French animated fish, Le Poisson Steve, charmed TikTok

A walking animated orange fish named Le Poisson Steve, created by French musician Tomo and illustrator Vigz, has become a viral sensation on TikTok. The video, posted in early April 2025, features the fish confidently dancing to a catchy French song. Within days of the video's release, Steve transformed into a widespread meme. Users generated fan art, plush toys, and remixes of the song, showcasing the character’s appeal. The fish's popularity is linked to its simplicity and surreal charm, which transcends language barriers. This led to a large community, similar to other online phenomena, creating diverse content around Steve.