In the summer of 2022, a young boy’s enthusiastic love for corn captured the hearts of millions online. The viral sensation, known as “Corn Kid” or Tariq, became an internet celebrity after appearing in an episode of the web series Recess Therapy.
Tariq’s infectious joy and genuine excitement about corn on the cob resonated with viewers worldwide. His simple yet heartfelt declaration, “It’s corn!” became a catchphrase that spread across social media platforms, inspiring memes, remixes, and countless tributes.
The video’s popularity stemmed from Tariq’s unfiltered appreciation for the common vegetable. His pure, childlike wonder reminded adults of the simple pleasures in life and brought a moment of lighthearted fun to people’s feeds during challenging times.
The Rise of Corn Kid
A young boy’s enthusiasm for corn captured the hearts of millions online. His genuine excitement and memorable quotes about the vegetable propelled him to viral stardom across social media platforms.
Tariq’s Moment with Recess Therapy
In July 2024, Julian Shapiro-Barnum approached a 7-year-old boy named Tariq at a Brooklyn food festival. Shapiro-Barnum, the host of YouTube series “Recess Therapy,” complimented Tariq’s corn on the cob. This simple interaction sparked a conversation that would change Tariq’s life.
Tariq’s passionate description of corn as “buttery” and “full of juice” resonated with viewers. His infectious smile and charming demeanor made the clip instantly shareable. The video quickly gained traction on YouTube and other social media platforms.
Corn Kid’s Viral Expansion
Tariq’s corn enthusiasm spread rapidly across TikTok and Instagram. His memorable quotes, such as calling corn “a big lump with knobs,” became internet catchphrases. Digital media company Doing Things Media, co-creator of Recess Therapy, helped boost the video’s reach.
The “Corn Kid” phenomenon grew beyond the original clip:
- Remixes and songs featuring Tariq’s corn praise emerged
- Memes and fan art flooded social media feeds
- Tariq gained a large following on various platforms
His unexpected fame led to appearances on talk shows and even earned him the title of “Corn-bassador” for South Dakota. Tariq’s genuine love for corn resonated with people worldwide, turning him into a beloved internet celebrity.
Cultural Impact of ‘It’s Corn!’
The “It’s Corn” video and song became a viral sensation, capturing the hearts of millions across social media platforms. Its catchy tune and wholesome message resonated with people of all ages, sparking creativity and joy.
The Corn Song Phenomenon
The Gregory Brothers, known as @schmoyoho on social media, transformed the original Corn Kid interview into a musical masterpiece. Their catchy remix turned Tariq’s innocent enthusiasm for corn into an earworm that swept the internet. The song’s simple yet memorable lyrics like “It’s corn!” and “Have a corntastic day!” became instantly quotable.
TikTok users embraced the trend, creating countless videos featuring the corn song. Dance challenges, corn-themed recipes, and comedic skits flooded feeds. The song’s popularity extended beyond social media, with radio stations playing it and people humming it in everyday life.
Adoption by Celebrities and Influencers
Hollywood stars and social media influencers quickly jumped on the corn bandwagon. Kevin Bacon, known for his love of trends, created his own corn-themed video. Other celebrities shared corn-related content, further amplifying the meme’s reach.
Major brands incorporated the corn song into their marketing campaigns. Fast food chains introduced corn-themed menu items, while clothing retailers launched corn-inspired merchandise. The phenomenon demonstrated how a simple, joyful moment could captivate global attention and influence popular culture.
Marketing and Promotions
The “Corn Kid” phenomenon sparked numerous marketing campaigns and promotional opportunities. Companies quickly recognized the viral appeal and leveraged it to boost their brands and products.
Corn-Bassador and Brand Partnerships
Tariq, the “Corn Kid,” became an official “Corn-bassador” for South Dakota. This unique title led to various brand partnerships. Chipotle featured Tariq in promotional content, capitalizing on his enthusiasm for corn. The young internet sensation also joined Cameo, a platform where fans could request personalized video messages. These partnerships allowed brands to tap into Tariq’s popularity and connect with younger audiences.
Green Giant collaborated with Tariq for National Corn on the Cob Day. This partnership resulted in limited-edition “Corntastic” merchandise. The campaign aimed to celebrate corn while raising awareness for hunger relief efforts.
Corn in Corporate Promotions
Companies incorporated the “Corn Kid” trend into their marketing strategies. Many brands created corn-themed content for social media platforms, particularly TikTok. They used the viral “It’s Corn” song in their videos, often substituting corn with their own products.
Corporate videos featuring corn-related themes became popular. Streaming services jumped on the trend, creating corn-centric playlists and recommending corn-themed content. Some companies even integrated corn imagery or references into their logos and branding materials temporarily.
These promotions aimed to capitalize on the trend’s popularity and create a sense of relevance and humor around their brands.
Social Media Dynamics
The “Corn Kid” phenomenon exemplifies how viral content spreads rapidly across platforms. It highlights the interplay between user-generated content, algorithmic amplification, and audience engagement in shaping online trends.
Content Creation and Engagement
The “Corn Kid” video originated from an interview by Julian Shapiro-Barnum for his web series Recess Therapy. The clip featured a 7-year-old boy enthusiastically describing his love for corn on the cob.
