Chloe Clem, the "Unimpressed Meme Kid," Reflects on Life 12 Years After Viral Fame

At just 2 years old, Chloe Clem became an internet sensation due to a viral meme. Her image as the "unimpressed" toddler remains a widely circulated symbol of skepticism. Even today, few recognize Chloe publicly, but her memorable face continues to impact online culture.

Now 14 years old, Chloe reflects on her radical transition from a toddler in her car seat to a young teen. Her ensuing fame led to changes not only in her life but also in the lives of her family. Chloe’s mom, Katie Clem, shares her journey with PEOPLE.

For Katie, it’s been a mix of excitement and overwhelming fame. She describes witnessing her daughter’s likeness firmly embed itself within internet history as a "fun ride." The iconic photo, featured in a 2013 family YouTube video, captures Chloe’s unique expression alongside her older sister, Lily. When Katie revealed there were no school duties that day, only Disneyland excitement, Lily's tearful joy contrasted sharply with Chloe’s expression.

Initially, Katie put Lily's surprise on Facebook but quickly moved to YouTube after encouragement from friends. The 2011 clip amassed over 20 million views by early 2025. Soon after they went viral, they received invitations to the Disneyland Dream Suite and a trip to New York.

While Lily’s initial joy was significant, Chloe’s reaction led to a meme explosion. "Lily's was a flash-in-the-pan thing," Katie remarks. Conversely, Chloe's expression sparked a wider phenomenon. Although Lily’s video received around 4 million views, Chloe's screen capture led to enormous online attention.

Gathering momentum just weeks after uploading, Chloe's facial expression surged on sites like Tumblr. Katie remembers being astonished when friends alerted her to the sudden notoriety. Amid their Disneyland visit, Chloe began receiving attention right away.

"Chloe was only 2, and people were approaching her," Katie recalls, reflecting on their bewildering new reality. This exposure altered the family’s lifestyle. They have monetized the image, landing various sponsorship deals and even selling it as a non-fungible token for about $74,000.

" Ten years ago, we were struggling financially," Katie states. "With this, we could cover bills and afford upgrades." The unexpected income helped the family's survival, particularly during David's job changes. They responsibly utilized newfound funds for Chloe’s future academic needs and even a potential wedding.

Despite financial successes, Katie admits a lingering sense of guilt. Merging their fame with practical needs, she often thinks about the impact on her children. Regardless of their circumstances, she struggles with whether past decisions were right.

Tony stars in memories as a massive star in Brazil, where she made her first global waves. Google-sponsored trips allowed Chloe to engage with her enthusiastic fan base, a reality likened to Beatlemania. The family was regularly mobbed by fans during their visits to Brazil.

Chloe's family has continuously nurtured their YouTube channel, sharing daily family highlights and adventures. Earlier videos included playful titles capturing seasonal joys or personal milestones, but posting frequency dipped toward the end of 2020. They created only two videos after the downturn, leading to more thoughtful content as time passed.

Initially, Katie thrived on YouTube’s appreciate. However, she grew concerned about her children’s comfort amidst growing fame. Responsibility for family exposure weighed heavily as she learned to prioritize her daughters' feelings and aspirations.

When Disney approached regarding involving Lily in a show, Katie promptly declined. Reflecting on challenges faced by child stars, she cites unwillingness to follow that path for her daughters. With a strong emphasis on family bonds, their YouTube presence has become intentional and authentic in nature.

While Katie recognizes that discussing their celebrity experience is tough, she values the memories they're creating. Shifting her mentality to support the girls enthusiastically allowed Katie to prioritize emotional safety.

These days, Chloe blends confidently humorous nostalgia with discussions about her faded fame. Not completely neglected, memories capture point years ago that praised her unique moments.

Beyond altruism, Katie maintains a close communication loop with both daughters about their present choices on social platforms. Unconcerned by the need for fame, she recognizes priorities have altered. Their latest video highlights Chloe’s harmless joy during shopping, tailored mindfully to her genuine interests.

Upon reflection, Chloe does not regret her childhood fame. "Not at all," is her affirmative response when discussing their previous exposure. This response serves as steadfast clarity amidst years of changes.

Earlier, SSP wrote that Justin Bieber shared a heartfelt tribute to Hailey Bieber.