TikTokers are going crazy for circle chains right now and they're willing to go to extreme lengths to earn them. Recently, memes about making the ultimate sacrifice for a specific type of circle chain used to memorialize a dead loved one have been going viral on the platform. But what is a circle chain exactly, and where are all these memes coming from? Here's what you need to know.

@2008hondacivicc

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What Is A Circle Chain?

On TikTok, the term "circle chain" is used to describe a specific type of chain adorned with a circular locket. The locket has angel wings coming from its sides and a photograph of a dead loved one is meant to be placed inside. The chain is meant to memorialize the dead loved one, making it a very personal piece for those who own them.

The origins of circle chains aren't too clear, but they started to get popular on TikTok in 2024. Between July and August 2024, several TikTokers posted videos showing off their circle chains, with one example gaining over a million views. While these pieces are obviously meaningful and, arguably, you might not want to have an excuse to wear one, they've started to become somewhat popular fashion pieces on the app.

@teesnacks2 ++50mil aura😎#fy#fypシ #explore #blowthisup #20boyss #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fypシ゚viral #funnyvideos #aura #circlechain #nike #ski #chain #angel ♬ BIRTHDAY S – guaapgirlly

How Are Circle Chains Used In Memes?

In August 2024, TikTokers started posting memes that poke fun at the type of person who wants a circle chain for fashion reasons only. The memes typically joke about someone murdering a friend or loved one just to get a circle chain and put their photo in it. The joke is that you can't have a circle chain unless you wear it to memorialize someone.

Some TikTokers seem to think the memes are a bit insensitive or "weird." This especially seems to be the case with TikTokers who actually own circle chains for their intended purpose, who see the meme as a bit disrespectful. This has led to videos where these TikTokers show off their circle chains and question the morality of those who simply want a circle chain as a fashion piece.

@hoop.angel #hoopangel ♬ original sound – hoop.angel

@kwameloll

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@atr4l_.k den yall makin jokes abt da chain#fypage #fyppppppppppppppppppppppp #fyp #foryoupageofficiall #fypシ゚viral ♬ original sound – fullexes

@sideriomitchell Close that backdoor 🤦🏾‍♂️🚪 . . . #fyp #foryoupage #boxing #boxer #viral #boxing🥊 #boxingtok #boxinglife #boxersoftiktok #boxerlife #fighter #fight #kingsid #kingsid👑 ♬ original sound – hoop.angel

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