From Influencers to Inside Jokes: Fake IDs as Social Media Props in 2025

In 2025, social media is more than just a place to share updates—it’s a performance stage, a storytelling platform, and a space where creativity is currency. One of the most unexpected props to rise in popularity this year? Fake novelty IDs. From Instagram reels to TikTok trends, these playful creations are no longer just for themed parties—they’ve become visual punchlines, aesthetic accessories, and conversation starters that fit perfectly into the fast-paced world of digital content.

The Influencer Effect

Influencers have a way of spotting trends before they hit the mainstream, and novelty IDs are no exception. Whether it’s a lifestyle vlogger showcasing a “membership” to their fictional club, or a gamer live-streaming with a “pro player” badge, these IDs add a layer of personality that goes beyond captions. They act as instant icebreakers, helping influencers connect with followers in a way that feels personal and authentic. For more creative examples, visit our blogs and see how trendsetters are adapting novelty designs to fit their brand voice.

From Public Trends to Private Jokes

Not every trend is meant for a wide audience—sometimes, the best uses of novelty IDs happen behind closed doors. These private creations often carry more meaning than their public counterparts, because they’re tied to shared memories, experiences, and jokes that only a small circle can truly appreciate. The exclusivity is part of the charm; it transforms the ID from a simple novelty into a treasured piece of a group’s history.

Friends design them for group chats, inside jokes, or virtual parties, creating personalized badges that make the moment more memorable. These IDs might commemorate a hilarious slip of the tongue, a team victory in an online game, or even a fictional “job title” that’s stuck over time. In these moments, the novelty ID becomes more than a prop—it becomes a symbol of belonging, a reminder that you’re part of a specific story or in-joke that outsiders wouldn’t fully get.

They’ve become tokens of shared humor, a visual representation of moments only certain people will understand. This private use mirrors the nostalgic keepsake value of old-school collectibles while taking advantage of today’s tech-savvy creativity. Just as photo albums once preserved snapshots of special events, these digital and physical IDs preserve the laughter, the bonding, and the unique identity of a group in a way that feels both personal and timeless.

The Review Factor

As the trend grows, so does the curiosity about quality. People are increasingly turning to resources like our Fake ID Review section to compare designs, themes, and durability. Whether for digital display or physical keepsakes, the demand for premium novelty IDs is on the rise. Shoppers explore our shop for unique designs, then use our order process to bring them to life.

Meme Culture Fuel

Platforms like TikTok and Twitter have amplified the reach of novelty IDs by blending them with viral meme formats. These platforms thrive on quick, visual jokes that can be understood in seconds, making novelty IDs a perfect fit. When a badge or pass is instantly recognizable as both official-looking and absurd, it captures attention in a crowded feed and encourages viewers to share it with their networks.

This is where ideas like “VIP Pass to the Monday Morning Struggle Bus” or “Official Snack Quality Inspector” take off, gaining thousands of shares. Their humor lies in the exaggerated authority of the title paired with the everyday, relatable experience it references. By using the familiar structure of an official ID, these memes strike a balance between believable design and comedic intent, which is why they resonate so strongly with audiences online.

For more on this fusion of humor and authority design, check out The Memeification of Authority. The ongoing blend of meme culture and novelty identification continues to evolve, with creators constantly finding fresh ways to remix formats and play with the visual language of authority. It’s a creative cycle that ensures novelty IDs will remain a staple in the online humor toolkit for years to come.

The College Scene

On campuses, novelty IDs have become part of the student culture—used in dorm décor, themed events, and online skits. These IDs often serve as conversation starters, breaking the ice between students who might not know each other yet. Whether displayed on a wall, worn during a campus event, or featured in a short-form video, they offer a lighthearted way for students to express individuality and humor in a shared space.

Some even end up as part of the “ID walls” that Gen Z is famous for, like those explored in Welcome to the ID Wall. These walls act as visual scrapbooks of a group’s time together, displaying everything from inside jokes to themed party passes. Each ID tells a story, capturing a moment that might otherwise fade into memory but instead becomes part of a collective display.

Themed events, from Halloween parties to club initiation nights, often incorporate novelty IDs as part of the experience. Students create badges to fit the night’s theme, making them both functional and memorable. Online, these moments are often shared as part of TikTok challenges or Instagram reels, further spreading the campus humor beyond the dorms and into a broader digital audience.

Our best fake ID for college guide offers inspiration for students looking to join the trend with safe, fun, and creative designs. From simple joke titles to elaborate designs that mimic official cards, there’s no shortage of ways for students to put their spin on this tradition. The result is a blend of on-campus bonding and digital sharing that keeps the novelty ID trend alive and thriving in the college scene.

Beyond the Party

While novelty IDs still shine at themed gatherings, their role as a social media prop is now just as important. They’ve appeared in workplace games, online team-building exercises, and even virtual networking events—proving that humor has no limits when it comes to setting the right mood. Our post on Workplace Icebreakers Just Got Wild dives deeper into this growing use case.

Why IDPapa Leads the Way

At IDPapa, we’ve seen firsthand how the novelty ID trend has evolved from physical cards to multi-platform props. Whether you want a design to show off at a party, share on social media, or keep as a collectible, our team delivers the highest quality. That’s why we’re recognized as a reliable novelty ID store and a trusted source for buying fake IDs online for creative, legal, and entertainment purposes.

Looking Ahead

With AR and AI-powered design tools becoming more accessible, we can expect novelty IDs to grow even more interactive, immersive, and personalized in the coming years. From influencers turning them into branding tools to friend groups using them for private laughs, 2025 proves that identity play—whether public or private—is here to stay. For more inspiration, browse our blogs and see why we’re the go-to choice for creative ID concepts in every setting.