The most retweeted tweet of 2017 will make you giggle quietly to yourself
It’s only natural, at the end of a calendar year, to reflect quietly on the past twelve months. That’s what year-end lists are all about — taking stock of what made us laugh, cry, and scream into our pillows during our last revolution around the sun. So let’s revisit the most retweeted tweet of 2017, shall we?
Two-thousand seventeen was a tough year, and many of the top ten tweets according to Twitter’s data reflect that. Several of the messages came in response to tragedies and political turmoil. But the top retweeted post of the year proves just how much we craved a little comic relief.
Because the most retweeted tweet of 2017 goes to… *insert drumroll*
Carter Wilkerson of Reno, Nevada!
Back in April, Wilkerson tweeted at Wendy’s to inquire about how many retweets he would need to earn a cool year’s supply of chicken nuggets. Although the screenshot of his exchange with the Wendy’s account didn’t hit the intended target of 18 million, it did reach a major milestone. As of press time, the post has more than 3.6 million RTs.
HELP ME PLEASE. A MAN NEEDS HIS NUGGS pic.twitter.com/4SrfHmEMo3
— Carter Wilkerson (@carterjwm) April 6, 2017
According to Forbes, Wilkerson was a pretty average college student before his brush with internet fame. Now, he has a blue “verified” checkmark, his own website and merch line (with the slogan #NuggsForCarter), and a place in social media history.
Yes kids, 2017 was the year of the chicken nugget.@carterjwm #ThisHappened https://t.co/UnkFo0DGT4
— Wendy’s (@Wendys) December 5, 2017
Wendy’s whole-heartedly embraced Wilkerson this year as well (although no word on whether he actually got any free nuggs, despite missing the goal).
The rest of the top ten tweets reflected the more somber tone of 2017. Barack Obama appeared three times at the 2nd, 5th, and 8th spots. Ariana Grande’s message to fans following the bombing at her Manchester concert was #4 on the list. Linkin Park also made the cut with a simple photo tribute to late frontman Chester Bennington.
This year was heavy and difficult for many, so we’re not surprised that the most popular tweet of the year (RT-wise, anyway) was something lighthearted and fun.
Here’s to a better 2018 — with more chicken nuggets for all!
