Remember when Threads burst onto the scene and everyone thought it was going to be the next big thing? Meta, the tech giant behind Facebook, WhatsApp and Instagram, seemed to have another hit on their hands, well only to those who chose to ignore the truth. The app was supposed to revolutionize text-based conversations, offering a fresh alternative to the chaotic feeds of Twitter (now known as X) specifically. For a brief moment, many thought that Threads was going to do just that. But then, reality set in.
The Hype
At first, Threads was the talk of the town. It rode in on the wave of Meta’s massive user base, promising a more intimate and meaningful way to connect. The idea was simple yet appealing: threaded conversations that allowed for deeper, more organized discussions. It was a breath of fresh air in the noisy world of social media, and people were curious. Downloads skyrocketed, and it felt like everyone was talking about Threads. With it’s seamless integration with one of Meta’s biggest platforms, Instagram, Threads seemed like it had the potential as just being another part of Instagram, not as it’s own independent platform.
The Fade Out
But, as with many things that start with a bang, Threads couldn’t keep the momentum going. The surge of interest began to fade away. Users who were once excited about the platform started to drift away, going back to their normal lives on Instagram. Engagement plummeted, and the app started to feel like a ghost town and it still feels like one. Even the biggest accounts on Threads, which you’d expect to have massive followings, remained surprisingly small compared to their Instagram or Twitter counterparts. The spark just didn’t catch on.
So with this decline in activity, one of it’s biggest hits came. The influencers and celebrities who flocked to Threads early on didn’t see the same follower numbers they enjoyed on other platforms. For example, a major celebrity who might have millions of followers on Instagram only managed to pull in a fraction of that on Threads. This stark difference highlighted a major issue: Threads wasn’t and still isn’t resonating with users in the way Meta had hoped. To prove this, here are screenshots of Mark Zuckerberg’s accounts on Threads and Instagram.
Mark Zuckerberg on InstagramMark Zuckerberg on Threads
The Current State
Fast forward to today, and it’s clear that Threads is in trouble. User engagement is practically non-existent. Conversations that once had potential are now met with crickets. The lack of unique features and compelling reasons to stick around has led many to abandon ship. Without significant updates or innovations, Threads is struggling to stay relevant in an already crowded social media landscape.
Conclusion
Threads came in hot but fizzled out just as quickly. The app’s failure to build and maintain a large, engaged user base has left it teetering on the edge of obscurity. The biggest reason that I believe to have caused this is that this app was made to be some alternative from X (Twitter) but Meta’s biggest mistake was that they believed they were capable of doing this, I mean just imagine someone making a knock-off version of Facebook, who’d use it? Noone. While it’s not completely dead yet, it’s certainly on life support. Unless Meta can pull off some major changes, Threads might soon be a footnote in the history of social media, another example of what could have been.
So, is Threads dead? Not officially, but it’s definitely not looking good. It’s a cautionary tale of how even the biggest companies can stumble in the ever-evolving world of social media. Only time will tell if Threads can make a comeback or if it’s destined to fade into obscurity.
Big news from Netflix – they’re reportedly considering a completely free, ad-supported service. Here’s what we know:
Key Features and Details
Ad-Supported: The free tier will be funded by advertisements, similar to many other streaming services. This makes it accessible to more users who might not be willing to pay for a subscription.
Regional Availability: Initially, this free tier might only be available in Europe and Asia. Netflix is focusing on these markets as it has already reached saturation in the U.S.
Previous Tests: Netflix previously tested a similar service in Kenya, where users could stream without providing payment information. The results from this test have likely informed their current strategy.
No Subscription Fee: Unlike the current ad-supported plans which still require a subscription fee, this new tier would be entirely free to use, albeit with ads.
What This Means
Netflix’s move to introduce a free tier is a strategic one to expand its user base and tap into markets where paid subscriptions are less feasible. It offers a win-win scenario for both users and Netflix – users get free content, and Netflix benefits from ad revenue and increased viewer numbers.
OpenAI recently found themselves in hot soup after their GPT-4o launch which introduced a new voice model, called Sky to ChatGPT. The voice bore an uncanny resemblance to an actual human voice and was the closest any AI had gotten to actually mimicking a human voice, but however, Hollywood actress, Scarlett Johansson decided to put an end to the fun, since the voice resembled her voice and accused OpenAI of unauthorized voice cloning and misappropriation of likeness.
