Know Your Meme is an online encyclopedia that documents the origins, history, and spread of internet memes and viral phenomena. It serves as both an educational resource and a cultural archive, making it one of the most important platforms for understanding online trends. The website operates in a wiki-style format, allowing contributions from its editorial team and community members, while maintaining accuracy through moderation and research.
The platform originally began in 2007 as a video series that explained popular memes in a humorous but analytical style. Due to the growing demand for organized information about internet culture, the project soon evolved into a full website, which officially launched in late 2008. Over time, it expanded its database and became the most recognized source for meme documentation.
Know Your Meme classifies entries into different categories such as confirmed memes, submissions under research, rejected entries (often called “deadpooled”), and trending memes. This system allows users to distinguish between well-established cultural phenomena and emerging trends still being studied.
The site has received numerous accolades, including recognition in technology and culture awards. It has also been archived by major cultural institutions as an important record of digital society. Today, it hosts thousands of entries covering not only memes but also viral events, internet personalities, subcultures, and other aspects of online life.
Its influence extends beyond internet enthusiasts. Scholars, journalists, and media outlets often reference Know Your Meme as an authoritative source when explaining viral trends and their social impact.
Key Points
-
Online encyclopedia for internet memes and culture
-
Started as a video series in 2007, full website launched in 2008
-
Wiki-style with community and editorial input
-
Categories: confirmed, researching, submitted, deadpooled, trending
-
Widely recognized and award-winning
-
Considered an authoritative source for meme research
-
Thousands of entries on memes, people, events, and subcultures
Summary Table
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Platform | Know Your Meme |
| Founded | 2007 (video series), 2008 (website) |
| Format | Wiki-style encyclopedia |
| Content Types | Memes, viral events, people, subcultures |
| Entry Statuses | Confirmed, researching, submitted, deadpooled |
| Recognition | Award-winning, archived by cultural institutions |
| Scale | Thousands of documented entries |