects of overstimulation on young viewers, as many BrainRot videos are fast-paced and packed with visual noise. Others worry about the potential for culturally insensitive or inappropriate AI-generated content to slip through the cracks.

Still, with no signs of slowing down, and with celebrity edits gaining steam, the Italian BrainRot trend might be entering its next phase: Mainstream parody, merch deals, and perhaps an official celeb cameo or two.

Whether it's celebrity fancasts or AI-enhanced music remixes, BrainRot has proven it's more than a fleeting TikTok gag. In a world craving humour, chaos, and distraction, even Taylor Swift as 'Cappuccina Mozzarella' somehow makes perfect sense.