The First Ever Meme

The First Ever Meme

In this very first episode of The History of Memes, host Brooklyn Edits takes you on a journey way before TikToks and X threads—to 1921, when what’s believed to be the first-ever meme appeared in a satirical magazine. From Richard Dawkins’ original definition of a “meme” to the early visual gags that still echo in today’s formats, this episode explores the origins of meme culture and what makes a meme timeless. Discover how a simple two-panel cartoon from a century ago paved the way for the chaotic, hilarious content we scroll through today.