Scarlett Johansson recently dropped a bombshell, revealing that OpenAI had approached her to lend her voice to their AI system. She turned them down, but months later, they released a voice called Sky that sounded creepily like her. This freaked out not just her friends and family, but the public too.
Johansson didn’t hold back, calling out OpenAI’s CEO, Sam Altman, for going after a voice that mimicked hers. Altman even mentioned a movie where Johansson voiced an AI character, making it pretty obvious the similarity wasn’t just a coincidence.
Two days before they launched the voice, Altman tried to get Johansson to change her mind through her agent. But they released the system before she could even respond. Johansson had to lawyer up, demanding OpenAI explain how they came up with the Sky voice. Reluctantly, OpenAI agreed to pull it.
This whole ordeal has shone a spotlight on the shady side of voice cloning tech and its potential for abuse. Johansson stressed the need for transparency and laws to protect people’s rights and identities as AI tech keeps advancing. Her case raises big questions about consent, ethics, and how we protect personal identity in this new AI era.
Conclusion
Honestly, I really enjoyed using the Sky voice on ChatGPT. It brought a certain personality and charm to the interactions. It’s a real shame it’s gone now. I’ve switched to Juniper, but it’s just not the same. I guess I’ll get used to it, but I’ll definitely miss the unique character that Sky had.
As someone who spends most of his time online, I’m very aware of the digital environment’s complexities. Content filters, often unnoticed by most people, play a pivotal role in shaping our online experience. Here, I share my understanding of these silent sentinels that stand guard over the content we encounter.
The Essence of Safe Search
Why Safe Search Matters
Whenever I think of content filters, the first thing I think of is the Google Search engine. Google is almost everyone’s go-to search engine for anything they want know and although it’s really informative and provides good and accurate data, it’s still filled with inappropriate content. This is where Safe Search comes in, acting as a sieve to separate the wheat from the chaff.
The Mechanics of Safe Search
Keyword Filtering: At its core, Safe Search operates by examining web pages for certain keywords. Pages flagged with these terms are then filtered out from search results.
Image Analysis: Beyond text, Safe Search extends its vigilance to images. Through advanced algorithms, it assesses visual content and censors images deemed inappropriate.
Adaptive Learning: What impresses me most is Safe Search’s ability to learn from user interactions. When users report unsuitable content, the system adapts, enhancing its filtering accuracy.
The Broader Spectrum
It’s not just about shielding us from explicit content; content filters also protect against security threats like phishing and malware, making them an indispensable tool for safe navigation.
Social Media Filters: The Digital Gatekeepers
The Social Media Conundrum
Social media is a melting pot of conversations, ideas, and expressions. Amidst this vibrant chaos, filters maintain a semblance of order, ensuring that the content aligns with community standards.
How Social Media Filters Function
Profanity Scrubbing: These filters are adept at identifying and sanitizing offensive language, keeping the discourse respectful.
Contextual Sensitivity: I appreciate that these filters are nuanced enough to understand context, distinguishing between harmless and potentially offensive usage of words.
Image Scrutiny: They also scrutinize images, ensuring that visual content remains within the bounds of decency.
The Unseen Shield
These filters often save us from potential faux pas, like that one time I almost shared a meme that was funny in my head but not quite suitable for all audiences (I’m joking though).
Conclusion
Content filters are the unsung heroes that help maintain a balance between freedom of expression and the need for a respectful, safe online space. They’re not infallible, but their presence is a testament to our collective effort to foster a healthier digital ecosystem.
Remember, as we explore the internet, these algorithms are our allies, discreetly ensuring that our journey is as enriching as it is entertaining.
Note: This article is based on my personal experiences, observations and research. It’s important to engage with the internet mindfully and stay informed about the tools at our disposal.
In the vast expanse of the internet, a colorful and vibrant corner is consistently dominated by the laughter and curiosity of children. YouTube, the world’s leading video platform, has become a digital playground where the whims of the young shape the trends and define what goes viral. But does this mean that children are the primary users of YouTube? This is a question I have been asking myself so I decided to investigate more about it and write an article.
