Know Your Meme (KYM) is a website and online database dedicated to documenting internet memes, viral phenomena, and online culture. Founded in 2007 by Rocketboom, a video blog company, and later acquired by Cheezburger in 2011, KYM functions as a collaborative encyclopedia where users can submit, research, and track the history and evolution of memes. The site features detailed entries that include definitions, origin stories, spread patterns, and notable examples, often accompanied by user-generated comments and forum discussions. It has become a primary reference for internet culture, recognized for its role in preserving digital folklore and influencing how memes are understood in mainstream media.

1 History

1.1 Founding and Early Years (2007–2009)

Know Your Meme was launched in December 2007 by the video blog company Rocketboom, under the direction of founder Andrew Baron. Initially conceived as a research project to catalog and explain the rapidly growing phenomenon of internet memes, the site was staffed by a small team of researchers and editors. Early entries focused on popular image macros, catchphrases, and viral videos circulating on platforms such as 4chan, YouTube, and early social networks. The site quickly gained traction among internet enthusiasts and became a central hub for meme literacy.

1.2 Acquisition by Cheezburger (2011)

In 2011, Cheezburger, Inc.—the parent company of humor websites such as I Can Has Cheezburger? and Fail Blog—acquired Know Your Meme. The acquisition brought the site under the larger Cheezburger network, which provided additional resources for hosting, moderation, and community growth. The transition preserved KYM’s editorial independence while expanding its reach and financial stability.

1.3 Modern Era (2012–present)

After the acquisition, Know Your Meme continued to expand its database and user base. The site introduced new features such as user-submitted entries, a "Confirmed" section for well-documented memes, and a "Deadpool" section for expired or inactive memes. In the 2010s, KYM became a go-to resource for journalists, academics, and casual internet users seeking reliable documentation of online trends. The site also launched a mobile app and increased its presence on social media platforms. As of the present day, Know Your Meme remains one of the most authoritative sources for internet meme history.

2 Operations

2.1 Research Team and Methodology

Know Your Meme employs a small team of in-house researchers who investigate the origins, spread, and variations of internet memes. Their methodology includes searching archived forum posts, analyzing timestamped social media content, and consulting primary sources such as original videos or images. Researchers aim to provide accurate, chronologically ordered accounts of each meme’s lifecycle, often including early examples and key milestones.

2.2 Submission and Moderation Process

Registered users can submit new memes for consideration through a submission form. These submissions are reviewed by the research team, who verify the existence and significance of the proposed meme. Moderators also oversee user comments and forum posts to maintain constructive discussion. The moderation process prioritizes factual accuracy and adherence to community guidelines, which prohibit harassment and off-topic content.

2.3 Partnerships and Public Events

KYM has occasionally partnered with other media entities, such as YouTube channels and news outlets, to produce content about internet culture. The site has also participated in public events like Comic-Con panels and online conferences where researchers discuss meme trends and digital folklore.

3 Content and Features

3.1 Meme Database

The core of Know Your Meme is its extensive database of meme entries, each documenting a specific viral phenomenon. Entries are organized alphabetically and by category, with search functionality for easy navigation.

3.1.1 Entry Structure (Title, Origin, Spread, Examples)

Each meme entry follows a standardized structure. The title is the meme’s commonly used name. The Origin section describes the first known instance, including date, platform, and creator (if known). The Spread section details how the meme gained popularity, often highlighting key reposts, remixes, or media coverage. The Examples section provides representative images, videos, or links to notable variations. Additional subsections may include "Notable References" or "Related Memes."

3.1.2 Categories and Tags

Memes are classified into categories such as "Image Macros," "Video Memes," "Viral Challenges," "Reaction GIFs," and "Catchphrases." Each entry is also tagged with relevant keywords (e.g., "anime," "politics" when applicable) to facilitate cross-referencing and discovery.

3.2 "Confirmed" and "Deadpool" Sections

Know Your Meme maintains two special sections. The Confirmed section contains memes that have been thoroughly researched and verified by the team, ensuring a high standard of accuracy. The Deadpool section lists memes that have faded from active use or are considered outdated. These are still accessible for historical reference but are no longer actively updated.

3.3 Forums and Community Discussions

KYM hosts forums where users can discuss memes, request research on new phenomena, and share fan content. Discussions range from analytical breakdowns to humorous commentary. The forum community has contributed many original findings that later became formal entries.

3.4 Mobile App and Social Media Presence

Know Your Meme offers a mobile app for iOS and Android, providing desktop functionality in a portable format. The site maintains active accounts on platforms such as Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok, where it posts meme history facts, new entries, and interactive content. These social channels help drive traffic and engage a younger audience.

