The History of 9gag: From 2008 to 2023
The History of 9gag: From 2008 to 2023
9GAG is an online platform that has generated a cult following of millions of people. Known as a platform that specializes in the latest memes, funny pictures and jokes, 9GAG is an epicenter of internet culture. But how did 9GAG come to be? In this comprehensive article, we will take a deep dive into the history of 9GAG, from its inception in 2008 to its present state in 2023.
The Birth of 9GAG
In 2008, two university students from Hong Kong, Ray Chan and Chris Chan, decided to launch a website with the name “9GAG.” Their goal was to create a space for users to share comedy and entertainment content.
The website was based on the idea of other similar websites, such as Funny Junk and eBaum’s World. However, unlike those sites, 9GAG was different in that it offered a more user-friendly interface that allowed users to interact with the content in a more efficient way.
The Beginning of 9GAG
9GAG started as a simple website with a few memes and funny pictures. Its popularity began to grow in 2009 when they decided to add a comment section. This allowed users to connect with one another and share their opinions about the content on the platform.
In 2010, 9GAG added a voting system, which allowed users to vote on their favorite pieces of content. This provided a way for users to select the best content on the site and made it easier for other users to find new content.
The Rise of 9GAG
By 2011, 9GAG had become an internet sensation. The website was growing exponentially and had millions of users around the world. People would visit the website to check out the latest memes and share them with friends on social media.
The website’s popularity surged even further in 2012, when 9GAG made its way onto Facebook. The platform launched its official Facebook page, which now has over 40 million likes. At the time, it was the largest Facebook page for an entertainment website.
Around this time, 9GAG made some significant changes to its platform. They added new categories for content, such as “feel good,” “wtf,” and “awesome.” This made it easier for users to see content that they were interested in and allowed for more diversity in the content on the platform.
In 2013, 9GAG expanded its reach beyond just the internet. They added an iPhone app, which allowed users to access the content on 9GAG on their phones. This was a big step for the platform, as it opened up a whole new audience of mobile users.
The platform continued to grow in 2014, as 9GAG launched its Android app. This move helped 9GAG reach an even larger audience than before.
In 2015, 9GAG took another major step when it launched its mobile messaging app, called “9CHAT.” This app allowed users to connect with one another and share content in real-time.
From 2016 to 2019: The Evolution of 9GAG
As 9GAG’s popularity continued to grow, it underwent several changes from 2016 to 2019. The platform made several updates and changes to the user interface, to keep up with the latest trends and make the user experience even better.
One significant change was the launch of 9GAG TV in 2016. This provided users with a new way to enjoy the latest internet culture trends. Users could now access videos, memes, and GIFs and like or dislike them.
Another notable change in 2016 was the launch of another app, called “9GAG Pro.” This app featured an ad-free experience and some extra features over the standard 9GAG app. This app is targeted towards users who do not want to be bugged by excessive ads.
In 2017, 9GAG introduced a new section called “Earth” which focused on environmental issues. Its aim was to create awareness and help people understand more about various environmental issues around the world.
In 2018, 9GAG underwent another significant change with the launch of “GAG Manga,” which allowed users to read and enjoy online comics. This feature broadened users’ options and added diversity to the mixture of contents on the platform.
More recently, 9GAG turned its attention to technology and gaming in 2019 with the introduction of 9GAG Geeky. This new section is aimed at users interested in video games, technology and other related content.
The Present: 9GAG and its Impact on Internet Culture
9GAG has come a long way since its humble beginnings in 2008. Today, 9GAG has millions of users around the world, and the platform continues to grow exponentially every year. The website now features many categories such as animals, memes, ‘90s kids, travel, school, video games, comics, and so on.
The platform’s success can be attributed to many factors. Firstly, 9GAG has always been a platform that puts users’ experience at the forefront. The platform’s constant updates and new features have consistently kept the users happy and engaged.
Secondly, 9GAG is one of the very few websites that have managed to outlast the internet’s fast pace. It has endured the rapid rise and fall of many other websites, some with comparable popularity, and has managed to remain relevant as internet culture continually evolves.
Finally, 9GAG’s success is down to its relevance. It has always been a platform that is in sync with its audience, providing content which users find relatable and appealing. As a result, 9GAG has become an online phenomenon that has managed to carve out a space for itself in internet history.
Conclusion
9GAG originated with humble intentions but has managed to make a massive impact on internet culture. The website’s success and popularity can be attributed to its user-centric approach, its ability to remain relevant, and its relatable and diverse content.
From its early beginnings in 2008 to its present-day state in 2023, 9GAG has undergone many changes and features that show that it is evolving and staying reliable. It will be interesting to see how they will keep innovating and keeping up with the ever-changing landscape of internet culture.