As we delve into the realm of the most viewed videos on YouTube, a pattern emerges that is as clear as it is intriguing. Animated nursery rhymes, superhero adventures, and toy unboxings amass views in the billions, dwarfing the numbers of many mainstream music videos and celebrity vlogs. This phenomenon raises a the same question: Are children the true power users of YouTube?
The answer is not as straightforward as the view counts might suggest. While it’s undeniable that content aimed at kids garners immense popularity, the reasons behind this trend are multifaceted. Factors such as repeat viewing, the role of parents in curating content, and the platform’s recommendation algorithms all play a part in propelling these videos to the top of the charts.
In this article, we will explore the intricate web of interactions that place children at the heart of YouTube’s viewership. We’ll examine the social and technological forces that make kids’ content a titan on the platform and consider the implications of this dominance for the future of entertainment and education. As we embark on this journey, I invite you to ponder the influence of the youngest among us in shaping the digital media landscape. Are children the ones who use YouTube the most, or are they simply the most visible beneficiaries of a system designed to captivate and engage? And yes I’m repeating the same question over and over again 😉
Top 10 Most Viewed YouTube Videos
As of the latest available data, here are the top 10 most viewed videos on YouTube:
“See You Again” by Wiz Khalifa – 6.22 billion views
“Wheels on the Bus” by Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes – 6.01 billion views
“Phonics Song with Two Words” by ChuChu TV Nursery Rhymes & Kids Songs – 5.75 billion views
“Uptown Funk” by Mark Ronson – 5.18 billion views
“Gangnam Style” by Psy – 5.10 billion views
These numbers are a testament to the diverse range of content that captivates viewers worldwide, from catchy tunes to educational children’s content. It’s interesting to note the significant presence of children’s videos in this list, which supports the idea of this article.
Analyzing the Trend: The Reign of Children’s Content on YouTube
The trend within the top 10 most viewed YouTube videos is a clear indicator of the platform’s diverse appeal, yet it also highlights a significant skew towards children’s content. This list is not just a random assortment of videos; it represents a broader cultural phenomenon where the simplicity and repetitive nature of children’s videos have an unparalleled ability to attract views.
Children’s Videos: A staggering 60% of the videos in the top 10 are directly targeted at children. These include nursery rhymes, simple songs, and animations that are often played on repeat to entertain or soothe young viewers. The high replay value of these videos contributes to their astronomical view counts, as parents often use them as a digital pacifier to calm or engage their children.
Music Videos: The remaining 40% of the list is comprised of music videos, which have traditionally been strong performers on YouTube. However, even within this category, the most successful videos often feature catchy, easy-to-remember choruses that can appeal to a broad audience, including children.
View Trends: The view counts show a steep decline from the top spot, with “Baby Shark Dance” leading by a wide margin. This suggests that a video’s ability to go viral can lead to exponential growth in views, creating a significant gap between the most popular video and the rest.
Cocomelon’s Stature Among YouTube’s Elite
Cocomelon – Nursery Rhymes stands as a titan among YouTube channels, particularly in the realm of children’s content. With a staggering subscriber count of 173 million, it is not just a channel; it’s a cultural phenomenon that encapsulates the essence of childhood wonder and learning and as you can see from it having 2 videos our list of top 10 most viewed YouTube videos.
A Leader in Education: Cocomelon’s place as the second most subscribed channel on YouTube is a testament to its universal appeal and educational value. The channel’s focus on nursery rhymes, educational songs, and stories resonates with children and parents alike, offering a blend of entertainment and learning.
A Viewership Behemoth: The channel boasts an astronomical 179 billion video views, a number that underscores the sheer volume of content consumption and the habitual nature of its viewership. This figure is indicative of the channel’s ability to produce content that not only attracts but retains the attention of young minds.
The Impact of Cocomelon: The success of Cocomelon reflects a broader trend in digital media consumption. As one of the most followed channels on YouTube, it highlights the platform’s role in early education and entertainment. The channel’s ability to consistently rank among the top is a clear signal of the shift towards digital content as a primary source of children’s media.
YouTube’s User Demographics: A Statistical Overview
YouTube’s landscape is as diverse as it is vast, with a global audience that spans across various age groups, regions, and gender types. As we sift through the latest statistics, a clearer picture of the platform’s user base emerges.
