What In The World Is The 'Ash Baby'? The TikTok Reaction Meme Explained

If you've seen a screaming baby made of ash on your TikTok, don't worry. It's not real. But the memes are real, and they're really funny. People have been using an image of a grey baby seemingly made out of ash as a meme on TikTok, a sight that would be horrifying if wasn't immediately apparent that the image was decidedly made up.

Despite all the raging debates about the ethics of AI-generated art, it's safe to say that the screaming baby made of ash image is one of few that many are glad is made by a computer. Here's where the photo of the Ash Baby originated, and how it became a viral reaction meme online.

Where Did The Image Of Ash Baby Originate?

The image of a screaming baby made of ash was posted by Redditor /u/HyperCool27 to /r/dalle2 back in October 2022. While still on the earlier end of the AI art trend, the images of the screaming ash-y baby still look quite creepy, eventually gathering about 1,000 upvotes on the subreddit.

How Did The Ash Baby Become A Meme?

The Ash Baby became a meme on TikTok after user @inert_mallice posted a brief animated clip showing a volcano exploding and covering an animated baby in ash. The meme went on to inspire other videos, such as the one posted by @brtallz where he jokes about the "world's brightest flashlight" turning his own baby to ash.

@lord_of_all_beans #fyp #foryiu #foryourpage #blowthisup #funny #memes #foryoupageofficiall #viral #likethis #baby #volcano ♬ original sound – lord_of_all_beans

@brtallz Q isso cara #Meme #foryou #fy #humor #fyp ♬ original sound – zt0len

What Are Some More Ash Baby Memes?

@mararttinez Replying to @♠︎★. I was foolish for not including the iconic ash baby 😔(i didnt know who that was lol) #aang #firelordozai #avatarthelastairbender #ashbaby ♬ origineel geluid – Blackeyepannekoek_NL

@latlshat SCARY CLOSE UR EYES #lol #funny #ashbaby #scarybaby #fordalols #meme #funmy #scary ♬ windows breakcore – proloxx

@yerepito Pero era o no? #fortnite #fortniteog #fortnitechile #fortnitefail #fail #funny #humor #latino #chile ♬ sonido original – yerepito

@lazybear.vr MY EYES!!- wait.. I dont got any.. 🤔 | #vrchat #vrchatmoments #viral #trend #ashbaby #meme #fullbodytracking #fullbodytrackingvrchat #fyp #vrchatspartan #spartan #flashbang ♬ original sound – Guinness World Records

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For the full history of Ash Baby, be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.