How Rick Astley’s QR Code Broke the Internet Forever!

Thu, 30 Apr 2026 10:50:44 +0000

How Rick Astley’s QR Code Broke the Internet Forever: The Unbroken Internet Meme Phenomenon In the ever-evolving landscape of internet culture, few moments have crystallized the power of meme virality quite like the rise of Rick Astley’s QR code. What began as a curious digital detour has, over the years, become a legendary symbol of how a simple code can trigger one of the internet’s most enduring phenomena: Rickrolling. But this story isn’t just about a viral video—it’s about a QR code that accidentally rewired internet nostalgia, fan culture, and digital folklore. Here’s how Rick Astley’s QR code broke the internet—and kept its grip firmly for years to come. --- ### The Origins: A QR Code with Musical Legacy