Age Groups: The most active age group on YouTube is the 25-34 year olds, which comprises 12.2% of male users and around 9% of female users globally. This demographic is closely followed by the 35-44 year olds, accounting for 9% of male users and 7.9% of female users. These figures suggest that while YouTube is often associated with a younger audience, it’s the young adults who are the most engaged.
Regions: When it comes to regional distribution, India and the United States boast the largest YouTube audiences. As of October 2023, India had a staggering 462 million YouTube users, while the United States recorded around 240 million. This highlights the platform’s significant reach and influence in these countries.
Gender Types: Globally, the split between male and female users is relatively balanced, with a slight male predominance. Approximately 51.4% of all adult YouTube users in the USA are female, while the remaining 48.6% are male. However, on a global scale, more male users use YouTube, with around 54.4% of users being male and 45.6% being female.
The overwhelming viewership of children’s videos and the meteoric rise of channels like Cocomelon can be attributed to several key factors:
1. High Replay Value: Children love repetition. Videos that feature simple, catchy songs or stories are often played on loop, significantly inflating view counts. This is especially true for content that serves as a learning tool or a comforting mechanism for young children.
2. Universal Appeal: Children’s content is designed to be universally appealing and easily understood, transcending language and cultural barriers. This broadens the potential audience significantly, as evidenced by the global popularity of channels like Cocomelon.
3. Parental Influence: Parents often curate and control the content their children consume, leading to a concentration of views on trusted channels. Cocomelon has become a go-to resource for many parents due to its educational and non-offensive content.
4. Algorithmic Promotion: YouTube’s algorithms tend to favor content with high engagement and repeat viewership, which often includes children’s videos. This creates a feedback loop where popular children’s content is more likely to be recommended, garnering even more views.
5. Growth of Digital Media: The shift towards digital media consumption has made YouTube a primary source of entertainment for children. With easy access to tablets and smartphones, children can watch their favorite videos anytime, contributing to the high view counts.
6. Content Creation Trends: Channels like Cocomelon have mastered the art of creating content that not only entertains but also educates, aligning with the preferences of both children and their parents. This dual focus has been a significant factor in their success.
In conclusion, the dominance of children’s videos in view counts and the success of channels like Cocomelon are not coincidental. They are the result of a confluence of behavioral, technological, and societal trends that have positioned children’s content as a powerhouse on YouTube. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it’s likely that these trends will persist, further cementing the status of children’s content as a cornerstone of the platform’s ecosystem. Don’t forget to comment your thoughts below 🙂
In a previous article, I explored the technical prowess of Devin AI, a system that has since become a subject of public discourse. Today, I aim to shed light on the diverse reactions this technological marvel has garnered.
Devin AI emerged on the scene with the promise of transforming our daily digital interactions. Its advanced algorithms and user-centric design were poised to set a new standard in the realm of artificial intelligence. As a technology writer, I’ve observed a spectrum of responses that reflect our society’s complex relationship with innovation.
Supporters of Devin AI have been vocal about its potential to enhance productivity and decision-making. They envision a future where AI assists us in achieving a higher quality of life, freeing us from mundane tasks and offering insights that were previously beyond our grasp.
Conversely, there’s a contingent of critics who view Devin AI with a measure of caution. Their concerns are not unfounded; they stem from legitimate issues regarding data privacy, ethical use of AI, and the long-term impact on employment. These apprehensions remind us that every technological leap must be accompanied by robust discussions on its implications.
The enthusiasm of some people contrasted sharply with the skepticism of others, painting a vivid picture of the collective psyche grappling with change. As a commentator, I find myself in a unique position. While I appreciate the ingenuity behind Devin AI, I also empathize with those who approach it with hesitation. It’s a delicate balance, advocating for progress while acknowledging the valid concerns that accompany it.
In essence, Devin AI has become a litmus test for our readiness to embrace the future of technology. It challenges us to consider not just what we can achieve, but also what we should strive for as a community. The mixed reactions are a testament to the diverse perspectives that enrich our dialogue and will ultimately shape the path Devin AI takes.
As a business owner, one should always been on the lookout for innovative ways to connect with potential customers. Recently, I stumbled upon a game-changer: WhatsApp’s Business Search Feature. Let me share my insights on this powerful tool that bridges the gap between businesses and their clientele.
What Is WhatsApp’s Business Search?
