Chloe’s Journey from a Family Video to Internet Stardom In 2010, Katie uploaded a family video to YouTube. What started as a heartfelt way to share a special moment with family turned into an internet sensation. The video captured a surprise trip to Disneyland for Katie’s older daughter, Lily. Chloe, just a baby at the time, was there too. Little did Katie know, Chloe’s side-eye expression in a follow-up video would soon take the internet by storm, making her a meme icon.
Side-eyeing Chloe
This is a story of unexpected fame, the challenges that came with it, and how a family embraced a whirlwind of attention with grace and humor.
A Simple Plan for Family Joy
Katie recalls the early days: “We didn’t have any social media except for Facebook. YouTube wasn’t even something we used regularly.” Her goal was simple—record Lily’s priceless reaction to her Disneyland surprise and share it with family spread across the country.
The video was heartwarming. Five-year-old Lily’s excitement was contagious, but the real magic unfolded two years later. By then, social media had evolved, and Katie decided to record another Disneyland surprise. This time, Chloe, now a toddler, unintentionally became the star.
The Side-Eye That Went Viral
The family was in the car when Katie announced the surprise. As the camera panned to Chloe, she gave a side-eye expression—a face that would soon be plastered across memes worldwide.
Chloe remembers sitting in the car and making the face. At the time, it didn’t seem like anything significant. For Katie, the idea that this small moment could gain global attention never crossed her mind. “I uploaded the video and didn’t think much of it,” Katie said. But within hours, her phone wouldn’t stop ringing.
Fame Overnight
Katie describes the overwhelming influx of calls and messages: “I remember crying myself to sleep because I didn’t know how to handle it.” Suddenly, their family video was everywhere. Buzzfeed declared Chloe the “patron saint of Tumblr,” and social media users began creating memes with Chloe’s expression. From Nicki Minaj to Miley Cyrus, Chloe’s face was edited into countless scenarios.
Katie found herself immersed in a world she didn’t understand. “What’s a Tumblr?” she remembers asking. The internet was exploding with creativity, and Chloe was at the center of it.
Real-Life Impacts
For Chloe, fame meant attention wherever she went. “People would scream when they saw her,” Katie said. Disneyland, in particular, became a hotspot for fans recognizing Chloe. Despite the constant attention, Katie ensured Chloe enjoyed these experiences.
Chloe recalls moments that felt surreal: “We’ve been to Brazil, Mexico, and even walked the red carpet at a Disney premiere.” The family embraced the opportunities, balancing the thrill of international recognition with maintaining their normal life.
One unforgettable experience was their trip to Brazil. Billboards with Chloe’s meme face decorated São Paulo. Chloe remembers signing a picture of herself in an elevator and riding it repeatedly, marveling at the novelty.
The Ups and Downs
Not every day brought viral moments. Katie explains that fame comes in waves. “There are months where nothing happens, and that’s okay. We’ve learned to cherish both the quiet times and the exciting opportunities.”
Criticism also emerged. Some questioned Katie’s decision to share her children’s lives online. Katie is candid about this: “I had no idea this would happen. It wasn’t planned, and we’ve just tried to make the best of it.”
Chloe, now eight years old, is growing up. She’s not just a meme but a regular kid who loves playing soccer with her best friend. For Katie, it’s important that people remember Chloe as a person, not just an internet sensation.
Lessons Learned
Katie reflects on the journey with gratitude. “If I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing. This has been such a positive experience for our family.” She advises others to embrace life’s surprises and enjoy the moment.
Chloe echoes this sentiment with her childlike wisdom: “Just be yourself. Say hi to people. That’s what I do.”
Life Beyond the Meme
Today, Katie and Chloe continue to navigate life with a mix of normalcy and occasional bursts of fame. They enjoy movie nights, family trips, and the rare thrill of being recognized.
Katie emphasizes a powerful lesson for anyone in the public eye: “You can’t control it. Once it’s out there, it’s out. The best thing you can do is let it go and enjoy the ride.”
For Chloe, the journey from a simple family video to global meme stardom has been filled with joy, adventure, and plenty of side-eyes.
This story reminds us that sometimes, life’s most unexpected moments bring the greatest memories. Whether Chloe is a viral sensation or just a kid playing soccer, she’s living proof that a single second captured on camera can connect people around the world.