4 Cultural Impact

4.1 Documentation of Internet History

Know Your Meme has played a crucial role in preserving the ephemeral nature of internet culture. By cataloging memes with timestamps, sources, and context, the site serves as an archive of digital folklore that might otherwise be lost to link rot or platform closures. Researchers and historians frequently cite KYM when tracing the evolution of online communication.

4.2 Influence on Mainstream Media and Advertising

As memes have become a staple of modern communication, traditional media outlets and advertisers have turned to Know Your Meme for accurate explanations. News articles, television segments, and marketing campaigns often reference KYM entries to anchor their understanding of a trend. This has helped legitimize internet meme culture in public discourse.

4.3 Awards and Recognition

4.3.1 Webby Awards (e.g., 2016 Best Humor Website)

Know Your Meme has received several accolades for its contribution to internet culture. Notably, it won the Webby Award for Best Humor Website in 2016, recognizing its unique blend of research, community, and entertainment.

4.4 Educational Use and Academic Citations

Academics in fields such as media studies, sociology, and digital humanities have used Know Your Meme as a primary data source. The site’s emphasis on provenance and chronology makes it a reliable reference for scholarly papers on viral phenomena, internet linguistics, and online communities.

5 Notable Meme Categories

5.1 Image Macros and Reaction Images

Image macros combine a picture with overlaid text, often in the Impact font, and are among the oldest meme formats. Reaction images are stock photos or screenshots used to convey emotions in online conversations.

5.1.1 Distracted Boyfriend

The "Distracted Boyfriend" meme features a stock photograph of a man turning his head to look at another woman while his girlfriend looks on disapprovingly. It became popular in 2017 as a way to illustrate preferences, betrayals, or ironic comparisons. Know Your Meme’s entry traces the original photo to a 2015 stock image shoot.

5.1.2 Shoop da Whoop

"Shoop da Whoop" is a surreal meme originating from a 2007 Flash animation of a cat with a laser mouth. The phrase "Shoop da whoop!" and the accompanying image became a classic early internet joke, often used in absurd contexts. KYM documents its spread across early video-sharing sites.

5.2 Video Memes and GIFs

Video memes are short clips that are shared, remixed, and referenced. GIFs (Graphics Interchange Format) serve as looping video snippets used for reactions or punchlines.

5.2.1 Rickroll

The "Rickroll" is a bait-and-switch prank that involves tricking someone into clicking a link that leads to the music video for Rick Astley’s "Never Gonna Give You Up." Originating on 4chan around 2007, it became one of the most enduring internet memes. KYM’s entry details its roots in a previous prank called "duckrolling."

5.2.2 Nyan Cat

Nyan Cat is a 2011 animated GIF featuring a cat with a Pop-Tart body flying through space while a chiptune song plays. It went viral on YouTube and became a symbol of early 2010s internet whimsy. Know Your Meme preserves the original GIF and documents its global spread, including a charity livestream.

Viral trends are participatory activities that spread rapidly online, often involving video recordings of individuals performing a specific action.

5.3.1 Ice Bucket Challenge

The Ice Bucket Challenge (2014) involved people being filmed dumping a bucket of ice water over their heads and nominating others to do the same, with the aim of raising awareness for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Know Your Meme’s entry covers the challenge’s origin on social media and its massive fundraising success.

5.3.2 Harlem Shake

The Harlem Shake was a short video meme popular in early 2013. Participants would dance to the song "Harlem Shake" by Baauer, starting with a single person in a costume and then cutting to a full group dancing wildly. KYM documents its explosive spread from a single YouTube video to global imitation.

6 Reception and Legacy

6.1 Praise for Archival Value

Critics and internet culture observers have praised Know Your Meme for its systematic approach to documenting ephemeral content. By providing a factual backbone for meme history, the site has been called a "digital museum" and an essential tool for understanding contemporary humor and communication.

6.2 Criticism and Controversies (Limited to Non-Political Topics)

6.2.1 Accuracy Debates

Some users and casual observers have questioned the accuracy of certain entries, particularly when origins are obscure or disputed. In response, the Know Your Meme team has updated entries as new information emerges, though critics argue that some early entries contain errors that have been perpetuated.

6.2.2 Censorship and Monetization Concerns

After its acquisition by Cheezburger, some community members expressed concern that monetization strategies—such as ads and sponsored content—could influence editorial decisions or lead to the suppression of controversial memes. KYM has stated that it maintains editorial independence, though debates about the balance between commercial interests and archival integrity continue.