WhatsApp Business Search is a game-changing feature that simplifies how people find and initiate conversations with businesses. Imagine a seamless experience where users can discover and connect with your business—all within the familiar WhatsApp interface. Here’s how it works:
Discover Businesses: Users can access the feature by tapping the new chat icon and selecting “Discover businesses.” It’s like having a curated directory of businesses right at their fingertips.
Country-Specific Results: Search results are tailored to the user’s country, ensuring relevant listings. For instance, users with a +44 prefix will see UK-only results.
Alphabetical Order: Listings appear in alphabetical order, making it easy for users to find what they’re looking for.
Why Businesses Should Embrace It
Enhanced Visibility
By opting in, businesses gain visibility to potential customers actively seeking their services. Imagine being part of a dynamic marketplace where users can find you effortlessly. It’s like having a prime spot at a bustling bazaar.
Seamless Conversations
WhatsApp Business Search allows users to start conversations without leaving the app. No need to switch between platforms or juggle multiple tabs. As a business owner, this means more meaningful interactions with potential clients.
Verified Businesses Shine
Verified businesses—those with Official Business Accounts or Verified Business Accounts—are automatically listed. It’s like having a prestigious storefront with a neon sign that says, “Trustworthy and Legit.”
Opt-Out Flexibility
Businesses can choose to opt out of search functionality if needed. Via the WhatsApp Business Manager, you can control your visibility. Opting out doesn’t mean you’re hiding; it’s about strategic timing and managing inquiries effectively.
Pricing Transparency
The WhatsApp Business Platform operates on a per-conversation pricing model. You’re only charged for user-initiated conversations (when you reply). Rates vary based on the recipient’s phone number. It’s like paying for quality leads rather than random cold calls.
How Users Can Access It
Open WhatsApp.
Tap the floating chat icon
Tap “Businesses” under “Discover.”
Type in the business name or browse by category (e.g., restaurants, salons).
Privacy and Trust
Rest assured, business account information is handled in accordance with WhatsApp Business Terms of Service. Your reputation matters, and WhatsApp ensures a secure environment for both businesses and users.
In conclusion, WhatsApp’s Business Search Feature is a win-win. So, as entrepreneurs, let’s embrace it, connect with our audience, and build lasting relationships—one chat at a time! Remember, verified businesses are the stars of this show. Shine bright, and let WhatsApp do the rest.
Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are solely based on my personal experience and research. Always refer to official documentation for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Sasai was once hailed as Zimbabwe’s first and leading super app, a global social payments and digital marketplace platform that aimed to improve the overall quality of life for all Africans. Launched in 2019 by Cassava Fintech International, a subsidiary of Econet Wireless, Sasai offered a range of services such as money transfer, bill payment, chat, music streaming, gaming, and more. It was available in over 50 African countries and supported 40 languages, including local dialects.
Sasai seemed to have a promising future, especially after partnering with some of the continent’s leading brands such as DStv, Kwese, and Showmax. It also claimed to have over 5000 low-cost and free Wi-Fi hotspots across Africa, as well as a feature that allowed users to earn money by watching ads on the app. Sasai’s vision was to become the “WeChat of Africa”, a reference to the Chinese super app that has over a billion users and offers a variety of services from social media to e-commerce.
However, despite its ambitious goals and impressive features, Sasai failed to gain traction among the African users. According to the Google Play Store, Sasai had only 500,000+ downloads as of September 2022, a far cry from its target of 100 million users by 2020. The app also received mixed reviews from the users, who complained about its poor user interface, frequent crashes, high data consumption, and lack of customer support. Some users also questioned the security and privacy of the app, as it required access to many permissions and personal information.
So, what went wrong with Sasai? Why did it not live up to its hype and potential? There are several possible reasons for its downfall, such as:
Competition: Sasai faced stiff competition from other established and popular apps in the African market, such as WhatsApp, Facebook, M-Pesa, Jumia, and Uber. These apps already had a loyal and large user base, and offered similar or better services than Sasai. Sasai also had to contend with the dominance of mobile network operators, who controlled the access and pricing of data and voice services in most African countries.
Complexity: Sasai tried to do too many things at once, without focusing on its core value proposition and differentiating factor. It was not clear what problem Sasai was trying to solve, or what benefit it was offering to the users. Sasai also lacked a clear and consistent branding and marketing strategy, as it used different names and logos in different countries and platforms. Sasai’s app was also cluttered and confusing, with too many features and options that overwhelmed and frustrated the users.
