Know Your Meme: Archive and Research of Internet Memes

Structure and types of entries

Each entry typically contains an overview, origin or first-known instance, notable examples or variants, a timeline of key moments, and references. Know Your Meme also classifies material by status: confirmed, researching, submitted, deadpooled (rejected or insufficiently documented) and popular. This system helps users distinguish well-documented memes from nascent or dubious claims. The site pairs textual research with screenshots, videos and annotations where relevant.

History and ownership

The project began as a collaborative research and video effort and originally produced video content with associated write-ups. In March 2011 the website was acquired by the Cheezburger Network, which continued to develop its database and editorial processes; that network was in turn acquired by Literally Media in 2016. Over time Know Your Meme shifted from a small community-driven resource toward a more structured encyclopedia with an editorial team and formalized categorization.

Uses and importance

Know Your Meme is used as a quick reference for journalists, academics, moderators and internet users who want to verify the provenance of circulating material. By tracing a meme’s trajectory and providing citations, the site can clarify misunderstandings about authorship, intent, and how variations relate to one another. It also documents the cultural context of jokes and formats, which helps explain why some ideas become replicable and others fade.

Method and limitations

The site relies on crowd submissions, contributor research and editorial review to build entries. Researchers cross-check social posts, news coverage and archival sources to construct timelines, but not every claim can be definitively proven—early iterations of memes often arise in informal spaces with incomplete records. As a result, some entries remain under "researching" status until stronger evidence appears. For general exploration see memes and for examples of viral multimedia consult viral videos.

Criticism and notable facts

Critics point to potential commercialization, editorial bias and gatekeeping as concerns when an informal cultural practice is cataloged and monetized. Supporters argue that a centralized archive preserves ephemeral internet history and provides useful context. Regardless, Know Your Meme remains one of the most frequently cited repositories for tracking how internet content spreads, how formats mutate, and how online communities create and repurpose cultural material.

• Common entry elements: overview, origin, timeline, examples, sources.
• Status categories: confirmed, researching, submitted, deadpooled, popular.
• Typical formats covered: image macros, reaction images, catchphrases, video memes.