10 Of The Most Popular Magic Tricks

Magic has always had a way of captivating people, whether it’s performed live on a grand stage or through the screens of our devices. Thanks to the internet, some types of magic tricks have become viral sensations, leaving audiences everywhere scratching their heads in wonder.

If you’re a magician—or just someone who loves the art of illusion—here’s a roundup of 10 of the most popular magic tricks that are trending online right now in 2024. We thought it was fitting to make a list seeing how the end of the year is coming right now. Let’s dive in!

1. The Vanishing Water Bottle

This classic trick has been done and done and done in so many ways that at this point, I think even our grandmothers know how it's done. The magician shows a bottle, covers it in some way, and—poof!—it disappears. The simplicity of this trick, combined with its visual punch, has made it a hit on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. 

Here is a version from a bit back that you probably haven't seen until now.

2. Card Through Glass Table

"Picture this: a spectator picks a card, and with a smooth flick, the magician slams the deck against a glass table. The chosen card appears under the glass! This trick requires careful sleight of hand and perfect timing but is wildly impressive when executed well. It’s a favorite among close-up magicians looking to amaze."

Is what I would say, but having tried this myself, let me tell you - THIS is not as easy as you might think. It requires a great deal of skill and timing. Plus, it's angle sensitive, but if you perform it on camera, then you're going to have it easier.

3. The Rubik’s Cube Solve

Rubik’s Cube magic is having a major moment online. One standout trick involves mixing up a cube, tossing it into the air, and catching it fully solved. Another variant has the magician solving the cube with just a wave of their hand. Rubik cubes have always been popular, but magicians have truly taken them into the mainstream (don't quote me on that). It's rare to not see a magician perform this on a TV talent show.

Here is Jack Rhodes putting together an amazing compilation of some magic tricks involving a rubiks cube.

4. The Floating Ring

This elegant illusion features a ring that levitates and dances along the magician’s fingers or even floats up a pencil. I've seen this when I was 12, I see it now when I'm an adult and it still fascinates me. Any of you who have tried this out knows how difficult it is to land that ring on the spectator's finger, so seeing others do it so elegantly is quite impressive.

5. Smartphone Magic

With everyone glued to their phones, it’s no surprise that smartphone magic is trending. Tricks like pulling a coin out of the screen or making a photo “pop” out of the phone are incredibly relatable and visually stunning. These effects often rely on clever apps and a bit of sleight of hand.

But, besides tricks that rely on the screen of a phone, what's becoming more and more popular among magicians is using special apps designed for magicians which allow them to do all sorts of secret things. 

Mark Kerstein is the lead developer of apps for magicians (worked for David Blaine and many others). If you're looking to evolve your magic with the use of a smartphone, definitely head over to his website.

6. Disappearing Ink Illusion

Here’s a modern spin on an old favorite: writing or drawing something on your hand and making it vanish with a wave. There's been all sorts of methods for this along the years, but definitely the most famous one is Double Cross by Mark Southworth.

7. Surreal Magic

This year, Tobias Dostal has made everyone in the industry fall in love with abstract tricks. All sorts of effects where things melt and transform into rings or pen caps. Honestly, it looks like real magic. Ellusionist came out at revealed it's been their most anticipated trick in their history, which says a lot.

8. Hole Becomes A Sticker

Visual, mind numbing and so satisfying to watch (and not know the secret to!). Somehow, I have miraculously evaded all the explanations for this magic trick that Tik-Tok and Instagram have thrown at me. It's just such a nice effect to witness and this year especially, we have seen it everywhere!

We also have our very own Tom Dobrowolski who has put out an effect together with Kurtis Kam similar to this, where a hole moves on a playing card. You can check it out here!

9. The Visual Rope Cut

Another classic reimagined for the internet: a piece of rope is cut into two, and with a quick snap of the fingers, it’s restored to its full length. Modern magicians are upping the ante by doing this trick with everything from shoelaces to headphones, making it super relatable for younger audiences.

10. Card Tricks

Have been booming this year, with more and more people curious to find out and start practicing magic for themselves. For this, we have put together a Magic Academy, where you receive a free trick sent to your email box every 2 weeks! And the adventure lasts for a whole year!

If you want to join the Academy, sign up here today and receive your FIRST trick tomorrow!

Whether you’re a seasoned magician looking to try something new or just a fan of illusions, these viral hits are bound to inspire you (and most likely will make you search for their explanations on youtube HA!).

What’s your favorite magic trick? Share your thoughts in the comments and let us know! ✨