Culture: Sasai failed to understand and adapt to the diverse and dynamic needs and preferences of the African users. Sasai assumed that what worked in China or other markets would work in Africa, without conducting proper research and testing. Sasai also ignored the local context and realities of the African countries, such as the low internet penetration, high data costs, low smartphone adoption, and regulatory challenges. Sasai also did not engage with the local communities and stakeholders, such as developers, merchants, influencers, and media, to build trust and awareness.
Sasai’s story is a cautionary tale for any aspiring or existing app developer or entrepreneur who wants to succeed in the African market. It shows that having a good idea and a lot of resources is not enough, if you do not understand your target audience and deliver value to them. It also shows that being a super app is not a goal in itself, but a result of solving a specific problem and satisfying a specific need. Sasai may have been a super app in theory, but it was not a super app in practice.
Omegle, a website that allowed users to chat with random strangers online, has announced its closure after 14 years of operation. The founder of the site, Leif K-Brooks, cited legal challenges, financial difficulties, and psychological stress as the main reasons for his decision.
Omegle was launched in 2009 as an anonymous and free platform for socializing with people from different cultures, backgrounds, and interests. The site gained popularity among teens and young adults, especially during the pandemic, when many people felt isolated and lonely. Some users also used Omegle for entertainment, creating funny or bizarre videos and memes based on their interactions with strangers.
However, Omegle also faced serious allegations of facilitating child abuse, sex trafficking, and other criminal activities. The site was sued in 2021 by a woman who claimed that she was paired with a pedophile when she was 11 years old, and that he sexually assaulted her multiple times. The lawsuit accused Omegle of having a “defectively designed product” that enabled predators to prey on vulnerable children.
Omegle denied the allegations and argued that it was not responsible for the actions of its users. The site claimed that it had “state-of-the-art AI” and a team of moderators to combat misuse and abuse. It also said that it cooperated with law enforcement agencies and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) to help catch and prosecute offenders.
However, the lawsuit was not the only legal challenge that Omegle faced. The site also had to comply with various regulations and laws in different countries, such as the UK Online Safety Act, which aimed to protect children and users from harmful online content. Omegle’s founder said that these regulations were part of a “war against the Internet” that threatened the freedom and privacy of online communication.
In his farewell statement, K-Brooks expressed his gratitude to the millions of users who used Omegle for positive and meaningful purposes. He also apologized to the victims of abuse and crime that occurred on the site. He said that he hoped that the Internet would remain a place where people can connect and learn from each other, without fear or censorship.
Omegle’s shut down has sparked mixed reactions from its users and the public. Some expressed sadness and nostalgia for the site, while others applauded the decision and hoped that it would prevent further harm to children and users. Some also wondered what alternatives they could use to chat with strangers online, such as Chatroulette, Emerald Chat, or Ome TV.
Have you ever clicked on a link that promised something interesting, only to be greeted by a familiar face and a catchy tune? If so, you have been rick rolled, one of the most popular and enduring internet pranks of all time. But what is the origin and purpose of this meme, and how can you rick roll someone yourself? Let’s find out.
What is a rick roll?
A rick roll is a type of bait and switch, where a person provides a link that is supposed to lead to something relevant or desirable, but instead redirects to the music video of “Never Gonna Give You Up”, a 1987 hit song by British singer Rick Astley. The video features Astley performing the song while dancing in various locations, wearing a trench coat and sunglasses. The song is known for its catchy chorus, which repeats the lines “Never gonna give you up, never gonna let you down, never gonna run around and desert you”.
The prank is meant to surprise and annoy the unsuspecting victim, who may have expected something completely different from the link. The prankster may also enjoy the humorous contrast between the serious or enticing title of the link and the cheesy or outdated video. The victim is said to have been rick rolled, and the prankster may declare “You just got rick rolled!” or something similar.
How did it start?
The rick roll meme has its roots in an earlier internet prank called duck rolling, which originated on the imageboard 4chan in 2006. The site’s moderator, Christopher “m00t” Poole, implemented a word filter that replaced the word “egg” with “duck” as a joke. This resulted in the word “eggroll” becoming “duckroll”, which inspired an anonymous user to post an edited image of a duck with wheels, calling it a “duckroll”. The image became a target of a hyperlink with a misleading title, and anyone who clicked on it was said to have been duck rolled.
