Here's the story behind it
The phenomenon of "Rickrolling" began in May 2007 when a link was posted on 4chan's /v/ (video game) board, claiming to be the first trailer for Grand Theft Auto IV. At the time, anticipation for the game was high, and the official trailer had just been released but was difficult to access due to overwhelming internet traffic.
However, instead of leading viewers to a preview of Rockstar's latest open-world adventure, the link redirected them to the music video for Rick Astley's 1987 hit "Never Gonna Give You Up."
This unexpected bait-and-switch quickly became an inside joke on the internet. By May 2008, Rickrolling had spread across the web, evolving into a viral internet prank where unsuspecting users were repeatedly "Rickrolled" by clicking links that ultimately led to Astley's music video.
The original "RickRoll'D" video on YouTube achieved significant popularity, amassing 61 million views before being removed in 2012 due to a copyright claim. The video was soon reinstated but taken down again in 2014 after accumulating nearly 71 million views. Meanwhile, the official music video has continued to thrive, surpassing 1.5 billion views as of the 2024.
Rickrolling has become one of the internet's most iconic and enduring memes, reflecting the lighthearted, often absurd humor that defines much of online culture. Over the years, it has been referenced and recreated in various formats, from social media posts and live events to professional settings and even political campaigns.
The prank's continued popularity underscores how shared internet experiences can evolve into cultural touchstones, creating a collective memory for online communities. Astley himself has embraced the phenomenon, making appearances and participating in Rickrolls, which has further solidified its status as a lasting piece of internet folklore.