The #ChallengeAccepted Instagram trend explained - and how to take part

Have you noticed this new trend taking over your Instagram? (Photo: Shutterstock)Have you noticed this new trend taking over your Instagram? (Photo: Shutterstock)
Have you noticed this new trend taking over your Instagram? (Photo: Shutterstock)

Instagram is no stranger to viral trends, with Me at 20 and Run for Heroes just some of the recent challenges that took the social media platform by storm.

The latest trend, Challenge Accepted, is designed to spread positivity and female empowerment.

This is everything you need to know.

What is the Challenge Accepted trend?

You might have noticed on your Instagram feed an influx of women posting black and white photos, either of themselves or celebrities.

An Instagram spokesperson explained that #ChallengeAccepted is supposed to “celebrate strength, spread love, and remind all women that supporting each other is everything”.

“Based on the posts, we’re seeing that most of the participants are posting with notes relating to strength and support for their communities,” the spokesperson said.

Currently, the #ChallengeAccepted hashtag has almost four million posts on Instagram, with women from all around the world taking part, posting monochrome pictures of themselves.

Some commentators have criticised the trend for being vague and not fulfilling its purpose.

One person wrote on Twitter in relation to #ChallengeAccepted: “Wouldn’t it be more appropriate to instead post work we have recently enjoyed that was created by other women? (Books, docs, magazine articles, beauty products, apps, charities, etc…)”.

Brooke Hammerling, the founder of New New Thing, an advisory to technology C.E.O’s told NY Times: “I just don’t know what it stands for. Virtually everyone in my life has done the challenge, a lot of my friends and a lot of people I love.

“I’m 100 per cent for women supporting women and I’m grateful to the women who nominated me, but I don’t understand how a black and white vanity self does that.”

She added: “If we could do portraits of the women who inspired us, that would be a little bit more in line with what this is trying to accomplish.”

How do I take part in #ChallengeAccepted?

Instagram users are posting a black and white photo and tagging others to take part.

If you’ve been tagged and you want to take part, you should post your own monochrome portrait, and tag someone else you want to get involved.

You can always take part in the trend without initially being tagged and get the ball rolling within your own circles, tagging others that you’d like to see take part.

What celebrities have taken part in the challenge?

Lots of female celebrities have taken part in the challenge, and have been tagging their friends to take part as well.

Elizabeth Hurley (Runaways, The Royals) posted a portrait of herself, writing: “It’s the season of silly challenges, but this is a sweet one. Challenge accepted @haseenajethmalani @gazmoudeh @lipstickkelly.”

Kerry Washington (Scandal, Django Unchained) joined in as well, writing: “Challenge accepted. Thank you for nominating me @vanessabryant. I am awed by the power of women loving each other and lifting each other up!!!!! And I adore you xo.”

“Challenge accepted ladies! Women supporting women! So many women to tag and thank! @realalexmeneses @kerrywashington @karenruimy @daniajramierez #BlackAndWhiteChallenge,” Eva Longoria (Desperate Housewives, Grand Hotel) wrote on her picture.

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