What Was Planking?
Planking involved lying face-down in unusual or public places with arms at sides (resembling a rigid plank), photographing it, and posting to social media. It became one of the first major photo-based viral trends.
Origins in Australia
Planking originated in the late 2000s, possibly in Australia or the UK. It gained traction on Facebook around 2009-2010 as users competed to plank in increasingly creative or dangerous locations — on sculptures, railings, moving vehicles.
By March 2011, planking exploded globally. Celebrities, athletes, and politicians participated. Dedicated Facebook pages (e.g., “Planking Australia”) amassed millions of followers.
Tragedy & Backlash
In May 2011, a 20-year-old Australian man died falling from a balcony while planking, sparking safety concerns and criticism. Authorities condemned dangerous planking, and momentum quickly declined.
Legacy
Planking is remembered as an early social media photo trend, predating selfie culture and challenges like Ice Bucket or Mannequin. It demonstrated viral spread mechanics that would define 2010s internet culture.
Later variations included “Owling” (crouching like an owl), “Batmanning” (hanging upside-down), and other short-lived copycats.