This simple, authentic moment resonated with viewers, prompting widespread sharing across social media platforms. Users found the child’s genuine excitement endearing and relatable.
The video gained additional traction when The Gregory Brothers, known for their musical remixes, transformed the interview into a catchy song. This creative adaptation further fueled the content’s virality.
Algorithmic Popularity and Trending
Social media algorithms played a crucial role in amplifying the “Corn Kid” content. As users engaged with the video through likes, comments, and shares, platforms recognized its popularity.
TikTok’s algorithm, in particular, pushed the content to more users’ “For You” pages. This created a snowball effect, with the hashtag #CornTok trending as more people joined the conversation.
The trend expanded beyond the original video, inspiring user-generated content like corn-themed recipes, memes, and parodies. This organic growth demonstrated the power of social media to transform a single moment into a cultural phenomenon.
The Agronomics of Corn
Corn cultivation plays a vital role in agriculture, particularly in states like South Dakota. The nutritional value of corn on the cob makes it a popular food choice.
Corn Cultivation in South Dakota
South Dakota ranks as one of the top corn-producing states in the U.S. The state’s climate and soil conditions are ideal for growing corn. Farmers typically plant corn in April or May when soil temperatures reach about 50°F (10°C).
Most South Dakota corn fields use no-till or conservation tillage practices. These methods help preserve soil moisture and reduce erosion. Corn plants require about 20-30 inches of water during the growing season.
Harvest usually occurs in October or November. Modern combines efficiently separate kernels from the cob and stalk. South Dakota’s corn yield averages around 160 bushels per acre, though this can vary based on weather conditions and farming practices.
Nutritional Value of Corn on the Cob
Corn on the cob is a nutritious vegetable that provides several essential nutrients. A medium ear of corn contains approximately:
- 90 calories
- 3 grams of protein
- 1 gram of fat
- 19 grams of carbohydrates
- 2 grams of fiber
Corn is rich in vitamins and minerals. It’s an excellent source of thiamin, providing about 6% of the daily value. Corn also contains folate, vitamin C, and magnesium.
The yellow kernels are packed with antioxidants, including lutein and zeaxanthin. These compounds may promote eye health. Corn also contains phytochemicals that could have potential anti-inflammatory properties.
Extensions Into Other Media
The “Corn Kid” phenomenon expanded beyond its initial viral video origins, reaching traditional media outlets and educational contexts. This unexpected cultural touchstone inspired creative adaptations and references across various platforms.
From Online to Traditional Media
The “Corn Kid” video caught the attention of mainstream media outlets, leading to television appearances and news coverage. Tariq, the enthusiastic corn aficionado, was invited to participate in talk shows and interviews. His infectious passion for corn resonated with audiences nationwide.
Music producers remixed his iconic corn-praising quotes into catchy tunes. These songs gained popularity on social media platforms and streaming services. Some artists even incorporated “Corn Kid” references into their live performances.
New York City playgrounds became unexpected hotspots for corn-themed activities and games inspired by Tariq’s viral moment. Children mimicked his enthusiasm, turning corn into a playful symbol of joy and excitement.
Educational Usage and References
Schools embraced the “Corn Kid” phenomenon as a teaching tool. Educators incorporated Tariq’s corn enthusiasm into lessons about agriculture, nutrition, and food science. His genuine curiosity became a model for encouraging student engagement with everyday topics.
Educational videos and interactive content featuring corn facts proliferated online. These resources often referenced Tariq’s memorable quotes to capture students’ attention and make learning more engaging.
Libraries and community centers organized corn-themed events, combining education with entertainment. These programs often included corn-related crafts, cooking demonstrations, and fun facts inspired by the viral video.
Some wildlife educators even drew parallels between Tariq’s corn passion and the diverse diets of animals like Komodo dragons, using the viral moment to spark interest in broader ecological topics.
Preparation and Recipes
Corn on the cob is a versatile and beloved food that can be prepared in various ways. From classic boiled corn to innovative dishes, there are countless options to enjoy this summer staple.
Cooking Perfect Corn on the Cob
To cook perfect corn on the cob, start by selecting fresh ears with bright green husks. Fill a large pot with water and add 1 tablespoon of salt and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Bring the water to a boil.
Carefully add the shucked corn to the pot. Boil for 5 minutes or until the kernels are crisp-tender and have brightened in color. Remove the corn with tongs and serve immediately.
For a different approach, try the steeping method. Bring water to a boil, add the corn, then turn off the heat. Let the corn steep in the hot water for about 25 minutes until tender.
Innovative Corn Dishes and Pairings
While traditional butter-slathered corn on the cob is a classic, there are many creative ways to enjoy this vegetable. Grilled corn adds a smoky flavor and can be topped with herbs, spices, or cheese.
Mexican-inspired elote combines grilled corn with mayonnaise, cheese, chili powder, and lime juice. For a refreshing salad, cut the kernels off the cob and mix with diced tomatoes, red onion, and a light vinaigrette.
Corn pairs well with other summer produce like zucchini and bell peppers in stir-fries or pasta dishes. It can also be incorporated into fritters, chowders, or used as a topping for tacos and salads.