Whatever Happened to “Side Eyeing Chloe”? The Meme Queen of the Internet’s Journey
Twelve years ago, one simple photo captured the attention of millions, turning an everyday moment into an unforgettable piece of internet history. It was the kind of image that stopped people in their tracks—a candid, raw, and unexpectedly powerful expression that spread across social media like wildfire.
The star of this viral moment? A 2-year-old girl with curly hair and wide eyes, whose confused and mildly annoyed look quickly became a symbol of innocence and the kind of happiness we all needed in 2013.
So, what happened to her after all the memes and fame?
For those who grew up with the meme culture, Chloe Clem, often called “Side Eyeing Chloe,” is a familiar face. For others, it might just be a funny photo they’ve seen online. Either way, Chloe's side-eye look has etched itself into the digital memories of millions.
Who is Chloe Clem?
Chloe Clem, born on November 30, 2010, in Utah, was just another regular kid—until her parents, David and Katie Clem, uploaded a family video to YouTube in 2011. Little did they know, this would change Chloe's life forever.
Her viral moment happened in 2013 when Chloe appeared in a video titled "Lily’s Disneyland Surprise… AGAIN!" The video shows her and her older sister, Lily, reacting to a surprise trip to Disneyland. While Lily bursts into tears of joy, Chloe’s reaction was... less enthusiastic. With a perfectly timed side-eye, Chloe's expression became the perfect meme for expressing confusion or mild disapproval.
Soon after, the image of Chloe's unimpressed face spread across platforms like Tumblr and Twitter. People couldn't get enough of the photo, using it for all kinds of memes and hilarious captions.
The Meme Goes Global
By 2013, Chloe's side-eye expression had earned her the title of "patron saint of Tumblr" from BuzzFeed. The meme became so iconic that it appeared on GIFs, remixed photos, and was even used to comment on everything from celebrity moments to awkward situations.
In 2017, Chloe's fame reached new heights when she and her family traveled to Brazil. Her meme was everywhere, even in Google offices! As her mom, Katie, recalls, "South America is absolutely obsessed with Chloe." The hype around Chloe’s image was so intense that it felt like Beatlemania all over again. In Brazil, Chloe became a celebrity in her own right, with billboards showcasing her signature side-eye in São Paulo.
The Rise of Chloe Clem: From Meme to Modeling
With the meme taking over the internet, Chloe and her family began to embrace her newfound fame. In 2017, Chloe and her sister Lily ventured into modeling, making the most of their viral popularity. They even appeared in commercials and print ads, further cementing their status as internet-famous stars.
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But Chloe’s biggest financial milestone came in 2021 when her iconic side-eye photo was sold as a non-fungible token (NFT) for a staggering $74,000. Chloe's parents reflected on how the meme had provided them with opportunities they never imagined. “We were so poor before this happened, and now we can pay bills and upgrade our living situation,” Katie shared in an interview with BuzzFeed.
Chloe Clem Today
Today, Chloe is 14 years old and still navigating life as a teenager. While she initially embraced her fame, she now prefers a quieter life. Chloe and her sister no longer appear in every family vlog, and Katie has scaled back on the number of updates they post on YouTube.
Despite her earlier fame, Chloe is now warming up to creating content on platforms like Instagram and YouTube. Although she's still shy and reserved, she is beginning to carve out her own space in the world of social media.
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Chloe’s mom, Katie, continues to support her online presence, ensuring that Chloe's content remains appropriate for a young teen. As for the fame, Chloe says she doesn't regret it, adding, "No, not at all."
What began as a simple family video has turned Chloe Clem into one of the most recognizable faces on the internet. Her meme will forever be a symbol of judgment, sass, and those unforgettable moments that make us laugh out loud.
We can only imagine what the future holds for Chloe as she grows and continues to make her mark in the digital age.
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