Know Your Meme | Vibepedia
Know Your Meme is a comprehensive online encyclopedia dedicated to documenting and explaining the origins, history, and cultural impact of internet memes and…
Contents
Overview
Know Your Meme (KYM) began in December 2007 as a video series produced by Rocketboom, founded by Kenyatta Cheese, Elspeth Rountree, Jamie Wilkinson, and Andrew Baron. Initially, the project aimed to dissect the popularity and spread of internet memes, a concept that was gaining traction on platforms like 4chan. The website knowyourmeme.com launched in December 2008, evolving into a wiki-style database that documented memes, viral videos, image macros, catchphrases, and internet celebrities. In March 2011, Cheezburger Network acquired KYM, and in 2016, it was acquired by Literally Media. The site's research has been cited in major publications and academic works, solidifying its status as a primary source for internet culture history, much like Wikipedia is for general knowledge.
⚙️ How It Works
The Know Your Meme website operates as a collaborative platform where registered members can submit potential meme entries. These submissions are then researched and documented by an independent editorial and research staff, alongside community members. Entries are classified as 'Confirmed,' 'Submitted,' 'Deadpooled' (rejected), 'Researching,' or 'Popular.' This crowdsourced approach, combined with rigorous editorial oversight, allows KYM to track the evolution of memes from their inception through their spread across various platforms like YouTube, Reddit, and TikTok. The process is akin to how scientific research is documented and peer-reviewed, ensuring a level of accuracy and depth.
🌍 Cultural Impact
Know Your Meme has had a significant cultural impact, serving as an authoritative source for understanding and explaining internet phenomena to a broad audience, including journalists, academics, and the general public. Its entries are frequently cited in news articles and scholarly research, akin to how academic papers reference established scientific journals. The site's work has been recognized with awards such as TIME Magazine's 50 Best Websites of 2009 and a Webby Award for Best Cultural Blog. In 2014, KYM was inducted into the Web Archiving Program of the U.S. Library of Congress, highlighting its importance in preserving digital culture, much like the National Archives preserves historical documents.
🔮 Legacy & Future
The legacy of Know Your Meme lies in its comprehensive and continuously updated archive of internet culture, providing a historical record of online trends and phenomena. As internet culture evolves at an unprecedented pace, KYM remains a crucial tool for deciphering new memes and understanding their origins, much like how historians study past events to understand present contexts. The platform's ongoing commitment to documenting the digital world ensures its continued relevance, serving as a testament to the enduring power of shared online experiences, similar to how movements like the Digital Music Revolution transformed media consumption.
Key Facts
- Year
- 2007-present
- Origin
- Internet Culture
- Category
- memes
- Type
- platform
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a meme?
A meme is broadly defined as culturally transmitted information, ideas, or beliefs that can spread from one person or group to another. The term was coined by Richard Dawkins in his 1976 book 'The Selfish Gene' and can encompass anything from a concept to a catchphrase to an image, whether online or offline.
How does Know Your Meme document memes?
Know Your Meme uses a combination of professional editorial research and community submissions. Users can submit potential memes, which are then researched, verified, and documented by the KYM staff. Entries are categorized and tracked for their origins, spread, and cultural impact.
Who owns Know Your Meme?
Know Your Meme was originally created by Rocketboom, then acquired by Cheezburger Network in March 2011, and subsequently acquired by Literally Media in 2016. Literally Media Ltd. is the current publisher.
What is the difference between a meme and an image macro?
A meme is a broader concept of a unit of cultural information that spreads. An image macro is a specific type of meme that typically consists of an image with superimposed text, often used for humorous or relatable commentary.
Can anyone contribute to Know Your Meme?
Yes, registered members can submit memes and viral phenomena for research. Other members can contribute to the research, archival, and discussion of entries, with the editorial staff ultimately evaluating and confirming the content.