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The Ice Bucket Challenge is making a comeback in 2025, and this time, it’s about more than just getting soaked.
What began as a viral sensation to support ALS research in 2014 has returned with a powerful new mission, raising awareness for mental health.
Ready to take the plunge with a bucket of ice water?
The 2025 version of this global challenge is once again uniting people for a cause that truly matters.
Here's everything you need to know about the rules, the meaning, and how to join the Ice Bucket Challenge 2025 today.
What Is the Ice Bucket Challenge Trend and Why Is It Back in 2025?
Source: TikTok
The Ice Bucket Challenge is back in 2025, and it’s trending on TikTok and Instagram with a fresh new cause — mental health awareness.
This revival connects the energy of a viral video challenge with the power of real-world advocacy.
Originally launched in 2014, the Ice Bucket Challenge quickly became one of the most iconic fundraising campaigns in internet history.
The original Ice Bucket Challenge trend involved a simple set of rules — pour a bucket of ice water over yourself, post it online, and tag friends to do the same or donate.
The Origin of the Ice Bucket Challenge: From ALS Fundraising to Global Impact
Launched in 2014, the original Ice Bucket Challenge raised more than $115 million for ALS research, helping scientists discover critical genes like NEK1.
It was one of the most successful online fundraisers in history.
Ice Bucket Challenge 2025 Rules and Its Mental Health Mission
The 2025 version of the Ice Bucket Challenge puts the spotlight on mental health awareness, especially among Gen Z.
The revival began at the University of South Carolina (USC), where student Wade Jefferson — motivated by his own mental health experiences — founded the MIND club (Mental Illness Needs Discussion).
His goal was to create a movement that breaks stigma, invites dialogue, and encourages support.
Through the hashtag #SpeakYourMIND, students challenged their friends to film themselves taking the challenge, share a message about mental health, and donate to nonprofits like Active Minds.
The Ice Bucket Challenge 2025 rules are similar to the original format. Participants either complete the challenge or make a donation to a cause.
In this year’s revival, people are encouraged to both — take the challenge and contribute to mental health charities like Active Minds.
What began with a $500 donation goal has grown into a national movement, raising over $400,000 and gaining momentum through celebrity support from people like Peyton Manning and Jenna Bush Hager.
How to Participate Ice Bucket Challenge 2025
- Record Your Challenge: Film yourself pouring a bucket of ice water over your head.
- Share on Social Media: Post your video on platforms like TikTok, Instagram, Threads, or Twitter.
- Use Hashtags: Include hashtags such as #IceBucketChallenge2025 and #SpeakYourMIND to join the broader conversation.
- Tag Friends: Challenge at least three friends to participate.
- Donate: Consider donating to organizations like Active Minds to support mental health awareness.
Edit Your Ice Bucket Challenge Video with the Best Video Editor: YouCam Video
If you're filming your own Ice Bucket Challenge video, YouCam Video is the perfect app to polish your footage before posting it on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube.
- Automatically add subtitles so your message is accessible to everyone
- Trim your video to remove awkward moments or tighten up the flow
- Add text overlays like “Mental health matters” or “Support ALS research”
- Insert music or trending sounds for higher engagement
- Apply filters, transitions, and effects that fit your vibe or storytelling style
- Export your video in high-quality, social-ready formats
Whether your message is funny, emotional, or powerful, YouCam Video helps you bring it to life — easily and beautifully.
How to Create an AI Ice Bucket Challenge Video Using YouCam Video
Not ready to get drenched? You can still participate in the Ice Bucket Challenge 2025 using AI video generation.
With YouCam Video’s Image-to-Video feature, you can create a short, animated video using just a single photo of yourself.
It’s perfect if you want to join the movement in a creative way, without getting soaked.
Here’s how:
- Choose a photo where you’re holding a bucket.
- Open YouCam Video and upload it to the Image-to-Video tool.
- Enter a prompt like this: "Raises the ice cubes she’s holding high above her head and lets them fall down over her body, the ice cascading from head to toe."
- Let the AI animate your image.
- Add music, captions, hashtags, and your personal message.
- Tag your friends, post it to TikTok or Instagram, and help raise awareness.
Is It Okay to Join the Ice Bucket Challenge Using AI?
Yes, absolutely — as long as you respect the spirit of the challenge. Whether you’re supporting ALS, mental health, or both, using AI is a creative and modern way to participate.
To keep it responsible:
- Mention that your video was AI-generated
- Include a donation link or action step
- Use captions like: “This is an AI version of the Ice Bucket Challenge. I’m supporting mental health and donating to Active Minds. Join me.”
What matters most is spreading the message, encouraging others, and supporting the cause — not whether the water is real.
Ice Bucket Challenge Charity Impact: Why 2025 Still Matters
The Ice Bucket Challenge has grown from a viral trend into a meaningful global campaign — one that continues to raise awareness and fund research for critical causes.
Whether in 2014 or in 2025, the challenge has always stayed true to its mission: to inspire action through visibility, community, and charity.
Whether you film it for real or use AI, whether your message is personal or playful — your voice matters. And with tools like YouCam Video, joining the movement has never been easier.
Create your video. Share your message. Challenge your friends. Make a difference.
FAQs of Ice Bucket Challenge 2025
What is the Ice Bucket Challenge 2025?
The Ice Bucket Challenge 2025 is a new version of the viral challenge first popularized in 2014 to support ALS research. This time, it focuses on raising awareness for mental health, encouraging people to speak up, donate to causes like Active Minds, and share their videos across platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
What is the latest Ice Bucket Challenge for?
The current challenge supports mental health advocacy, particularly among students and young adults. It's part of the #SpeakYourMIND campaign, which aims to break the stigma around mental illness and promote emotional well-being.
What month is the Ice Bucket Challenge?
In 2025, the Ice Bucket Challenge started trending in April and gained momentum through May, especially on college campuses and social media. While there's no official month, most participants are joining during spring and early summer.
Who started the Ice Bucket Challenge in 2025?
The 2025 revival was led by Wade Jefferson, a student at the University of South Carolina. He launched the campaign through the MIND club and the hashtag #SpeakYourMIND to encourage open conversations around mental health and suicide prevention.