In March 2007, the first known instance of a rick roll occurred, when a user on 4chan posted a link claiming to be a trailer for the highly anticipated video game Grand Theft Auto IV, but instead led to the “Never Gonna Give You Up” video. The prank was inspired by the similarity between the words “duck” and “rick”, and the fact that both Astley and the duck image were considered to be outdated or obscure. The prank quickly caught on and spread to other websites and platforms, such as YouTube, Reddit, Facebook, Twitter, and more.
Why is it popular?
The rick roll meme gained mainstream attention in 2008, when several publicized events and media outlets used it as a joke or a reference. For example, YouTube featured the video on its homepage as part of its April Fools’ Day prank, and the New York Mets played the song during a game after fans voted for it online. The meme also received coverage from various news sources, such as CNN, BBC, and The Guardian.
One of the most notable rick rolls was performed by Astley himself, who made a surprise appearance at the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade in 2008, interrupting a performance by the characters from the Cartoon Network show Foster’s Home for Imaginary Friends. Astley sang a live rendition of his song, while the crowd and the viewers cheered and laughed. Astley, who had retired from the music industry in 1993, was initially reluctant to embrace his newfound fame from the meme, but later accepted it as a compliment and a way to revitalize his career.
The rick roll meme has remained popular and relevant over the years, as it has been used in various contexts and occasions, such as political campaigns, protests, weddings, funerals, and more. The meme has also evolved and adapted to new formats and technologies, such as QR codes, email links, phone calls, and more. The meme has also inspired variations and spin-offs, such as the Barack roll, the Nirvana roll, the Rick Astley roll, and more.
The rick roll meme is widely considered to be one of the most iconic and influential internet memes of all time, as it has transcended its original purpose and become a cultural phenomenon. The meme has been recognized and celebrated by various awards, such as the MTV Europe Music Award for Best Act Ever in 2008, and the Webby Award for Lifetime Achievement in 2020. The meme has also been studied and analyzed by various scholars and experts, who have explored its origins, meanings, effects, and implications.
How to rick roll someone?
If you want to join the fun and rick roll someone yourself, here are some tips and tricks to make it more effective and enjoyable:
Choose a suitable link. The link should be relevant to the topic or the interest of the person you want to rick roll, and should sound enticing or intriguing enough to make them click on it. For example, you can use a link that claims to be a news article, a video, a game, a quiz, a coupon, a download, or anything else that might appeal to them.
Hide the URL. The URL of the “Never Gonna Give You Up” video is well-known and recognizable by many internet users, so you should try to disguise it or shorten it to avoid suspicion. You can use a URL shortener service, such as 11, to create a new URL that looks different from the original one. You can also use a QR code generator, such as 11, to create a QR code that contains the link, and then print it or share it online.
Be subtle and natural. When sharing the link or the QR code, don’t overemphasize it or draw too much attention to it. Bring it into the conversation casually and smoothly, and don’t give any hints or clues that it might be a prank. For example, you can say something like “Hey, have you seen this video? It’s hilarious!” or “Check out this article, it’s really interesting!” or “You won’t believe what I found online!” or something similar.
Enjoy the reaction. Once the person clicks on the link or scans the QR code, they will be rick rolled, and you can enjoy their reaction. Depending on the person, they might be surprised, annoyed, amused, or indifferent. You can also reveal that it was a prank and say something like “You just got rick rolled!” or “Never gonna give you up!” or something similar. Be careful not to be too rude or mean, and respect the person’s feelings and boundaries. Remember that the prank is meant to be fun and harmless, not malicious or harmful.
Conclusion
The rick roll is a classic internet prank that involves tricking someone into opening a video of Rick Astley singing “Never Gonna Give You Up”. The prank started as a variation of the duck roll prank on 4chan in 2007, and became a viral sensation in 2008, when it was used in various public events and media outlets. The prank has remained popular and relevant ever since, as it has been used in various contexts and occasions, and has evolved and adapted to new formats and technologies. The prank is widely considered to be one of the most iconic and influential internet memes of all time, and has been recognized and celebrated by various awards, scholars, and experts. The prank is also easy and fun to do, as long as you follow some simple tips and tricks, and respect the person you are rick rolling.
