Internet memes were once relegated to the depths of 4chan and Reddit. As memetic content surfaces in the mainstream, brands are looking to incorporate memes into their own ads. But can the spontaneous, bottom-up spirit that makes them so potent really be bottled and sold?

Online platform Imgur is rapidly evolving from a simple image host to a huge and highly sociable user community – and brands are taking notice. But how will Imgurians respond to brands engaging with them on their own turf?

Advert-blocking browser plugins are growing at a rate of nearly 70% year-on-year. The most popular, AdBlocker, reached 150 million users in June 2014. And if people really are more likely to climb Mount Everest than click a banner ad, what is next for online advertising?

The internet 'meme' is a culmination of sharing, interaction and visuals, with its easy replication opening new communication channels between internet users. But how can brands gain access to these channels?