Viral Video of the Day for January 18, 2026: Mom pranks kids with scary video: "Generational trauma"

In the world of social media, epic and funny videos are constantly swirling around. Here's the TAG24 Viral Video of the Day to bring a smile to your face!

By Jenna Cavaliere

In today's Viral Video of the Day, a mom named Megan Singel pranked her young children with a scary video that millennials immediately recognized.

Viral Video of the Day

In the clip, the two kids stand near the TV, calmly watching what appears to be a peaceful video of a car driving through a forest.

Without warning, a jump-scare flashes on screen, showing a frightening face as the kids scream and drop to the floor in fear.

"The fact I immediately recognized this," one viewer commented, while another wrote, "The millennials immediately knew."

Check it out:

One mom pranked her kids with a jump-scare that quickly went viral.
One mom pranked her kids with a jump-scare that quickly went viral.  © Collage: Screenshot/TikTok/@megansingel5
Viral Video of the Day for January 17, 2026: Parents catch baby sleeping in funniest position ever! Viral Video of the Day for January 17, 2026: Parents catch baby sleeping in funniest position ever!
Viral Video of the Day for January 16, 2026: Woman gets "attacked" by school of fish in Maldives Viral Video of the Day for January 16, 2026: Woman gets "attacked" by school of fish in Maldives
Viral Video of the Day for January 15, 2026: Toddler's face says it all after kiddie ride takes dramatic turn Viral Video of the Day for January 15, 2026: Toddler's face says it all after kiddie ride takes dramatic turn
Viral Video of the Day for January 14, 2026: Adorable cat captivated by leaky kitchen faucet Viral Video of the Day for January 14, 2026: Adorable cat captivated by leaky kitchen faucet
Viral Video of the Day for January 13, 2026: Toddler "helps" with dishes – then accidentally soaks himself Viral Video of the Day for January 13, 2026: Toddler "helps" with dishes – then accidentally soaks himself
Viral Video of the Day for January 12, 2026: This dog's babysitting skills are cracking up TikTok! Viral Video of the Day for January 12, 2026: This dog's babysitting skills are cracking up TikTok!
Viral Video of the Day for January 11, 2026: Cat stuns family with amazing human stance! Viral Video of the Day for January 11, 2026: Cat stuns family with amazing human stance!
Viral Video of the Day for January 10, 2026: Baby tries Texas Roadhouse steak for first time Viral Video of the Day for January 10, 2026: Baby tries Texas Roadhouse steak for first time

Do you have an awesome video you want featured on TAG24.com? Let us know!

Viral videos brighten up everyone's day, so be sure to laugh and then pass it on. TAG, you're it!

Cover photo: Collage: Screenshot/TikTok/@megansingel5

More on Viral Video of the Day: